Frisco Wisdom Teeth – What You Need to Know

Sharon H. Ornstein, DDS IN Frisco TX

What are wisdom teeth?

Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.

Call Frisco Office Phone Number Frisco Office Phone Number 972-712-5035 to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation.

To read more about wisdom teeth view our informative pages below.

• After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process

On the day of surgery, we take every measure to ensure the patient’s comfort. We numb the area around the tooth or teeth being removed and provide appropriate anesthesia. We will carefully open and peel back any gum tissue covering the teeth being removed to gain clear access to the tooth. If the tooth is trapped in the jawbone, we will remove some of the bone. We will usually section the tooth (cut it into pieces) to make removal easier. We rock the tooth back and forth until it loosens in the socket and can be pulled free. We then suture the gums closed over the socket.

After the surgery, the patient is sent home with post-op instructions, gauze, prescription antibiotics, and pain medications. For the first few days following surgery, a soft diet is essential to allow healing. Recovery at home usually takes 3-4 days before returning to school or work. We emphasize the importance of limited activity and lots of rest, in addition to following the post-op instructions, to ensure a smooth recovery.

Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), almost 85% of wisdom teeth eventually need extraction. Those odds are not in your favor if you ignore them. The third molars can come in sideways, get stuck in the roof of the mouth, come through partially, or shift and become impacted. This leads to issues such as:

• Infection of the gums
• Orthodontic issues as the teeth shift
• Cysts or tumors forming around impacted wisdom teeth
• Damage to adjacent teeth

4 Signs You Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

1. An impacted wisdom tooth often causes Persistent Pain in the back of the mouth.
2. Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully may indicate that the wisdom teeth are interfering with jaw movement.
3. Swelling, redness, or puffy gums at the back of the mouth can also indicate an infection-related need for wisdom teeth extraction.
4. Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant, metallic taste in the mouth could indicate infection or tooth decay caused by impacted wisdom teeth.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their Appointment

If your child is scheduled for wisdom teeth extraction, it is helpful to take them shopping with you a few days before their surgery to choose a variety of non-carbonated drinks and soft foods they enjoy. Having these on hand will make their recovery pleasanter. If your child is apprehensive, answer their questions honestly and reassure them. We are always available to answer any questions about wisdom tooth removal if needed.

Be sure your child has nothing to eat or drink for at least six hours before surgery. An empty stomach reduces the chance of nausea from anesthesia. Advise your child to wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up. On the day of surgery, they should not wear makeup, perfumes, or lotions and must remove all piercings.

We ask that you or a responsible guardian bring them to our office on the day of their wisdom teeth extraction and monitor them for 24 hours following surgery.

At the time of your consultation, your child’s specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you and your child to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Frisco Office Phone Number 972-712-5035.