Wisdom Teeth Removal in El Paso

El Paso Family Dental provides wisdom teeth removal in El Paso, TX. Call 915-585-2020 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure. The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, develop in the later teenage years or early adulthood. In some cases they come in properly, but more often than not, they come in crooked or not at all. The problem with wisdom teeth that don’t come in properly is that they push against the back molars or the roots of the back molars, causing damage and crowding. In these cases it is best to have them removed as they are not necessary for effective chewing.

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Having your wisdom teeth extracted in beneficial in many ways:

Prevent damage to the back molars. When the wisdom teeth come in crooked or at an angle, they push against the existing molars in the back of your mouth. This can wear down the enamel or even cause those teeth to crack. In this case they should be extracted to prevent damage.
Prevent damage to the roots of the back molars. When the wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they get stuck below the gums, they push against the roots of the back molars, gradually wearing them away until the teeth have no support. Impacted wisdom teeth should be extracted to prevent this damage.
Alleviate crowding of the teeth. If there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth, they will push against the back teeth and cause all of the teeth to be pushed tightly together, leading to damage and misalignment of your teeth. Extracting the wisdom teeth can alleviate crowding.
Relieve pressure in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth can put excessive pressure on the jaw bone, causing pain and potential damage to the bone. Extraction of the wisdom teeth relieves the pressure.
Prevent tooth decay between the teeth. If the wisdom teeth are pushed against the back molars it is easy for food to get stuck and plaque to develop between the teeth, causing an increased risk of decay.
Prevent potential tumors and cysts. Impacted wisdom teeth have a risk of developing tumors or cysts that can grow within the jaw bone. Extraction of the wisdom teeth can eliminate the risk of this pathology developing.

Are You a Good Candidate for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth typically appear between the ages of 15 and 25. You may be a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal if you are in that age range. Dental X-Rays are typically taken on a yearly basis, which can give us a view of the wisdom teeth and how they are developing. If your wisdom teeth don’t come in straight or are impacted, we may recommend extraction.

Why Choose El Paso Family Dental?

We make wisdom teeth removal comfortable and stress-free. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your personal preferences, we can provide sedation to make the process more relaxing. As a family dental practice, we see patients of all ages from children to adults, which allows us to recommend extraction at the right time if needed.

Our advanced diagnostic equipment allows us to monitor the development and placement of your wisdom teeth to determine whether or not they will come in properly or will need to be extracted. We only recommend extraction if it is in the best interest of your dental health. In some cases wisdom teeth come in properly and can remain in place without causing any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Will I have to be put to sleep for wisdom teeth extraction?

The type of anesthesia required for wisdom teeth extraction will depend on the situation and the patient’s personal preference. Some wisdom teeth extractions can be done with just local anesthesia. For impacted wisdom teeth that will need to be surgically removed, we may recommend oral or IV sedation for a deeper level of sedation. You will still be conscious, but you may not remember anything about the procedure.

What can I expect for post sedation recovery?

If you are sedated for wisdom teeth extraction, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You may feel groggy or sleepy for a few hours following your procedure. You will need to rest for the remainder of the day and may need some recovery time the following day before returning to your regular activities.

Will I need time to recover after local anesthesia?

If your wisdom teeth are extracted with just local anesthesia, you will not need as much time for recovery as with sedation. Your mouth may be numb for a few hours, but you can still drive and resume your normal activities as long as you feel up to it.

Why do my wisdom teeth need to be extracted?

We only recommend extracting wisdom teeth if they are, or are likely to, cause dental health problems. Impacted or improperly positioned wisdom teeth can cause damage to your back molars and crowding of your teeth overall.

What can I eat after having my wisdom teeth extracted?

It is best to eat a liquid diet or soft foods for the first 24-48 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed. Avoid drinking from a straw or aggressively spitting as it can cause a condition called dry socket. When you do begin eating more solid foods, chew carefully to prevent damage to the gum tissue as it heals.

Will I have stitches after wisdom teeth extraction?

In some cases a few stitches may be used to close the gum tissue and reduce bleeding. Dental stitches naturally dissolve after a few days as the tissue heals and do not need to be removed.

Can you be too old to have your wisdom teeth removed?

The procedure is more common in early adulthood, but if you didn’t have them removed when you were younger, they can still be removed later on. If your wisdom teeth are causing jaw pain or damage to your other teeth, they can be extracted at any age.