CTX Oral Surgery & Dental Implants

Wisdom Teeth

CTX Oral Surgery and Dental Implants

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.”

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.

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 jawbone 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. Oppenheim or Dr. Schafer 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. Dr. Oppenheim or Dr. Schafer have the training, licenses, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.

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 at (512) 737-3266. Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

Wisdom Teeth – FAQs

1. Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Most people don’t have enough space in the jaw for wisdom teeth to come in correctly. When they remain impacted, they can cause pain, infection, crowding, cysts, and damage to neighboring teeth. Removing them early—typically in the late teens or early 20s—helps prevent these complications.

Swelling peaks around 48–72 hours and improves steadily afterward. Most patients resume normal activities in 3–5 days, with complete healing over a few weeks. We provide detailed pain-control instructions, including safe medications, icing, and dietary guidance to help recovery go smoothly.

Yes, most patients choose IV sedation for comfort and anxiety relief. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we are highly trained in anesthesia and monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure a safe, comfortable experience. Local anesthesia alone is also an option if preferred.

Soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and pasta are great options for the first few days. Avoid straws, hard or crunchy foods, and spicy foods until the surgical sites begin to heal.

Follow your post-op instructions closely: avoid smoking/vaping, don’t use straws, keep activity light for a few days, and maintain gentle oral hygiene. Dry socket is uncommon when instructions are followed and is easily treatable if it occurs.