Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Converse, TX

When it comes to having teeth extracted, your wisdom teeth aren’t like the rest of your teeth, and the need to have them taken out is more of an issue as well. The truth is upwards of 60% of patients eventually need their wisdom teeth pulled, but wisdom teeth extractions are not something to be scared of; in fact, most patients feel better after having them pulled. Most patients don’t like the idea of wisdom tooth removal because tv and movies have made the process seem like more than it is.

The process involves surgical extraction of the two large molars on each side at the back of the mouth. If you need wisdom teeth extractions in Converse, our dentist in Converse, TX, is here to help.

Why Do Most Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

You might wonder why more than half of dental patients need their wisdom teeth extracted. The main reason that so many need them removed is that we no longer have room in our mouths for them. Our ancient ancestors used wisdom teeth to help grind up coarse grasses and nuts. Back then, people had larger heads and mouths, which meant space for more teeth. As humans have evolved to have less space in their mouths, wisdom teeth are no longer necessary.

In most cases, the wisdom teeth must be removed because they can cause problems inside the mouth, including crowding the other teeth and forcing them out of position. This can also cause them to rub against one another and form cavities, and teeth are more likely to become loose and fall out. Beyond that, wisdom teeth tend to be problematic when erupting through the gum line. They often only erupt partially through the gum and have even been known not to erupt or become lodged inside the gum in awkward positions, such as upside down or sideways.

This is why the procedure is surgical to remove them. If left untreated, a partially erupted wisdom tooth can get cavities below the gum line that can spread to other teeth. They can also build up plaque and tartar and cause gum disease or develop an infection. Without removing them and knowing what is happening, a patient can become very sick from an infected wisdom tooth because it can’t be seen beneath the gum line without the proper tests.

The procedure is done under anesthesia and typically with the dentist removing one side at a time, letting the first side heal so the patient can eat and drink on one side while the other heals. This makes the entire process easier on the patient and much more tolerable when removing all wisdom teeth. Once healed, the patient can return to eating and drinking all foods and drinks.