Gentle Extraction With Dr. Stroumpos
Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that erupt from the gums, usually during your late teens or early adulthood. Ideally, wisdom teeth emerge without complications, but it’s uncommon since most people don’t have enough space to accommodate the eruption of wisdom teeth. This can cause several issues that become problematic later on, such as infection and overcrowding.
Learn about impacted wisdom teeth, the extraction process, and how Dr. Storumpos can help.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
A wisdom tooth becomes impacted when it’s obstructed from erupting correctly. This can happen for a number of reasons, like being blocked by an adjacent tooth or not having enough space in the jaw. Common signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:
- Bad breath, also known as halitosis
- Pain or tenderness in the gums and jaw
- Headaches or jaw aches
- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Limited jaw function
Removing impacted wisdom teeth is crucial to prevent a variety of issues, such as severe pain, possible infection, and a misaligned bite. Without treatment, impacted wisdom teeth can cause further health complications down the line.
Extracting Your Wisdom Tooth
At Texas All Smiles, the wisdom tooth removal process is safe, easy, and completed in just a few short steps:
- Dr. Stroumpos will begin by administering a local or general anesthesia to numb the extraction area. This will relieve any pain or discomfort, ensuring you feel comfortable during the extraction.
- Once the anesthesia sets in, we’ll gently separate your wisdom tooth from your gum tissue. This provides easy access to your tooth for quick and painless removal.
- After your impacted tooth is removed, Dr. Stroumpos will carefully stitch up your gums and you’ll be ready to begin the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
In very few cases, some peoples’ wisdom teeth erupt without issues and they don’t need to be removed. However, this is rare and most people don’t have enough space in their jaw for proper eruption. You may need your wisdom teeth removed if they’re impacted or if you’re having difficulty cleaning those that have emerged.
We recommend that all young adults be evaluated by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon to determine if their wisdom teeth require extraction. During your consultation, an exam and x-ray can reveal impaction, damage to neighboring teeth, signs of decay, gum disease, or perceived complications with future wisdom tooth eruption.
Can I drive myself home after surgery?
You may be able to drive yourself home depending on the type of anesthetic used during your procedure. If you’re given general anesthesia or sedation, you’ll need a responsible driver to take you home following the extraction. We ask this because it won’t be safe for you to drive after being heavily sedated.
If you’re given a local anesthetic, you should be able to drive without a problem. However, we strongly suggest that you arrange a ride home regardless of the type of anesthetic provided.
Will I need to follow any special instructions after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes! You’ll need to keep the extraction site clean and free of debris for the first couple of weeks after the procedure. You’ll also need to take all medications exactly as prescribed by your surgeon. Avoid sucking through a straw for the first several days after surgery, and notify your surgeon if you experience a fever or discomfort that worsens after a few days.
Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
Getting your wisdom teeth removed can sound intimidating. However, not removing impacted wisdom teeth can cause greater discomfort and pain than what you’d experience during the procedure. We’ll numb the extraction area before the procedure to make sure your extraction is comfortable and pain-free.
We’ll also provide you with patient-friendly aftercare instructions to promote a speedy and successful recovery.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you need your wisdom teeth removed, Dr. Stroumpos and our experienced dentists can gently extract your tooth and relieve your pain. Give us a call at (281) 286-3838 or fill out a contact form to schedule your free consultation.