Wisdom Teeth in Cypress, TX
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Way in the back of our mouths some of us will develop wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. Wisdom teeth often develop and erupt out of the gums until mid to late adolescence. Wisdom teeth were so named because those in their mid to late adolescence were considered “wiser” than when they were children marking their impending entrance into adulthood.
Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?
Not always but because our jaws have changed in response to the changes in our diets over the last few centuries we don’t really need those molars. The most important reason to remove wisdom teeth, though, is that they tend to get impacted or crowd our other teeth because our jaws are smaller than the jaws of our ancestors.
As they try to find space in our smaller jaws, wisdom teeth become impacted and can cause pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause other problems including:
- crowding and misalignment of surrounding teeth
- jaw pain
- headaches
Impacted wisdom teeth can also increase the chances for cavities, infection, and gum disease to develop because it’s too difficult to clean between the crowded molars.
Impacted wisdom teeth are pretty common. Therefore, Dr. David Luck frequently checks to see if impaction is likely based on the position of the developing wisdom teeth through the use of X-rays. If impaction is likely, removal will be recommended to avoid the pain and complications that can occur from impaction.
Early evaluation and removal have been shown to be the best option for those developing wisdom teeth. Evaluations are generally first performed in the early to mid-teenage years when the developing teeth are visible on X-ray below the gum line but before problems have a chance to develop.
How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Here at Luck Dental Care in Cypress, TX, Dr. David Luck is proud to offer his patients a safe and comfortable experience for wisdom teeth removal. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable before, during, and after your wisdom tooth procedure. Anesthesia and nitrous oxide are offered and monitored with modern equipment by well-trained and experienced staff.
Once the nitrous oxide and anesthesia take effect, the teeth are removed (a.k.a. extracted). To control bleeding, gauze will be placed in the area for you to bite down on and aid in clotting..
Before going home, Dr. Luck will discuss aftercare and provide instructions, and possibly a prescription for antibiotics or pain if needed. A follow-up will be scheduled for an evaluation of how things are healing and to ensure no infections or other complications have developed.
If you are interested in learning more about how Dr. Luck, your experienced dentist in Cypress, TX, removes wisdom teeth here at Luck Dental Care, call us today at (281) 304-1777!
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