Wisdom Teeth Removal

The wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are an additional set of teeth that develop under the gum surface and are often undetectable without a thorough oral exam that includes a proper X-ray evaluation or 3D scan. It is common for teens and adults to be unaware that this set of teeth exists in their mouth until the wisdom teeth erupt or begin to present significant problems. Unfortunately, the majority of people do not have a large enough space in the jaw bone or mouth to accommodate this additional set of teeth. In many cases, third molars may grow into the mouth at an angle, remain trapped under the gum, or partially grow into the mouth. This causes additional problems to arise which will need to be corrected.

Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

Individuals who have wisdom teeth are at an increased risk for the development of a multitude of oral and dental problems. These issues may require extensive or costly procedures to correct. Whether the patient has impacted wisdom teeth, partially grown wisdom teeth, or fully grown wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth cause some of the most prevalent dental problems, including:

  • Bacterial growth and decay on the wisdom tooth and adjacent teeth
  • Periodontal disease causing bone loss around the wisdom tooth and adjacent teeth
  • Inability to properly clean the area, leading to bad breath, chronic infections, and swelling
  • Disruption of natural tooth alignment (crowding, shifting, malposed, angled teeth)
  • Increased risk of cyst and tumor development, which can cause issues in the healthy teeth and jaw bone

When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

The best and most proactive way to know when to have wisdom teeth removed is through maintaining regular dental health checkups with your general dentist. Your general dentist should help you to determine when and if wisdom teeth are developing and refer you to the skilled oral surgery team at Permian Basin Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center. If you currently have wisdom teeth, you should seek an evaluation as soon as possible. This pre-emptive treatment will allow you to mitigate the issues listed above and avoid costly orthodontic and surgical treatment that may arise in the future. At Permian Basin Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, we recommend that wisdom teeth removal occur as early as possible, usually during late adolescence (the mid- to late teens). For most patients, the removal process is much easier if the wisdom teeth are removed early because the roots are not fully developed or established in the jaw. In addition, younger patients usually recover more quickly from surgery and have a lower incidence of risks.

If you elect to have your wisdom teeth removed at one of our offices in Odessa or Midland, Texas, you will receive a thorough oral examination from one of our extremely qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. You may be asked to supplement the exam with any scans received from your general dentist or additional X-rays and 3D scan of the mouth. This will help to determine the position and size of your wisdom teeth and develop a treatment plan for wisdom teeth extraction that ensures you have an optimal recovery.

Your procedure will be performed in a state-of-the-art surgical center to provide you with the safest, most comfortable treatment options available. The Permian Basin Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center surgical team has received extensive training in order to administer anesthesia that is tailored for you. The anesthetic options include:

  • Local Anesthesia
  • Conscious Sedation
  • General Anesthesia

If you have any questions prior to your procedure, our friendly office staff and skilled surgical team would be happy to answer your questions and help you in any way possible. It is our goal to ensure that you receive all of the information about your wisdom teeth removal procedure so that you feel at ease prior to receiving treatment. You should completely understand the pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure optimal recovery.

If you are in need of wisdom teeth removal, we encourage you to contact one of our offices in Midland or Odessa, TX, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brown, Dr. Porter, Dr. Fuentes, or Dr. Erickson. Our friendly office staff is happy to schedule your initial consultation with one of our doctors to discuss your options for wisdom teeth extraction.