Wisdom Teeth
By the age of 18 the average adult has 32 teeth: 16 teeth on top and 16 teeth on bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that is meant to hold only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth”.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this is not what generally happens. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, only partially emerge from the gum, or can even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt. An impacted tooth simply means that it is “stuck”.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid complications.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Drs. Kim or Geiger can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Drs. Kim or Geiger is trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Removal
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia), or general anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at Houston Office Phone Number 713-429-4100 and 832-831-8655.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment and our staff are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Houston Oral Surgery and Implant Center
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I just want to start off saying I love the staff here at Houston Oral Surgery Implant Center. They are so kind and caring about every patient. Their number one priority are their patients and they are very successful in making patients trust them. They build a very good relationship with all of their patients and I would definitely recommend coming here!
- Judy R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
they did a really good job in removing my teeth.
- stephanie l
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
i recommend this place beacuse they did good work and treated me well during the surgery.
- Diana m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
every one was very nice and friendly
- natalie r
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was great and Dr Kim did an awesome job
- Amyiah F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great customer service!
- baldomero s
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great service
- ismael navarro
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went extremely smooth. I was scared of the surgery & every employee did an amazing job making me feel comfortable. & over the phone as well, scheduling the appointments was a breeze. The lady's whom i spoke to, were very op top of everything & very interested in what i needed. BEST dentist experience ever!!!
- Vanessa O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
GREAT EXPERIENCE. WOULD DEFINITELY COME BACK
- VERONICA H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall, this visit has been very good for me.The procedure was painless and easy and I am very glad that Dr.Kim was able to stitch up the wounds. It healed in about two days. The staff was friendly and definitely knew what they were doing. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for oral surgery centers
- Mareeha J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
real happy about the services , they got the work done right away .
- lisbeth V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my first visit and Dr. Kim (and his staff) were very helpful from start to finish. I had to have 4 wisdom teeth removed and was referred here. The staff scheduled my consultation at my earliest convenience and Dr. Kim explained every detail. The surgery went very smoothly with no pain. I was scheduled for a follow up, which Dr. Kim performed. I would recommend this practice to anyone needed dental treatment. The staff is great and Dr. Kim is an awesome professional and will take care of you.
- Joel S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Staff... Awesome doctor...I highly recommend..
- Anthony C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
they came in and explain everything to me and the next thing I know I was sleep and woke up with a great feeling. Everything went smooth.
- Quierra J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great customer service and very fast.
- Norma c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The service was excellent!!!
- Justin G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great working staff
- Martin Garcia J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Good job
- Faith J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall my experience at this dental was the best . I had very good service and great care while my surgery. I am glad i was in great hands.
- jennifer A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great care, thank you so much!
- kezley w
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I t was a great experience I did not feel a thing.
- Efrain c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Getting 5 teeth removed seemed as if it would be painful, but it was painless and really fast.
- Tatyana L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff and procedure were very smooth and kind. I was able to have my teeth removed without any trouble.
- Kevin T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My procedure went perfectly and the doctors were all very nice and calming.
- Tony T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thanks, You guys did a great job.
- Kianna s
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Kim did a excellent job
- lonnie l
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The process of the removal of my wisdom teeth was painful and quick. I dont have any complaints about the removal.
- Emahni S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
got the job done no problem
- Malone M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I wasn't expected to get all four teeth pulled but was very please with my decisions. The doctor and the staff made sure i was comfortable and they called to make sure i was doing ok. If you need any dental work done, please do not hesitate to call them, The are good at what they do
- Edwina S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
my stitch's healed great and i feel a lot better now the procedure was quick and painless
- geovany m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
would recommend to anyone ..
- destiny r
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It was an easy experience. Both my daughters we treated great and well taken care of and the follow up was just as easy.
- Melissa M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service.
- Elizabeth K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
surgery was quick and easy
- hilary f
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
the overall for my visit was great
- Jasmine I
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Did a excellent job
- Yunira A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Good services.
- Jency O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great services.
- edith a
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This was my first surgery ever and I was very nervous at first, but the doctor and his staff put me at ease. I was very impressed with my recovery time and pain tolerance. I would definitely recommend him to a friend.
- Erika J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
comfortable and nice staff I would recommend anyone to come here
- samantha o
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was very professional and friendly! thank you
- Nancy A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They are very nice and teeth came out good.
- benito G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went well and I plan on coming back to get more work done thank you so much
- Iyanna J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great staff and service.The people are very nice
- Anthony c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
everything was great
- lorna p
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I went get my top wisdom teeth done somewhere else, and it was such a painful experience and I came to Dr.Kim for my bottom ones and it went so well that it didn't even feel as if I had had the surgery done. Great doctor, super nice. It was a great experienced with him. I loved it. Thank God he exists. 🙂
- Melissa O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied with the care and overall surgery.
- Carlos G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great job.
- jose g
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It was a quick and efficient service, I will definitely come back!
- Esmeralda T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I really liked the service and they did a really good job.
- Sayra Moreno

