Third molars, often referred to as wisdom teeth, are the last to develop. They grow into the back four corners of the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. The average person develops four wisdom teeth, but it’s possible to have fewer or even more. The unpredictability surrounding their growth makes it important to regularly visit your dentist. Dentists are trained to detect the molars’ development, and they can refer you to our office in Bellaire, TX, for removal when appropriate.
Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Many people wonder if it’s necessary to have their third molars extracted, but there is not just one answer. Everybody’s wisdom teeth develop differently, which means that some people will need them removed while others won’t. The best way to know if your molars need extraction is to attend a consultation with Dr. Iero. As an oral surgeon, he is specially qualified to examine and safely remove third molars. After your mouth has been examined, he can give you a definitive answer regarding whether you need treatment. The most common reasons that patients need third molars removed include
- Their mouth is too small to accommodate wisdom teeth. Without enough room to develop, wisdom teeth can grow at an angle and crowd other teeth.
- Their molars have become impacted. Impacted teeth are known to cause oral health problems, including infection, cysts, and even tumors.
Common symptoms that may alert you to the above problems include pain or discomfort in the back of the jaw and persistent bad breath. Our office in Bellaire, TX, strongly recommends early removal. The sooner you have the molars removed, the less chance they have of damaging nearby teeth or causing problems for your oral health. Additionally, the procedure and recovery are typically quicker and easier when treatment is performed early.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
The extraction process varies with every patient. Factors such as the number of teeth requiring removal, their level of development, their position, and whether they are impacted all affect the treatment planning. When you visit our office for your consultation, Dr. Iero will examine your condition and take all these factors into consideration before developing a personalized treatment plan.
Between your consultation visit and surgical appointment, you will have time to review your pre- and post-operative instructions. We provide these to all of our patients to ensure they feel comfortable and prepared for all aspects of treatment.
At your surgical appointment, Dr. Iero will administer your anesthesia. Many thirds patients choose IV anesthesia so they can rest comfortably throughout the procedure. Once your sedation has kicked in, he will carefully open the gums, remove any bone or blockage from the extraction path, and take out the molars. Sometimes, it’s easier to break the teeth into smaller pieces before removing them. Then, he will stitch up your gums to heal. When the sedation has worn off, you can return home, following your post-operative instructions to ensure a comfortable and quick recovery.
Wisdom Teeth in Bellaire, TX
If you have been told by a dentist that you need your third molars removed, or if you have been experiencing pain in the back of the mouth and suspect you need extractions, please contact our office. We would be happy to schedule you a consultation with Dr. Iero. We look forward to meeting you.
