ORAL SURGERY & WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL IN BURLESON, TX
Professional. Gentle. Quick.
As a team of expert Burleson dentists, we work together to provide safe and effective services that are not commonly available in traditional family dental practices. This includes surgical procedures like wisdom tooth removal and oral surgery.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
One common concern that brings many individuals into our office to see our Burleson dentists is their wisdom teeth. Often referred to as third molars, these teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While they might have served a purpose centuries ago when our ancestors needed them for chewing tough foods like roots and raw meat, nowadays wisdom teeth often bring more trouble than benefits.
Due to evolution and changes in diet over time, most people’s jaws have become smaller than those of our ancestors’, leaving inadequate space for these late-arriving molars to properly develop. As a result, many patients experience pain, discomfort, overcrowding or misalignment issues caused by impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
In most cases, dental X-rays can detect 3rd molars before a child has reached adolescence. Our dentists in Burleson, TX, can quite clearly see when they’re going to cause trouble.
Here are a few examples of when removing your wisdom teeth is an ideal preventative measure to avoid unwanted problems that have yet to develop:
Partial Eruption
When your wisdom tooth has come through the gums, but not all the way, it can be difficult to clean. These teeth are especially prone to developing cavities and gum disease because of their location, which can easily spread to the adjacent teeth.
Impaction
Pressure caused by an impacted wisdom tooth can damage the adjacent tooth or push teeth forward causing crowding throughout your mouth.
Cysts
Sometimes developing wisdom teeth can have enlarged cysts that damage the bone around them.
The Benefits of Getting Wisdoms Removed
At Legacy Dental, your trusted dentist in Burleson, TX, we recognize the importance of wisdom teeth removal and its numerous benefits. By removing problematic wisdom teeth, we alleviate potential overcrowding and misalignment issues within the mouth, which can cause discomfort and even affect the alignment of existing healthy teeth over time. Moreover, eliminating these troublesome molars reduces the risk of developing painful conditions such as gum disease or infections associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Overcrowding and misalignment can also make maintaining adequate oral health impossible, resulting in decay of the wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth too.
Keeping You Comfortable
We offer in-house oral sedation to ensure the most relaxing experience possible. Whether you only need one tooth removed or all of your wisdom teeth extracted, our specialists are here to ensure your safety and comfort at all times.
Oral sedation uses prescription-strength sedatives that are taken by mouth just before your scheduled procedure. Gradually you’ll start to feel sleepy or in a dream-like state; most people don’t even remember their appointment because of the amnesic affect. Obviously, you’ll need to have a family member or friend escort you to and from our office!
The medication will start to wear off a few hours later, giving us more than enough time to complete your oral surgery and have you back at home before you start to “come to.”
Common Questions & Concerns
Is wisdom tooth removal a painful procedure?
At Legacy Dental, we prioritize patient comfort and utilize advanced techniques to minimize any discomfort during wisdom tooth removal. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, and in some cases, sedation options such as nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation may be offered to help alleviate anxiety and ensure a pain-free experience.
How long does the recovery period last after wisdom tooth removal?
The recovery period varies from person to person, but typically, it takes about a week to fully heal. During this time, it’s important to follow post-operative instructions provided by your dentist, which may include eating soft foods, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed pain medications as needed. Swelling and mild discomfort are common during the initial days but should gradually subside.
Are there any risks associated with wisdom tooth removal?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, although they are generally minimal. These may include infection, dry socket (a condition where the blood clot in the extraction site becomes dislodged), nerve damage, or sinus complications. However, these complications are relatively rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced dentist in Burleson, TX, like Dr. Magers and Dr. Barroso.
Can I drive myself home after wisdom tooth removal?
Since various sedation options could be used during the procedure, it’s generally recommended to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. The effects of sedation can temporarily impair coordination and judgment, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle. It’s always best to have a responsible adult accompany you or use alternative transportation arrangements for your safety and comfort.
Gentle Wisdom Tooth Removal in Burleson, TX
Legacy Dental provides multi-specialty care close to home so that you can receive expert services along with general oral care. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are here to serve you!