The third and last set of molars to erupt in the back of your mouth are commonly known as wisdom teeth. Many teens and young adults develop a full set of permanent teeth but do not realize they have these extra molars because they are undetectable without regular dental exams and proper X-ray evaluation.
They grow beneath the surface of the gums and establish within the jaw, but most jaws are not large enough to accommodate the additional set of molars, causing significant oral health problems. Without regular dental screening, it is not uncommon for the molars to remain undiscovered when they have already become a problem and extraction is necessary. Approximately 85% of third molars will need to be removed. To avoid serious complications, Dr. Warren recommends early removal in Waco, TX to prevent problems from arising and more complicated procedures in the future.
Dr. Scott WarrenWhy should my wisdom teeth be removed?
If a patients’ molars have partially grown or fully grown in, they are at an increased risk for the development of several serious oral and dental problems, like impaction and dental disease. These issues may require extensive or costly procedures to correct and cause severe discomfort.
A wisdom tooth becomes impacted because there is not enough space within the dental arch, which causes the it to grow at an angle, moving toward the other molars and their established roots. Tooth impaction can cause pain, lead to oral infection, or cause pathologic conditions. When the molar is growing toward adjacent teeth, it can trap plaque and debris, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. The molars may also crowd or damage neighboring teeth or harm the jaw bone and its nerves.
What does removal require?
If Dr. Warren recommends wisdom teeth removal, the procedure will depend on the position of the tooth (or teeth) and the root development. A tooth that has fully cut through the gum can be extracted like any other tooth.
A tooth that is underneath the gums and pushed into the jaw bone will require an incision into the gums and removal of the portion of bone that lies over the tooth. In this case, the tooth will be extracted in smaller portions to minimize the amount of bone that is removed.
Wisdom teeth can be removed using local anesthesia or some form of sedation. The anesthesia options will be discussed with you to determine what type of anesthesia is best for your needs.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
If you elect to have your wisdom teeth removed at our office in Waco, TX, Dr. Warren will
- Review your medical and dental history and
- Take X-rays or 3D scans that will reveal the position of the wisdom teeth, their length, and their shape
The area around where the extraction will take place will be treated with a local anesthetic prior to removal. Dr. Warren will then enter the gums and carefully remove the molars from your jaw, stitching you up afterward. Most patients sleep comfortably through the procedure and don’t remember it happening once they wake up.
Removal in Waco, TX
If you are in need of an extraction procedure and want more information, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott Warren. It is our goal to ensure that you are fully informed and at ease prior to receiving treatment. We want you to thoroughly understand the pre- and post-operative instructions and experience optimal recovery after your treatment.
If you have any questions prior to your procedure, our responsive office staff and our highly trained surgical team would be happy to help you and answer your questions. Dr. Warren performs wisdom teeth removal procedures regularly at our Waco, TX, office and is completely qualified to perform your procedure.