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If you have a headache, jaw pain, or tooth decay, wisdom teeth removal may be the answer to your health problems. Wisdom teeth are the last molars in our mouths and typically come in late (around age 17). It is essential to have them removed before they become too problematic, which can cause a number of serious complications.

At NextGen OMS in Richardson, TX, our experienced oral surgeon and medical staff specialize in procedures such as surgical removal of wisdom teeth.

What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems like cavities, gum disease, headaches, and jaw pain. They are typically problem-free but might crowd other teeth, preventing them from growing properly. When this happens, you will need to have them removed before they lead to further complications.

It is important to have your wisdom tooth removal done before the stage where there is no more room for their eruption inside your mouth, which is known as “impaction.” The exact timeframe varies between oral specialists; however, most consider scheduling an early surgery advisable to avoid damaging your permanent adult set of molars (the fourth molars) or causing other future dental problems.

When to Ask About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth problems can often be painful and may lead to infection without treatment. Even if you feel like your wisdom teeth are healthy, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by an oral surgery specialist, such as Dr. Eftekhari here at NextGen OMS. Consider scheduling an appointment if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain in the back of your mouth — A common symptom that you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed is a pain in the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth can cause mild to severe pain by becoming impacted, or when they jut into other teeth. Mouth pain may be accompanied by an earache from swollen glands around the jaw bone.

• Overcrowded teeth that are causing discomfort — Oral surgery specialists typically recommend wisdom teeth removal if they are causing overcrowding that results in discomfort in the patient’s other teeth and gums. Wisdom teeth that are close to the surface or have come in at an angle may also cause pain when you eat or drink certain foods.

• Trouble chewing or swallowing food — Wisdom teeth that alter the alignment of your other teeth can cause difficulties chewing food, and they may also trap food, making it more difficult to clean teeth thoroughly. Food that accumulates in these areas can result in bad breath, a gritty feeling in your mouth, and a higher risk of cavities or infection.

• Feeling like you can’t speak as clearly as usual — Another sign that you may need your wisdom teeth removed is trouble speaking as clearly as usual. Impacted wisdom teeth can make it hard to close your mouth, which may affect your pronunciation. It may also hurt to open your mouth wide.

• A change in your smile, such as that one side is drooping down more than the other — Since wisdom teeth can cause problems with your tooth and jaw alignment, you may develop a drooping smile on one side of your face. If someone points out changes in your mouth’s usual appearance, consider having your dentist check the condition of your wisdom teeth.

• Your dentist has recommended oral surgery — When your dentist recommends oral surgery, it is usually for a good reason. Wisdom teeth removal might be recommended if they are inflamed or impacted, meaning they aren’t able to come out naturally. Extracting them is the best solution in this case.

Serious Complications from Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Delaying wisdom teeth removal can have severe or even life-threatening consequences. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of long-term complications, including:

• Oral infections — Impacted wisdom teeth are more susceptible to bacteria because it has an easier time getting into your bloodstream through a damaged gum line.

• Gum disease — If your wisdom teeth are impacted, food particles can more easily get stuck in between them, which increases the risk for gum disease as well as tooth decay.

• Cysts — in rare cases, wisdom teeth can grow cysts that are painful and damaging to the surrounding nerves. These growths develop from sac-like pockets in the jaw where impacted wisdom teeth usually reside. Cysts form due to irritation of these spaces and can cause intense pain throughout the mouth.

Remember that not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, so it’s crucial to check with your dentist and monitor the risk of your wisdom teeth becoming impacted. Wisdom teeth removal is an invasive procedure that can take as much time to heal as a broken arm or leg would, so it’s best not to get the surgery unless absolutely necessary.

How Wisdom Teeth Are Extracted

When wisdom teeth are extracted, the procedure usually follows a straightforward process.

First, wisdom teeth extraction begins with the patient being given a local anesthetic to numb the area of the mouth where they’re being removed from. This part of the procedure can be done in a doctor’s office with no need for hospitalization.

Next, an incision is made to the jaw bone around each tooth then pulled out as gently as possible with forceps. Wisdom teeth removal should only take around five minutes per tooth, but they can sometimes get stuck inside your gums and require additional time to extract.

Finally, the extraction procedure is finished by packing gauze into the wounds so that they heal as quickly as possible. The healing process typically lasts about three days.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Richardson, TX

Contact NextGen OMS to set up a consultation for wisdom teeth removal in Richardson, TX. During your appointment, you will be given an opportunity to ask questions and understand the patient’s experience during oral surgery, including anesthesia options, anticipated discomfort levels throughout treatment, the likelihood of post-surgery complications or side effects, and recovery duration.