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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you guys are great! I love it here.
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Made me feel very comfortable.
- Rachel S
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Excellent service
- Jennifer C
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Made the right choice on picking where to remove my wisdom teeth. The service was an amazing.
- Ariel C
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For a horrible procedure (all 4 wisdom teeth pulled) where I expected the worst, I feel like I got the BEST!!!
- Laura o
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it was fine and i wasnt in pain
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it was a overall good procedure and also good workers. the doctors are all patient with the client. One of the good doctors ive known.
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I had a very good experience here and would come back again if needed.
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They were really nice, and gentle with my mouth. It was over before I knew it.
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none
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Everything was Great
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they did a great job . no issues whatsoever
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The staff was good, fast procedures , the services is very good and fast.
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they were great and friendly
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It went well. I didn't have any problems and the staff was really nice.
- Raia B
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Very clean and friendly staff. Surgery was quick and painless.
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Very pleasant environment and excellent customer service with everyone in the office
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They are a wonderful place to come get your dental needs done at!
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This was my first time getting multiple teeth extracted and the experience was smooth. The doctor and his staff make you feel comfortable from start to finish. Thank you for being a great team of Medical Professionals.
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I had a good experience.
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I will recommend Dr. Kim to family and friends.
- LaToya M
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I give thanks and gratitude to the staff and Dr. Kim for working me in for a same day procedure. My primary dentist was not comfortable extracting an impacted wisdom tooth, but Dr. Kim and staff made me feel at ease about the procedure and got me in and out. Thanks again.
- LaToya M
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great staff
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Glad overall service
- Jiniah J
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They did great when pulling my wisdom teeth
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Nice and great place. Did not have to wait long for the doctor to come out.
- Kenneth S
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Keep up the great work!
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All staff was very helpful and kind
- Amanda F
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I will definitely come here if anything else in needed.
- Francisco h
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Great!!!
- Calvin L
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Everyone was very kind and helpful throughout the entire process.
- Kayla e
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really good place
- claudia marquez
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very GOOD SERVICES. very POLITE AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING VERY WELL. wILL RECOMMEND TO FRIENDS.
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I will definitely come back for my teeth implants!! THANK YOU ALL..
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I was very happy with the work, I feel 100% better. The doctor also educated me to improve my overall health.
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Great work staff, and get you in and out without a hassle.
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Everything was pleasant.
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Great Dentist.
- Angela R
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The extraction was fast and painless. The recovery is smooth and easy. Thank you!
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It was fast and went very smooth.
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the surgery went very well and the doctor and staff was great
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It was a good experience
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the doctors and nurses were very kind to me and helped me to calm down
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I was beyond scared for the procedure because I had never had any type of surgery. But the staff was above and beyond making me feel more comfortable. Even played my favorite artist to calm my nerves. They did a great job!
- Ashley O
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All was well, 10/10 would come again
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