What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. For many people, these teeth don't have enough room to erupt fully or correctly. They may grow in at an angle, push against neighboring teeth, or remain trapped beneath the gums or jawbone, leading to pain, swelling, infection, and pressure that disrupts the surrounding teeth and tissues. If you're experiencing pain in the back of your mouth, swelling, tenderness, or tightness in your jaw, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected. At Hearthstone Dentistry in Houston, TX, we use detailed digital imaging to assess your wisdom teeth and decide whether extraction is necessary. If removal is the right choice, we'll explain each step of the procedure, what to expect during recovery, and how to care for the area so you can heal as comfortably and quickly as possible. Schedule your exam and consultation with Dr. Monica Chau today to learn more about the process of wisdom tooth extraction and what we can do to make your treatment and recovery as comfortable as possible.
How Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Work?
Wisdom tooth removal begins with a full evaluation, including digital imaging to assess the position of each wisdom tooth and how close it's growing to nearby nerves, sinuses, and jaw structures. After numbing the area, Dr. Chau will gently loosen and extract the tooth (or teeth). If they haven't erupted fully, she may need to make a small incision in the gumline and remove them in sections. This helps minimize pressure on the surrounding tissues and allows for easier healing after the extraction. The procedure typically takes 30 – 60 minutes per tooth, depending on the angle, depth, and complexity.
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction varies, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the number of teeth removed. For the first few days, most patients experience swelling, mild discomfort, and limited jaw movement. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to control bleeding, what to eat, and how to keep the area clean.
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Removing wisdom teeth can prevent many of the complications that often arise when these molars are left in place. It can also make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and protect the alignment of your other teeth. Some of the benefits of wisdom tooth extraction include:
- Prevents overcrowding and bite misalignment
- Reduces the risk of infection, decay, and gum inflammation
- Removes impacted or partially erupted teeth that can trap bacteria
- Protects neighboring teeth and jaw structures from pressure or damage
- Often simplifies future orthodontic or restorative treatment
- Helps avoid emergency dental visits for swelling or infection
Hearthstone Dentistry Reviews
I absolutely loved the patient experience in the this office. I am new in the area and so l just did a goggle search and several dental offices pulled up. My spirit lead me to this office. From the moment l walked into the office l felt welcome. I had spoken with Tabitha earlier that morning to confirm my appointment and I recognized the voice when l walked in. She made sure my paperwork was completed and then introduced me to Pascha. She took all my X-rays and pictures of my teeth.. she was so gentle and kind, asking me if l was okay throughout the procedure. That is huge in my books because it showed she cared/cares. Dr. Chau and Pascha were amazing; they work so well together. They were engaging, as well as reassuring. They made me feel comfortable and safe in their care. Dr. Chau explained and reviewed all the X-rays and pictures. She stopped periodically to ask if I had questions. Dr. Chau and her crew on 10/24/2023 were phenomenal. I highly recommend you checking out Hearthstone Dentist . It’s full of joy.
Everyone is very pleasant. She has quite the uplifting and bubbly personality. Thorough in explaining what the procedure is and ask if I have any questions. Checks that you are doing ok while procedure is being done. Great dentist!
My first time at the dentist and this office made it such a joyful experience. The receptionist at the front desk was helpful and very kind. The dental assistant was patient and informative and the dentist was very thorough, answered all my questions and funny/witty. Great experience!
Very professional and courteous. Always professional, and always taking care of the patient.
I have been coming here for many years. The original dentist retired and I have been seeing Dr Chau since 2021 and she does an excellent job. She takes time to explain all she does and asked for me to ask any questions or concerns I have.
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Safe, Precise Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth can cause problems even before symptoms appear. At Hearthstone Dentistry in Houston, TX, Dr. Chau will evaluate the position and health of your wisdom teeth and let you know whether removal is the right step. Schedule your consultation to learn what to expect from your procedure and how to make recovery as smooth as possible.