Wisdom Tooth Removal – Katy, TX
Gentle & Comfortable Wisdom Tooth Care
For most people, a rite of passage into adulthood is having their wisdom teeth removed, as this set of molars typically doesn’t start to come in (and become stuck) until the ages of 16-21. Dr. Koo and Dr. Shepard have performed wisdom tooth extractions literally thousands of times apiece for both teens and adults, so if you or your child requires wisdom tooth removal in Katy, TX, you can trust that your/their comfort and health will be assured throughout the entire process.
Third Molars: Explained
Back in caveman times, the wisdom teeth were extremely useful, as they allowed our ancestors to chew the uncooked roots, vegetables, and dried meats that made up most of the rough early human diet. Scientists believe that they were intended to replace the first and even second molars after they inevitably became damaged and worn down. But, with advancements in cooking techniques and dental care over the ensuing millennia, people started keeping all of their teeth well into early adulthood and beyond, so now, when the wisdom teeth appear, there simply isn’t enough room for them in the mouth.
Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed if:
- They are unable to come in properly because they are stuck within the gums/jaw
- They are placing pressure on the back teeth and moving them
- They are pressing on a nerve and causing pain/numbness
- Their location/orientation makes them difficult to clean, causing someone to be very vulnerable to cavities
Before Your Tooth Extractions: Pre-Operatory Tips
To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, here are a few simple steps you can take ahead of your wisdom tooth extraction:
- Brush and floss your teeth right before coming to see us.
- Because you will be sedated, make sure you organize for someone to drive you to and from our oral surgery office.
- Organize for childcare on the day of and after your procedure if necessary, as it is important that you rest and be relatively inactive to start the healing process.
- Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours before the procedure.
- Stock up on soft foods to eat while you recover so you don’t have to go to the store after surgery.
After Your Tooth Extractions: Post-Operatory Tips
Recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction is relatively easy and straightforward. All you have to do is follow your doctor’s instructions, which will involve measures such as:
- Take it easy the day of your procedure and do not engage in any physical activity, which will give the surgery sites the best chance to clot.
- Do not smoke, drink from a straw, or rinse your mouth within the first 24 hours.
- Take any medication as prescribed for pain and apply an icepack to the face in 10-minute increments to reduce swelling.
- Avoid brushing near the surgery site for a few days—you can rinse your mouth gently with saltwater after the first 24-hours to help keep the treatment areas clean.
- If pain or swelling persists for a week or more, or if you develop a fever, contact us immediately, as you may be dealing with an infection.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
The experts at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are ready to help you find freedom from all of the complications that wisdom teeth can bring. Still, before you schedule your consultation, you may want to learn more about what to expect from your surgery. To prepare you for the road ahead, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth extractions in Katy. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, please give us a call so we can personally assist you.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Most people develop four wisdom teeth. However, there are exceptions. One article from the Dental Research Journal, published in 2015, estimates that 5 – 37% of people are missing one or more wisdom teeth. No one really knows why some individuals never get their third molars, but it is possible that genetics play a role. If one of your parents does not have wisdom teeth, you are more likely to be missing one or more of them.
Keep in mind as well that even if you cannot see your wisdom teeth, you may have them. They often stay beneath the gumline if there is not enough space for them to erupt into your mouth. An X-Ray can reveal how many you have and whether they may eventually pose a threat to your oral health.
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After your dentist in Katy refers you to us for your wisdom tooth removal surgery, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your procedure. For example, we encourage you to make a list of any questions you have, and bring it to your appointment with us. We want all of our patients to be well-informed about any service we perform for them.
Here are some additional, practical measures you can take:
- Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery appointment.
- Be honest and open about any medications or recreational drugs that you use, as well as how much alcohol you drink. These can be important factors when our team is preparing to sedate you.
- Do not smoke for the at least the last 12 hours before your procedure.
- If you will be put under general anesthesia, do not eat after midnight the night before your surgery.
- Wear comfortable clothing. It may be helpful if you have short sleeves or sleeves that are easy to roll up.
- Purchase some soft foods that are simple to prepare so you will have plenty to eat after you go home.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
We will make sure your mouth is numb during your procedure. We also offer multiple types of sedation, which will limit your body’s ability to feel pain. Most patients feel little to nothing during their surgery.
After the sedation and anesthesia wear off, some soreness is to be expected. Eating soft foods, taking pain relievers as necessary, and getting plenty of rest can help to facilitate a smooth recovery.
What’s the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The best time to get wisdom teeth removed is generally when someone is in their late teens or early 20s. During this age range, the wisdom teeth may not be completely developed, a fact that can make them simpler to remove. Younger people also tend to bounce back quite quickly from surgery.
Of course, there is no upper age limit for this procedure. We can perform wisdom teeth removal for individuals in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.