What’s the Deal with My Wisdom Teeth in The Woodlands?
Your third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to emerge in your mouth. While some people never have issues with them, many find they cause crowding, pain, or other dental problems. Understanding when and why they might need to be removed is key to maintaining your long-term oral health. At Carrie Muzny DDS & Associates in The Woodlands, TX, we provide expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your smile.
Our practice is led by Dr. Carrie Muzny, a dentist recognized for her commitment to clinical excellence. In 2012, Dr. Muzny received the prestigious Fellowship award from the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor awarded to less than 6% of dentists worldwide. This award reflects hundreds of hours of continuing education and a deep passion for providing the highest standard of care for every patient.
Signs You Might Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow properly, leading to a condition known as impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth can grow at an angle, remain trapped in the jawbone, or only partially emerge. This can lead to several noticeable symptoms, including:
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw or back of the mouth
- Swelling and inflammation of the gums around the emerging tooth
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing comfortably
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Damage to adjacent teeth from pressure or crowding
If you experience any of these signs, it is important to schedule a dental evaluation.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly, and can be cleaned properly as part of daily hygiene, they may not cause any issues. However, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, cysts, tumors, and damage to neighboring teeth if left untreated.
We generally recommend removing wisdom teeth during the late teen years or early twenties. During this time, the tooth roots are not fully developed, and the jawbone is less dense, which can make the removal procedure simpler and the recovery process quicker. Proactive removal helps prevent more complicated and invasive surgery later in life.
Advanced Evaluation for Precise Care
To determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your mouth and jaw. At Carrie Muzny DDS & Associates, we use advanced 3D cone-beam X-rays to get a comprehensive, three-dimensional view of your jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to precisely map the location of nerves and view the roots of your teeth, ensuring a safe and predictable procedure.
If you have questions about your wisdom teeth, contact our office in The Woodlands. We are here to provide the expert care you need to protect your oral health for years to come.
Carry Muzny DDS & Associates
