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
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GOOD WORKING SKILLS
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I will recommend this doctor to anyone who needs oral surgery and will return for any other procedure.
- Nubia M
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I had no problems at all, the staff was very friendly, and the doctor did an excellent job. Thank you!
- Justin W
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Awesome
- Tiara A
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I will recommend this doctor to anyone who needs oral surgery and will return for any other procedure.
- Nubia M
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The service was great! And My teeth feel a whole lot better.
- Kelly L
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I love that I could not fill any pain after my work was done.
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Every staff member treated me with respect
- Dennis O
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thank u
- Lauren r
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The procedure happened really quick and good. The staff was very nice. Much appreciated.
- My D
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I will come back if needed in the future. The staff was always polite and helpful.
- laura g
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Very short waiting period
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,
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Excellent staff so friendly and helpful. answers all and every question asked, great doctor
- GIlbert B
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I enjoyed my experience the staff was pleasant, quite accommodating, and I felt no real pain and the doctor was GREAT he made me feel comfortable and did a great job. I am healing quite well!
- Jeneane K
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I had a wonderful experience.
- Alexandra A
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good jog, all your staff
- heidy l
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will be back for any additional dental problems
- Danny P
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i can eat soled food again the doctor was graet
- vincent n
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good
- jesse finney f
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This is a good Dental industry and I would certainly come again.
- Carissa D
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At first I was scared then they made me feel like it was nothing to be afraid of I would definitely come back if needed!!!!
- Kadejia M
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Friendly staff with fast and great treatment. My son was sent home with everything he needed postop and all questions were answered before we left.
- Lashawndy b
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overall experience was great
- tyrus p
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it was good I wasn't worried at all
- miguel v
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Incredible service here. I would recommend to anyone who has similar problems. 21/20
- Owen S
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I thought while being here I was very well cared for and thought everything overall was very good.
- majda z
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At first I was scared about having my wisdom teeth removed since it was my first type of surgery; however, after visiting with the doctor and nurse, I felt a lot better about having my surgery and my overall experience was wonderful.
- Tiffany I
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Best dentist visit ever.
- Claudia R
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I didn't feel any pain
- Jaelyne M
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I had a really good experience!!! everything went very smooth and easy.
- lawren z
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everything was good
- jocelyn
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everything was good I like it
- timothy b
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Our overall experience was Great!
- JERMAINE B
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Every one here is very nice and i would highly recommend this place to family and friends. They treated me well and my surgery couldn't have gone better,
- Cathleen B
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excellent
- cloteal t
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Very helpful
- Skyler M
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yes there where nice
- Eduardo M
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the docter its realy freanly with me all the co wokerers.
- JOSE S
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THE STAFF AND DR KIM ARE AWESOME. I WILL DEFINETLY BE BACK AND BRING MY FAMILY
- MERVIN M
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The procedure was great, fast, and easy and everyone was very nice.
- Jacqueline R
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The appointment went fine without any complaints.
- angel a
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It was a experience coming to get my teeth pulled.
- Kevon W
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A good experience for wisdom teeth removal
- Samantha C
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Everyone at the office is very friendly and nice. I would recommend
- Ashia j
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it was a good removal
- datron brown a
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Great place to come for dental work TW
- Tara W
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The care was great
- amber s
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Would recommend to a friend and fast thanks
- Marquise t
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i enjoyed my very first day being here and yes , i will be coming back if needed
- nakavia t

