WISDOM TEETH & ORAL SURGERY
A Plan That Helps You Recover Comfortably
Take Care Of It With Confidence
How Do You Know It’s Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
The clearest sign it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth is ongoing pain, swelling, or crowding that doesn’t resolve on its own, especially once an x-ray shows they’re impacted. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are usually the last teeth to erupt, typically between ages 17 and 25. When there isn’t room for them to come in properly, they become impacted, pushing against nearby teeth or staying trapped beneath the gumline, which can shift your bite and put your oral health at risk over time.
Dr. Magers can evaluate your wisdom teeth at Legacy Dental’s Burleson office and let you know if removal is the right next step.
What Are the Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always announce themselves right away, which is part of what makes them tricky to catch on your own. Keep an eye out for:
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness at the back of your gums
- Jaw pain or stiffness that makes it hard to open your mouth all the way
- Headaches or ear pain with no other clear cause
- A lingering bad taste or bad breath near your back teeth
- Crowding or shifting you notice in your front teeth
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth getting ahead of it before it gets worse. We can take a look and let you know exactly where things stand.
How Do We Plan Your Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We use advanced digital imaging to see beneath the surface and get a clear view of how your wisdom teeth are positioned and how their roots have developed. This allows us to plan ahead, give you precise and effective care, and minimize the surgical procedure itself to shorten your healing time.
Protecting Your Alignment
When your wisdom teeth are trapped or impacted, the pressure can push and crowd the rest of your teeth, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work or even causing some in the future. Removing them safeguards your existing smile, without the surprises.
Preventing Pain and Infection
When wisdom teeth only partially emerge, they create a spot that’s nearly impossible for you to clean. This means they’re highly prone to painful infections and cavities that can easily spread, threatening the health of your surrounding teeth and your overall oral health.
Safeguarding Your Jawbone Health
With your wisdom teeth removed and the chance of infection eliminated, you’re allowing your jaw to heal fully and maintain a stable foundation for the rest of your smile.
What Makes Wisdom Teeth Removal Comfortable at Legacy Dental?
We provide your surgical care right here in our office, surrounded by the professionals you know and trust, and an environment close to home. Dr. Magers is always ready to help, and if you’re still feeling unsure or anxious, we can help with that, too.
What Sedation Options Are Available for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed and ready for your procedure. You simply take it a few moments before your wisdom teeth removal procedure starts, and you will drift into a deeply relaxed and dream-like state. Most of our patients have very little or no memory of the procedure itself, so you’ll feel like you traded mere moments for a lifetime of peace of mind.
Because of the strong relaxing effects, you must have a trusted family member or friend drive you safely to and from our Burleson office. The medication wears off gradually, and you will need to take it easy for a few hours to get the rest you need.
Ready to Discuss Your Oral Surgery Needs?
If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or your recent visit to our office showed signs of wisdom teeth problems down the road, don’t put off getting the care you need. We invite you to experience the Legacy Dental difference: expert care delivered with heartfelt attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the procedure painful?
The short answer is no. We prioritize your comfort, numbing the area thoroughly with local anesthesia. You’ll feel nothing more than a slight pressure.
How long is recovery?
Recovery is different for everyone, but most patients feel comfortable resuming their normal activities after about one week. You will have some swelling around the area while it heals, and with a cold compress and your usual over-the-counter pain medication, it’ll be nothing more than a slight hindrance.
Are there risks?
All surgical procedures have minimal risks, but these are rare. Our experienced team takes every precaution, plan your procedure with expert care, and give you a complete walk-through of what your aftercare steps involve. You’ll leave our office feeling well-prepared for the healing days ahead.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost, and will insurance cover it?
Cost depends on how many teeth need to come out and whether they’re impacted, so we’ll walk you through your specific plan and pricing at your consultation. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of wisdom teeth removal, and our team is happy to help you check your benefits ahead of time.
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
Most people have their wisdom teeth evaluated in their late teens or early twenties, since the roots are less developed and recovery tends to be easier. That said, wisdom teeth can cause problems at any age, so if you’re noticing symptoms now, it’s worth getting checked regardless of your age.