Wisdom teeth are types of molars found in the very back of your mouth. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is “mesial”, meaning that the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth.

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.

Each patient’s situation is unique. Your dentist will usually take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If your dentist recommends removal of your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed sooner rather than later. Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the teeth’s roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier, as well as making the recovery time much shorter.

To remove a wisdom tooth, your dentist first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. He can use additional medication to safely sedate you during the extraction if you are feeling nervous about the procedure. Since the impacted tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in your jaw bone, your dentist will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract the tooth. To minimize the amount of bone that is removed with the tooth, he will often “section” your wisdom tooth so that each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone.

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. Your dentist let you know what to expect and will provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

The average price of wisdom teeth extraction in Houston, Texas can vary depending on a few factors. The complexity of the extraction, for example, can impact the overall cost. Additionally, whether or not your insurance covers a portion of the cost can also affect the final price. To get an accurate estimate of wisdom teeth extraction in Houston, TX, it is best to schedule a wisdom teeth consultation with our specialist. During this consultation, our team will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your individual needs.

If you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain in your mouth that might be caused by wisdom teeth, it’s time to schedule a consultation. We can help assess the situation and provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to get your wisdom teeth removed. Are you ready to get started? Schedule your consultation today.