Houston, TX family dentist breaks through the myths about wisdom tooth extraction

The common thought is that wisdom tooth extraction is painful and almost a dreaded rite of passage associated with the final molars that break through the gums in your mouth. The reality is, wisdom tooth extraction in Houston, TX at Vivid Dental is routine, painless, and no more extensive than many other standard dental treatments to repair decay and resolve gum disease or other conditions. Dr. Monti Harpalani and his team have the knowledge and tools to effortlessly handle most wisdom tooth extractions in-house. In the event that you have a special case, Dr. Harpalani partners with some of the area’s most talented specialists and can refer you to them if needed.

Breaking through the myths about wisdom teeth

Contrary to what you may think, many people never have to worry about these third molars located at the very back of their mouths. Not everyone will develop wisdom teeth. Likewise, for some teens and 20-somethings, wisdom teeth grow in properly and cause no problems. The reason wisdom teeth are considered almost universally problematic is because they are the very last teeth to develop. By the time they try to emerge through the gums, they often have no space to properly erupt. These teeth then become stuck underneath the gums. Sometimes they partially break through tissues, whereas other times they may be fully impacted underneath the gums. This situation produces pain, swelling, and other side effects. It can also affect the health of neighboring teeth. As your destination for quality family dentistry, Dr. Harpalani and team take a proactive, preventive approach. They’ll be able to identify early on if these wisdom teeth are not developing as they should and can address the issue before problems arise that cause discomfort and other complications. Should the doctor need to remove your wisdom teeth, the process is really no different from other extractions:

• A local anesthetic is administered for utmost comfort during and after the procedure.
• Vivid Dental offers sedative options, which can help you remain calm and have the most stress-free experience possible.
• After the treatment site is numbed (so you don’t feel anything), the tooth is accessed and removed using the technique that is best for your situation.

After the procedure, it’s important to follow all instructions provided by your dentist. One of the biggest potential risks, dry socket, is rare but you should take small steps as advised in your instructions to avoid this condition. These steps include not sucking from a straw in the days following your treatment. For proactive care of your teeth, call 281-809-4902 to schedule an appointment at Vivid Dental.