Be Wise about Your Oral Health
Tooth Extraction Austin
While “wisdom teeth” might sound like something to be desired, they aren’t always a welcome addition to one’s mouth. Wisdom teeth, technically known as third molars, usually erupt after the age of 17. More often than not, there is not enough space in one’s mouth to accommodate the wisdom teeth, causing oral health concerns to arise, such as infection, malocclusion, or injury to surrounding teeth. Often times, extraction is recommended to eliminate potential complications caused by wisdom teeth. Dr. Robert T. Wootton performs tooth extraction surgery for third molars at his Austin, Texas dental practice, Midtown Dental Associates.
It is important that only an experienced dentist or oral surgeon perform tooth extractions, when necessary. Every procedure administered by Dr. Wootton is done with outstanding skill and expertise, so patients always know they are in good, capable hands. Plus, our dedicated dental professionals help make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. To learn more about tooth extraction, contact our Austin office today.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
To start, Dr. Wootton thoroughly evaluates the patient’s teeth to determine whether extraction is the best course of action to suit his or her needs. X-rays and photographs are taken during the evaluation to get an in-depth look at the teeth, gums, and bone structure. The goal is to establish whether the wisdom teeth are currently causing any problems, or are likely to cause future complications. Dr. Wootton encourages patients to come in for an evaluation as early as the mid-teenage years.
For the surgery, the patient is given local anesthesia or general anesthesia through IV sedation, for optimal comfort. The scope of the procedure will mainly depend on how the wisdom teeth are impacted. Dr. Wootton will provide details regarding your specific surgical procedure during the consultation.
Candidates for Tooth Extraction
Dr. Wootton can best determine whether you are a good candidate for third-molar extraction. If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or swelling, the wisdom teeth likely need to be removed, as symptoms generally indicate that a serious issue is manifesting. Wisdom teeth that are left untreated can cause:
- Teeth to become overcrowded and misaligned
- Infection – bacteria can become trapped under the gums
- Poor oral hygiene – brushing the back teeth may be difficult
- Damage to surrounding teeth, such as decay, gum disease, root injury, or bone loss
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but it is often recommended as a precautionary measure, particularly for teens or young adults in their 20s. The wisdom teeth tend to be different for everyone – some are fully erupted, and some may be impacted in various ways, such as:
- Soft tissue impaction – part of the tooth has come through, but gum tissue still covers the crown.
- Partial bony impaction – the tooth is partially erupted.
- Complete bony impaction – the tooth is entirely encased within jawbone.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
Benefits of wisdom tooth extraction include:
- Avoid future complications
- Alleviate pain or discomfort from current issues
- Improve oral hygiene
- Commonly performed procedure
Risks or Side Effects of Tooth Extraction
Dr. Wootton will provide detailed aftercare instructions to follow. Patients generally experience facial swelling and some bleeding immediately after the procedure. Dr. Wootton will prescribe pain medication to alleviate any discomfort, and antibiotics to prevent infection. Recovery times vary depending on the patient and the type of extraction performed. Generally one week after the surgery, patients start to feel more comfortable.
Learn More about Tooth Extraction
Do you think you may be a candidate for third-molar extraction? If so, Dr. Wootton can safely and effectively administer the surgery. Together, you and Dr. Wootton will decide whether extracting the wisdom teeth is best for your overall oral health. To learn more about tooth extraction, contact our Austin dental practice today.
