Wisdom Teeth Removal East Texas
What are Wisdom Teeth?
By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function.
The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as wisdom teeth.
Having teeth removed can be intimidating, but we're here to help. Our experienced, gentle team ensures our patients are comfortable and safe before, during, and after wisdom teeth removal. Learn how we can help you.
Nacogdoches Office Lufkin Office AppointmentsWisdom Teeth Issues | Oral Examination | Removal Procedure | Patient Reviews
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness.
The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jaw bone and healthy teeth.
Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Hurst and Dr. Tate can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Drs. Hurst and Tate have the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or general anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured.
To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us: Nacogdoches Office Phone Number 936-569-1111 and Lufkin: Lufkin Office Phone Number 936-632-4444.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Our team is dedicated to providing quality oral surgery services and helping patients live healthier lives.
Patient Reviews: Wisdom Teeth Removal
Read Testimonials from our patients below. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your wisdom teeth removal experience with this practice. Call our office if you would like more information: Nacogdoches Office Phone Number 936-569-1111 and Lufkin: Lufkin Office Phone Number 936-632-4444.
No one looks forward to seeing a dentist, but I promise you, from the time you walk in until the time you walk out, it is the best ever..They are the most caring people ever... thank you Dr Hurst for the best care ever. - Nancy G I find everyone to be extremely kind and prompt, I really enjoy coming here. - Jasmine R Very great job - Aleia S pleased with the service I received. - Jason B Excellent - Jacqueline Rose S Everyone was very friendly which made for a pleasant experience. - Morgan MOral & Facial Surgery Group of East Texas
Patient Review by Nancy G
Patient Review by Jasmine R
Patient Review by Aleia S
Patient Review by Jason B
Patient Review by Jacqueline Rose S
Patient Review by Morgan M