Wisdom teeth extraction Houston TX is carried out to get rid of third molars before they begin to cause problems. It is a surgical procedure carried out by an oral surgeon or dentist in order to prevent complications that wisdom teeth can cause, especially impacted wisdom teeth. It is a comparatively fast outpatient process whereby a general or local anesthesia is used and the two can be combined.

How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Before fixing a time for your wisdom teeth extraction Houston TX, the X-ray of the teeth will be taken by your dentist. You should not hesitate to inform him/her about your current medications, including supplements, vitamins and OTC drugs. If you will be going for a treatment involving the use of biphosphonate (an intravenous drug) very soon, you should let your dentist know. Your treatment will need to be carried out before the administration of biphosphonate. So that you will not be exposed to osteonecrisis also known as bone death. Furthermore, you should let your doctor know if you are suffering from diabetes, liver disease, heart defect, hypertension, impaired immune system, thyroid disease and so on. It is very important to fix some or all of these conditions before going for wisdom teeth extraction Houston TX. Your dentist may place you on antibiotics some days before the procedure if your oral surgery is anticipated to be a long one. Or if you are having an infection. Also, if your immune system is weak or there is an underlying medical condition, you may be asked to take some antibiotics days before your surgery. It is essential for you to keep some things in mind against the day of your wisdom teeth extraction Houston TX so that you will be able to get the possible treatment. You should not wear a long-sleeve or tight-fitted cloth if you will be getting intravenous (IV) anesthesia. Also, you should avoid eating or drinking 6 to 8 hours before your oral surgery. Smoking should be avoided weeks before the extraction. And if you have a cold, your dentist may need to reschedule your appointment. You may need to arrange with someone to drive your back home. Especially if you will be administered with general anesthesia.

What Is The Procedure For Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

The wisdom teeth extraction Houston TX method that will be used for you is determined by the condition of the tooth to be removed. It may either be visible or impacted and this will prompt your dentist to decide on the method that will produce the result for you.

Simple Extraction

Simple extraction is usually carried out with the aid of local anesthesia so that you won’t feel any discomfort during the process. The local anesthesia will ensure that the area close to the tooth to be extracted is deadened and you will only feel pressure and not pain. Thereafter, an elevator will be used to disengage the tooth before a pair of forceps is used to take it off.

Surgical Extraction

This method involves the use of both local and intravenous anesthesia. So that you will feel relaxed and calm. A general anesthesia may also be used on you, depending on your condition. This will make you to be completely unconscious when the procedure is going on. A little incision will be made on your gum and there may be a need to take off the bone surrounding your tooth. Your dentist may also cut the tooth if necessary so that removal will be easier.

What are the risks of wisdom teeth extraction?

Some risks are associated with wisdom tooth extraction. But the benefits far outweighs the risks. Typically after wisdom teeth removals, there is a blood clot on the socket where the tooth has been taken off. If there is no dislodgement of the blood clot, the inner part of the socket will be exposed. This condition is referred to as dry socket. If you experience this, your dentist will put a sedative dressing on it in order to protect the place while a new clot is formed. Other risks of the procedure include bleeding that lingers for more than 12 hours, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, cough, severe fever, shortness of breath, among others. If you notice any of these signs, you should make it a point of duty to get in touch with your dentist.

 What is the recovery period from a wisdom tooth extraction?

You will recover after your surgery within some days. In order to have a smooth recovery, you can place an ice pack on your cheek. So that swelling can be reduced. The ice pack should be allowed to stay for about 10 minutes anytime you apply it. You should also bite down the gauze pad after it is placed by your dentist. So that bleeding will be reduced and clotting will be enhanced. The gauze should be left for about 4 hours. Or until the time that the pad is drenched with blood. Furthermore, all the drugs prescribed for you should be used accordingly, along with OTC painkillers. You should endeavor to relax properly within the first twenty four hours. And you should avoid your usual routine at this period. Smoking should be avoided. And use of straw should be suspended for about two days. You should not rinse for 24 hours. And spitting should be carried out gently. It is a good idea to use pillows to uphold your head when you are lying down. Brushing and flossing should be carried out normally. But you should avoid the treatment site.

Bottom Line

Wisdom teeth extraction Houston TX is not an extremely painful procedure. With the right oral surgeon and a comfortable environment. You will go through a hitch-free process that will delight you. When choosing a dentist that will carry out your oral surgery, you must ensure that you conduct enough research. So that you will be able get a professional that will treat you right.