Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common oral surgery needs — and one of the most important to address before problems develop.
Why wisdom teeth so often cause problems.
Wisdom teeth — your third molars — are the last permanent teeth to erupt, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. For our ancestors they were essential for processing a rough diet. For modern humans, they are largely irrelevant and frequently problematic.
The human jaw has become narrower over time, and there is rarely enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. As a result, they often become impacted — trapped beneath the gumline, emerging at an angle, or only partially erupting. That is why early evaluation and timely removal, when indicated, are so important.
When recommended, many patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed proactively — even before symptoms appear — to help prevent common complications.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth are extremely difficult to clean, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause infection in surrounding tissue.
Wisdom teeth pressing against neighboring molars can cause root resorption, decay, and structural damage.
Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to develop fluid-filled cysts or tumors that can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth can contribute to localized dental problems and may be a concern during orthodontic treatment. Your surgeon and orthodontist can determine whether removal is advisable.
Impacted teeth keep trying to erupt, which can cause chronic discomfort and gum infections that may spread and cause significant swelling.
A wisdom tooth evaluation is recommended if you:
Every case is unique. Here is how wisdom tooth removal unfolds.
X-rays or a 3D Cone Beam CT scan assess the position, angulation and root development of your wisdom teeth, and their proximity to nerves and sinuses.
IV sedation for straightforward cases, or general anesthesia if you prefer to be fully asleep. All protocols are opioid-free.
Teeth are removed in an outpatient procedure. When indicated, a socket preservation graft is placed and the site is sutured closed.
Most patients return to normal activity within a few days to a week. A follow-up visit confirms healing and answers any questions.
No pain, no swelling — I was back at work the next day. The staff made the whole process stress-free from beginning to end.
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A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. Trained as a dentist in Colombia, he completed surgical training at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas — and remains on the faculty of Texas A&M University, so the latest research and techniques go directly into how he treats every patient.
Where Dr. Franco trained as a dentist and earned his surgical foundation.
Surgical training in Chicago.
Fellowship training in Dallas.
Same-week appointments and all sedation options available. Serving Irving, Mesquite, Ennis, and all of Dallas–Fort Worth. Medicaid accepted. Most insurance plans welcomed.