Wisdom Teeth Removal in Fort Worth

Why wisdom teeth cause trouble

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, and they usually show up between the late teens and early twenties. By then, the jaw often has little room left. The teeth may get stuck under the gum or bone, come in sideways, or only partly break through.

A partly erupted wisdom tooth leaves a small flap of gum that traps food and bacteria. That can lead to painful swelling called pericoronitis. Impacted teeth can also push on the molars in front of them, cause decay on those teeth, or, less often, form cysts in the jaw.

Should healthy wisdom teeth stay?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth out. If they are fully erupted, upright, free of decay, and easy to clean, they can often remain. We simply keep an eye on them during regular exams.

When teeth are impacted or likely to cause problems later, earlier removal is often easier. Roots are not fully formed in younger patients, and the bone tends to be more flexible, which can make extraction and healing smoother. That is why many dentists suggest an evaluation in the mid to late teens.

Waiting is a reasonable choice for some people, but it is best done with a plan. We will usually suggest x-rays every year or two to watch for changes. If a tooth starts to tilt, decay, or cause gum swelling, that is a sign it may be time to reconsider removal before the problem grows.

Wisdom teeth removal in Fort Worth at our office

Our office handles wisdom teeth removal in Fort Worth for families across the west side of town, including Arlington Heights. We start with imaging. A cone beam 3D scan shows exactly where each tooth sits and how close the roots are to the nerve in the lower jaw and to the sinuses in the upper jaw.

That detail helps us plan a careful removal, especially for deeply impacted teeth. For many patients, all four wisdom teeth can be removed in one visit.

Sedation choices

Some patients are comfortable with local anesthetic alone, especially for teeth that are already through the gum. Others would like extra help staying calm, and IV sedation is a common choice for removing impacted wisdom teeth.

If you choose sedation, you will need an adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours. We will give you clear instructions about eating and drinking before your visit.

Recovery tips

The first two or three days are usually the most uncomfortable, with swelling peaking around the second or third day. Ice packs on the cheeks help during the first day. After that, warm compresses can ease jaw stiffness.

Students at TCU and local high schools may want to book over a break so they have a few quiet days to rest. Most people are back to their normal routines in about a week.

• Stick to cool, soft foods like yogurt and applesauce at first
• Skip straws, smoking, and spitting for several days
• Keep your head raised when resting
• Start gentle salt water rinses the day after surgery
• Take medications exactly as directed

Possible complications and how we lower the risk

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, and most people heal without trouble. Still, like any surgery, it carries some risks. The most common is dry socket, where the blood clot in the socket breaks down early and leaves the bone exposed. It usually shows up as a deep ache two to four days after surgery and is treatable at our office.

Less often, lower wisdom teeth sit close to the nerve that gives feeling to the lip and chin. In rare cases, removal can cause numbness or tingling that is usually temporary. This is one reason we use 3D imaging for impacted lower teeth. Seeing the nerve clearly helps us plan the safest approach.

Upper wisdom teeth can sit close to the sinus. When that happens, we may give you extra instructions, like avoiding blowing your nose for a few days. We review your personal risk before surgery so you can make an informed decision.