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
Was a good procedure ! was a little awake but did not hurt and liked the job they did
- Ines M
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Everyone is so friendly
- Guadalupe S
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All together everyone made it an awesome experience. I was so scared and they eased that fear
- ERIKA T
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Great service.
- Patricia C
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No pain at all during and after the process, it was awesome!
- Juan P
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Service was amazing, everyone was so nice and welcoming.
- Nathalie C
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Everything went well
- Lam L
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Overall the work done was great they did a great job with the wisdom teeth extraction, and will be recommended to other friends and family who are in need of oral surgery.
- Edward B
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I would so recommend everyone to come here they are very good and fast! The Dr did a awesome job and staff were excellent!!
- Elexus G
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The staff was very friendly and helpful!
- Perla A
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everything was great, i was given detailed instructions on how to take care of my self and how to help myself cure faster, since the moment i came in i was helped and the procedure on the removal of my teeth was easy and fast.very nice and attentive staff, keep on the good work
- Berania L
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Great place to go to if your having surgery.
- Nelson L
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Will definitely refer family and friends
- Laura A
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🙂
- Melissa L
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The procedure was quick and easy. I will recommend this office to a friend.
- Jordyn D
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fast appointments and service. overall experience was satisfied. no pain after procedure.
- cyndi a
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Great overall service
- Christian L
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Procedure was overall painless and simple, great service.
- Robert R
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The doctor was quite helpful and informative about what i was getting and what was needed to be done. He did a fantastic job!
- Lamarcus W
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what a great team took care of me when i was feeling nervous about surgery. gave me a iv and i was out. woke up and it was done really great service will come back if i need anything else from them.
- jasmin l
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Overall, everything went great.
- shylah S
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i would like say thank to the all team definitive i will recommend to all my freind
- candelaria fernandez
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they did good
- fidel a
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I even did not have to take pain killer. It was really a great service.
- Thu T
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Excellent Service Thanks
- Shawna W
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Quick and friendly service. Very attentive staff.
- Jessica U
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great service
- jessica w
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they did a good job on both of my boys very satisfield....
- KEMARI H
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ecxelente trabajo y cuidado con el paciente
- Maribel p
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they were really nice and care about their patients
- jenny z
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I enjoyed the place! If I have any more oral issues I'll come back here.
- Adrian R
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the staff was very nice and helped me on how to take care of myself after surgery
- keyla r
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In general this was a great place.
- Delila C
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3 wisdom teeth removal and it was a great experience. The surgery process went very smoothly. Thanks!
- Kyu S
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great service!! thanks!
- Aja L
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Good service and nice people.
- Sulmy G
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6 stars
- codey h
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I like the service here and it makes me comfortable .
- Olamide P
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Amazing service , great staff !
- Amber C
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experience was fast and smooth
- izel t
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Great service!
- Sharon
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I feel great the doctors did such a good work.
- ERick F
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I was terrified when I first came because I don't like the dentist but once they make you comfortable you feel fine.
- Taylor S
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Staff was pleasant. Doctor Kimm is fast and professional.
- Mia N
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I appreciated the way they attended me and would recommend this office to my friends. Thank you
- Janie O
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The entire experience from scheduling an appointment to coming back for post op check was amazing!
- Tej W
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they treat me with a lot of compassion
- annet g
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everyone was friendly .
- Alyssa R
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Excellent service from staff and doctor
- Cheyenne H
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EVERYTHING HERE IS PERFECT
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