Wisdom Tooth Extractions
in Plano, TX
What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
During your first visit you will be examined and checked if you need a wisdom teeth extraction at some point. It is rare for a person to have enough room for all of their wisdom teeth, and as a result, they tend to grow in impact. This can be uncomfortable, push your other teeth forward, and create a space for food to become trapped, increasing your risk of infection and decay.
This is why we often recommend that our Plano, TX patients have their wisdom teeth removed. When you schedule an appointment with Plano Family Dental, we can examine, take x-rays, and let you know if and when you should schedule an extraction procedure. You can reach us by calling (972) 867-5090.
What is the procedure like?
On your second visit, you will receive IV anesthesia in order to numb the area being worked on. Some dentists and oral surgeons may also offer nitrous oxide to help you relax or put you to sleep so you do not remember anything about the actual procedure.
If your wisdom teeth have grown straight, removing them is fairly easy. In this case, you would visit a Plano dentist to have them pulled out using dental tools. Most likely, no surgery would be required. However, if your teeth are impacted, the procedure requires oral surgery. In order to access the actual tooth, the gum tissue covering it will need to be cut open. After numbing the area, a flap will be created in the gum tissue. This allows the dentist or oral surgeon to view the tooth. If muscle or bone is covering it, that will also need to be cut away to provide clear access to the actual tooth. At this point, your Plano dentist may be able to grab the tooth and simply lift it out of the socket. If, however, it does not budge when being wiggled; the actual tooth will need to be broken into several pieces that can be extracted individually.
Once the tooth has been entirely removed, the area will need to be carefully cleaned. Afterward, the flap of gum tissue can lay flat and be sutured back in place. In order to stop the bleeding, the dentist will place gauze on the area.
Is wisdom teeth extraction really necessary?
We understand that each of our patients is unique and so are their teeth. Whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth removed by a Plano dentist, it really depends on the size of your mouth and the ability to keep it clean. If you have plenty of room for all of your teeth and your third molars, they can stay in place. There is no point in removing something that grows straight and is healthy.
However, any tooth that grows in impact needs to be removed because it is posing a direct threat to your other teeth and roots in addition to being a target for infections. The best way to find out if your wisdom teeth should be removed is to call (972) 867-5090 and schedule an appointment with our Plano dentist office. We can make a recommendation and answer any other questions you have about the procedure itself.
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The Dental Implant Process
Call us to schedule your consultation, or book online at your convenience.
During your visit, we’ll perform an exam, discuss your symptoms, and take X-rays to evaluate your wisdom teeth and plan for extraction.
On the day of your extraction, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable throughout your procedure. A follow-up post-op visit will be scheduled to monitor your healing and recovery.
Call us to schedule your consultation, or book online at your convenience.
Meet your Wisdom Tooth Extraction Expert, Dr. Scott Williams
Dr. Scott Williams is from Commerce, Texas, and did his undergraduate work at Texas A&M University. Dr Williams received his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Dental Branch, Houston. He has practiced dentistry for 26 years, and is married to his high school sweetheart. They have 4 children.
Dr. Williams visits Plano Family Dental to perform in-house oral surgery services as a convenient service to our patients. He uses his unique abilities to plan the most conservative treatment that will provide the best long-term solution to his patient’s dental needs. Due to the frightening nature of having oral surgery performed, Dr. Williams looks forward to the opportunity to change a patient’s mind and anxiety about oral surgery. He strives to provide that service in a gentle and caring atmosphere.
Education/Certifications
- Dental School Senior Class Vice-President
- D.D.S., University of Texas, Dental Branch – Houston
Memberships
- Dental School Senior Class Vice-President
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- North Texas Dental Society
- International College or Oral Implantologists
- Two-Time recipient of the Young Dentist of the Year (North Texas Dental Society)
- Past President of the 4th District Dental Society
- Past President of the Allen Chamber of Commerce
- Founding board member of the Foundation of Allen Public Schools
- Founding board member and Past President of the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
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FAQs
Teeth that are partially or unerupted require surgery to remove. They are literally attached or grown to the underlying jawbone and can cause damage to the adjacent teeth, bone, and nerve if left untreated.
Fully erupted third molars are rarely seen. In most cases there is some type of entrapment. Treatment is usually done in young adult years, as the teeth are much easier to remove than in older adults, whose bone is more hardened.
Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars because they erupt behind the second molars. They are the furthest back in the mouth and often do not have enough room to erupt normally like first and second molars. They usually begin to appear around 17 years of age but can erupt at any age.
When a wisdom tooth has enough room to come in normally, it is termed “erupted.” When the tooth is formed but unable to erupt due to position or space, it is termed “impacted.”
Full bony (complete) impaction: The entire tooth is buried in the jawbone.
Partial impaction: Part of the tooth breaks through the bone but cannot erupt fully, often leaving a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to infection, discomfort, and decay.
Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted out of the jawbone and easily accessible can often be extracted like any other tooth using local anesthesia, similar to routine dental procedures.
During routine cleanings and checkups, your dentist will advise you based on X-rays showing the position and formation of the wisdom teeth.
Very rarely can third molars be kept clean enough to prevent infection and decay. Keeping them often leads to problems later in life. Many patients choose removal due to discomfort from teeth that are attempting to erupt but remain stuck.
Possible complications include:
Jaw damage: Cysts can form around the teeth, destroying jawbone and damaging nerves.
Sinus issues: Upper wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
Inflamed gums: Swelling around the area can trap food and debris under gum tissue that cannot be cleaned properly.
Cavities: Swollen gums can create pockets that allow bacteria to grow, leading to decay that may also affect neighboring teeth.
Not permanently. Pain may be intermittent, but the only permanent solution is removal of the problematic teeth.
This varies by individual and depends on factors such as tooth position, proximity to other oral structures, and jaw size.
The cost varies based on:
Type and complexity of surgery
Number of teeth extracted
Type of sedation used
A detailed treatment estimate, including insurance considerations, is provided before scheduling the procedure.
This depends on the number of teeth and complexity of the surgery. On average, the actual surgery time ranges from 45 minutes to one hour.
Some discomfort is expected with any surgical procedure, but it is easily managed with local anesthesia and optional sedation. Post-operative discomfort depends on the complexity of the surgery and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
Swelling and mild discomfort typically last about 3 days
Complete healing may take a few weeks
Most patients return to normal activities within 1–3 days, depending on comfort
Avoid strenuous activity for 48–72 hours after surgery
Your dental office will provide personalized recovery instructions.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting the extraction site is lost due to actions like aggressive rinsing, spitting, straw use, or smoking.
This clot is essential for healing and tissue regeneration. Losing it exposes the area, leading to increased pain and often requiring an emergency dental visit.
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