Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extraction

Dental Tooth Extraction Near Me Garden Ridge TX Area

When your wisdom teeth start coming in, it’s common to feel mild pain that gradually increases in intensity. The pain is sporadic at first, but it’s likely you will eventually be in enough pain that removal is necessary. However, having your wisdom teeth removed when you first start to feel discomfort is ideal.

What Are Some Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction?

In most cases, a tooth is extracted when decay or damage is beyond repair. Once decay reaches the center of a tooth (the pulp), bacteria can cause a serious infection that affects your otherwise healthy gums and teeth. Teeth also need to be removed if they become impacted, as often happens with wisdom teeth. When teeth are impacted, they have to be removed surgically.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

The dental term for wisdom teeth is third molars. Wisdom teeth are typically the last teeth to erupt through the gum line. For most people, wisdom teeth begin the eruption process in the late teens or early 20s. These teeth are located on the top and bottom of your mouth at the very back.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Primarily, most people want to have their wisdom teeth removed because it’s painful when they start to come in. However, there are other concerns that necessitate the removal of wisdom teeth.

Impacted or inflamed wisdom teeth can result in oral disease.
Wisdom teeth are associated with an increased risk of mouth tumors, cysts, and jaw damage.

Do I Have to Have Surgery to Remove a Tooth?

No, there are two types of tooth extraction: surgical and simple. For a simple extraction, teeth can be removed easily by your dentist without surgery. However, more serious issues, such as an impacted tooth, may have to be surgically removed. In this case, an oral surgeon has to cut into your gum tissue to remove the tooth from your jawbone.

What Are the Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth?

If you have an impacted tooth, you’ll experience some or all of these symptoms:

Pain around the gumline or jawbone near the area of the tooth that is impacted
Trouble opening your mouth
Bad breath (halitosis)
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Redness and swelling of the gums around the affected tooth
Swollen jaw
A gap that’s visible where a wisdom tooth should be emerging

How Long Will It Take to Recover After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Most people need one to two weeks to fully recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. Younger people tend to recover more quickly, often requiring only a few days, while seniors may need up to six weeks.

Call Our Office for More Information

New Patients: (210) 880-2229 | Existing Patients: (210) 880-4120
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Where Can I Find Dental Tooth Extraction Services Near Me in Garden Ridge, TX?

If you’re experiencing wisdom teeth pain and want to explore your options for extraction, get in touch with Dr. Larry Dougherty and the team at Rolling Oaks Dental in Garden Ridge, Texas. Call us today at (210) 880-2229 or request an appointment online to schedule your pain-free wisdom tooth extraction.

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Larry Dougherty, DDS

Experienced local dentist Dr. Larry Dougherty earned his Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of Georgia, where he was a CURO Honors Scholar. With a DMD from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, he was also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas Health Science Center and member of Seattle Study Club and Spear Club and has over 1,000 hours of continuing education. He was a member of the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, San Antonio District Dental Society, and International College of Dentists; he is a member of Garden Ridge Lions Club, National Eagle Scout Association and more.