Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Houston, TX

Located in the heart of Houston, Antoine Dental Center fields a team of wisdom teeth extraction experts. Sometimes the wisest thing to do for your mouth is to remove some of your teeth. The most common example is your third molars, also known as wisdom teeth. We know from looking at fossils that human mouths are now smaller than those of our ancestors. As a result, many people do not have enough space to allow their wisdom teeth to erupt completely and correctly. When this happens, your best move is to have those teeth removed. And the best way to monitor your wisdom teeth is to visit the dentists at Antoine Dental Center in Houston for regular cleanings and examinations. Below, we explain why your wisdom teeth can cause problems, and why it may be better to have them removed.

Why are they called wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth got their name because of when they emerge. Most of your permanent teeth have erupted by the time you are 12 or 13 years old. Your third molars generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, when you are presumed to be wiser than you were when your second molars came in.

How people view wisdom teeth today

Today, many people consider wisdom teeth to be a vestigial part of our bodies, like our appendix or our tonsils. Once upon a time, these parts served a distinct purpose in human development, but today you generally only hear about them when they are causing a problem and need to be removed.In the case of our wisdom teeth, our ancestors ate a much rougher diet than we do today. Our molars, the bigger and flatter teeth in the back of our mouths, are used to grind and chew food. Wisdom teeth provided another surface to grind their food, which meant less wear and tear on each individual tooth. Our modern diets include a lot of softer foods, which means they are much easier to break down. As a result, we don’t need our wisdom teeth like earlier humans once did.

Some people are lucky. They have room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth, and those teeth come in cleanly without any issues. For the rest of us, wisdom teeth cause problems. If you do not have enough space for your wisdom teeth, then they may become impacted. Wisdom teeth that are completely impacted may never break the surface of your gums, but they can still create trouble below the surface. These teeth may grow sideways instead, pushing into your other teeth. This can cause your existing teeth to press into one another and to get pushed out of alignment. In some cases, an impacted tooth may grow toward a nerve in your jaw instead. This can become truly painful. Some people don’t experience any pain initially because of an impacted wisdom tooth. The tooth may create a pocket inside your gums, which is the perfect place for bacteria to build plaque and tartar. This may cause gum disease or an infection that could damage your jawbone. As the name implies, partially impacted teeth erupt part of the way. They can cause similar problems to completely impacted teeth. They can push your other teeth into one another, cause misalignments, create pain, and allow gum disease to develop.

Space invaders

A wise move

As long as you continue coming to our office for routine care, we will keep an eye on your tooth development with X-rays and 3D imaging. If we see a problem developing, we will recommend extracting your wisdom teeth. Please know that your comfort is important to us throughout your procedure. We will start by numbing the area of your mouth that will be affected. If you prefer, we also offer dental sedation options to make sure you won’t feel and won’t remember any of the procedure. We may be able to extract your wisdom teeth like any other tooth, but in some cases, we may need to remove your teeth surgically.

What to expect after removing your wisdom teeth

After we remove your wisdom teeth, it’s important that you follow your dentist’s instructions. You may experience some swelling and discomfort in the days after the procedure. As your mouth heals, you will need to avoid brushing near the location of the extracted teeth, avoid using straws, and avoid smoking or using tobacco products.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are wisdom teeth and why do we have them?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17 and 21. Our ancestors used them to grind tough foods, but today they are often unnecessary due to our softer diets.

2. Why are they called “wisdom” teeth?

They are called wisdom teeth because they usually erupt later in life—when a person is presumed to be older and “wiser,” usually between 17 and 21 years of age.

3. Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Most people don’t have enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth to erupt properly. This can cause impaction, crowding, pain, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth and nerves.

4. What are impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that don’t fully emerge through the gums. They may grow sideways, push into other teeth, or stay trapped below the gumline, often leading to pain, infection, or misalignment.

5. How does Antoine Dental Center monitor wisdom teeth?

Our Houston dental team uses routine cleanings, X-rays, and 3D imaging to track the development of your wisdom teeth and determine if removal is necessary.

6. Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

During the procedure, the area is numbed, and sedation options are available for your comfort. You won’t feel pain during the extraction, though some swelling or discomfort afterward is normal.

7. What should I expect after wisdom teeth removal?

You may experience swelling, soreness, and light bleeding for 24 hours. Avoid brushing near the extraction site, smoking, or using straws until your mouth heals completely.

8. How much does wisdom teeth extraction cost in Houston?

The cost typically ranges from $200 to $650 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Simple extractions cost less, while surgical extractions are on the higher end.

9. Does dental insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of wisdom teeth extraction. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider beforehand.

10. How do I schedule a wisdom teeth evaluation at Antoine Dental Center?

Call (713) 691-8880 to schedule your appointment. The team at Antoine Dental Center in Houston will evaluate your wisdom teeth and help determine the best course of treatment.

Be smart about your mouth

Don’t let your wisdom teeth become the cause of long-term oral health problems.

Visit Antoine Dental Center for routine care so we can monitor your teeth as they start to come in. Regular visits with your dentist at our office in Houston could save you from a lifetime of serious problems. To make your next appointment, call 713-691-8880.

Check What Antoine Dental Center Can Do for You!

Have a missing or decaying tooth? It’s time to replace it. Schedule an appointment at the Antoine Dental Center to learn about your single-tooth replacement options. You can reach our Houston, TX office at (713) 691-8880. We’re proud to serve patients in Aldine, Independent Heights, Northside Village, and Eastex/ Jensen neighborhoods.

Call NOw

Testimonials

Why Choose Antoine Dental Center Your Dentist in Houston



Reputation

We are a 5-star rated dentist in Houston, TX and we are trusted by 1000s of patients every year. Check out our reviews on Google to see what other's think of us!



Convenience

With evening and weekend appointments, we are here for you when you need us. We even accommodate same day emergency appointments for when you need us most!



Quality

At Antoine Dental, patients are not asked to choose between high quality service and a reasonable price. Our mission is to provide both.



Comfort

We’re humans too, and we have to get our six-month checkups just like everyone else. That’s why you can expect a comfortable, relaxed, family atmosphere at Antoine Dental Center.



Experience

We have a team of dentists with a combined experience of over 50 years. We regularly attend continuing education to stay on top of the latest treatment options.



Technology

Our practice uses state of the art dental technology in order to provide the best care. From digital X-rays to Intraoral cameras, we have the technology to support your treatments.

80+ Years of combined experience