Wisdom Teeth Removal in Midlothian, TX

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are four permanent adult teeth situated in the back corners of your mouth on the bottom and top. 

If your wisdom tooth doesn’t have adequate room to grow, you may have an impacted wisdom tooth that can cause pain, infection, or other dental issues. If this is the case, you’ll likely need to have it removed. Wisdom teeth removal is a seamless process and can be done in one day by Dr. Jaramillo here in Midlothian, TX.

To learn more about our high-quality wisdom teeth removal in Midlothian, TX, please schedule an appointment with us to speak to Dr. Jaramillo about any questions you may have. We will happily assist you! 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Your last set of adult teeth to erupt are your wisdom teeth. They’re also referred to as ‘third molars’ and are located in the very back of your mouth on your top and bottom jaw. Some people may never experience issues with their wisdom teeth, but they can often cause pain if they become partially or fully impacted in your gums and jawbone. In this case, they would need to be removed.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth need to be removed if they are causing pain and discomfort because this can lead to potential dental issues in the future. According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal is necessary if you experience changes in the area of your wisdom teeth, such as

1. Tumors
2. Pain
3. Repeated infection of soft tissue behind your lower last tooth
4. Damage to nearby teeth
5. Gum disease
6. Extensive tooth decay
7. Fluid-filled sacs

Problems With Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth don’t have adequate room to develop or erupt normally. This can result in dental issues, pain, and damage to your other teeth. There are some cases where impacted wisdom teeth may cause no immediate problems, but because they are hard to clean, they may be more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.

It is often recommended to have your wisdom teeth removed if they are impacted, regardless of whether you are experiencing any pain or other dental issues. Removing them will prevent potential dental problems from occurring in the future.

Here are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth:

1. Bad breath
2. Bleeding or tender gums
3. Swollen or red gums
4. Swelling around your jaw
5. Difficulty opening your mouth
6. An unpleasant taste in your mouth 

Preventing Future Dental Problems

Although you can’t keep an impaction from happening, you can stay on top of your routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months at our dental office in Midlothian.  At your appointments, Dr. Jaramillo will monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth and advise you on any necessary treatment. 

Getting updated dental X-rays may also be able to indicate impacted wisdom teeth, allowing Dr. Jaramillo to catch the condition before any symptoms develop.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

The decision to remove wisdom teeth is sometimes a confusing one. Talk to Dr. Jaramillo about your wisdom teeth concerns, and he will recommend the best solution for your case.

If you experience any pain in the area of your wisdom teeth, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, or damage to nearby teeth, then wisdom teeth removal may be the best treatment for you.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Dr. Jaramillo will use one of the three types of anesthesia, depending on the complexity of your wisdom tooth extraction and your comfort level. Sedation dentistry options usually include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or general anesthesia.

During your wisdom tooth removal, Dr. Jaramillo will perform the following:

1. An incision in the gum tissue is made to expose your wisdom tooth and bone
2. Any bone will be removed that blocks access to the tooth root
3. In some cases, it might be easier for Dr. Jaramillo to divide the tooth into sections to remove the pieces
4. Tooth removal
5. The site of the removed tooth is cleaned of any debris, tooth or bone
6. Dissolvable stitches are often used  to promote healing, although they aren’t  always necessary
7. A gauze is placed over the extraction site to control any bleeding  

Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery Time

After your wisdom teeth removal, you’ll have time to recover from your anesthesia. As you heal from your surgery, it’s important to follow Dr. Jaramillo’s post-op instructions:

1. Pain management: Dr. Jaramillo will either suggest OTC medications such as Tylenol to help manage your pain or prescription medication. Prescription medication is helpful if you’ve had any bone removed during your procedure. You can also hold a cold pack to your jaw to relieve any pain. 
2. Bleeding: One day after your wisdom tooth extraction, there may be some presence of blood. Try to avoid spitting so that you don’t dislodge the blood clot from the socket. You can replace the gauze over the extraction site as directed by Dr. Jaramillo.
3. Swelling and bruising: Swelling of your cheeks usually goes down in two or three days, whereas bruising may take several days to resolve. Use an ice pack as directed by Dr. Jaramillo if you need to.
4. Activity: It’s important to rest after your surgery. You can resume normal activities the next day but avoid strenuous activity for at least a week.
5. Food: For the first 24 hours, you can eat soft foods only. Once you’re able to tolerate semi-soft foods, you can incorporate them back into your diet. Avoid foods that would irritate the area, such as hard, chewy, spicy, or hot foods. 
6. Beverages: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated or hot beverages for the first 24 hours, and drink only water. Avoid drinking from a straw for the first week, as any suction can dislodge the blood clot in your socket needed for the healing process. This can also cause painful dry sockets.
7. Tobacco use: Don’t smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery, and wait even longer than that if possible. Tobacco products can delay healing and increases the risk of complications.
8. Stitches: You will likely have a few stitches that will dissolve on their own after a few weeks. Try to avoid touching the stitches to ensure proper healing.  
9. Oral hygiene: For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing, flossing, rinsing, spitting, or mouthwash. Be extra gentle near the surgical area when you do start brushing again, and gently rinse your mouth with warm, salty water every two hours for the next week. 

What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Although wisdom teeth removal can be uncomfortable, your symptoms may become worse if left untreated. Here are some complications that could arise if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed:

1. Cysts
2. Infection
3. Impacted teeth
4. Pain

Start Your Smile Journey Today in Midlothian, TX 

If you want to learn more about our high-quality, affordable wisdom teeth removal, give us a call or schedule a consultation today! Our friendly staff will happily assist you. We look forward to meeting you and starting your smile journey together!