Appointments Request Appointment Call Call
Dr. Foust
Doctors Referring Doctors

Third Molar Extractions

Expert Tooth Extractions
for a Lifetime
of Oral Health

Most people will need to have their wisdom teeth extracted at some point, and to make this process as comfortable and simple as possible, Dr. Foust is ready to come to your home dental office and bring his many years of experience with him. He’s able to take care of everything, from the extraction to the sedation to the aftercare, so patients can just sit back and get the treatment they need in peace. To learn more about the process for wisdom tooth, third molar, extractions in Katy, TX and how it could benefit you or your child, read on below.

Why Choose Wisdom Partner DDS for Third Molar Extractions?

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Animated smile with wisdom teeth highlighted

Around the ages of 17-25, a third set of molars starts to erupt. These are called the wisdom teeth, because as a young adult, the person should (hopefully) be a bit wiser compared to when the rest of their teeth came in! While these were very useful for our ancestors who experienced high rates of tooth loss, these days, most people typically don’t have room for these teeth in their mouths, and often the best way to handle them is to simply remove them.

A Preventive Approach to a Lifetime of Great Oral Healthcare

Woman sharing healthy smile after wisdom tooth extraction

Because the rest of a patient’s teeth have already erupted by the time the wisdom teeth appear, they frequently become stuck within the gum line, or impacted. Left alone, this can create pain towards the back of the jaw, make a trap for food that increases the risk of cavities, and even lead to infection. Thankfully, all of these issues can be largely prevented by closely monitoring the wisdom teeth and removing them in a timely manner, which Dr. Foust can do in conjunction with a patient’s general dentist.

Protect Your Teen’s Braces Investment

Teen with braces smiling

The wisdom teeth are notorious for undoing all the great work completed by braces because they literally push the nearby teeth out of position, which can throw off the alignment of the entire bite. If your teen is undergoing or has already finished orthodontic treatment, having their wisdom teeth removed is one of the best ways to protect and preserve your investment. If you delay having this procedure done, they may have to undergo another round of braces to recover their straight and healthy smile, and no one wants that!

Symptoms that Signal Wisdom Teeth Removal is Needed

Animated smile with impacted wisdom tooth

If you or your children experience any of the following symptoms, contact your dentist immediately for an examination, because these may likely be caused by wisdom teeth:

What Are Dry Sockets?

Animated society without healing blood clot

After a wisdom tooth extraction is completed, the empty space left by the tooth needs time to heal, and an important part of this process is a blood clot forming. This protects the newly exposed nerves and bone. Sometimes, this clot may not form properly or become dislodged, which can lead to a condition called dry socket. The most telling symptoms are pain around the extraction site as well as excessive swelling and bleeding.

How Do You Prevent Dry Sockets?

Patient having wisdom tooth removed

Thankfully, Dr. Foust has found a way to successfully help prevent dry socket. In addition to giving patients detailed post-operative instructions (more on this below), he can also place a substance called PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) on the extraction site to stimulate the healing process. This is derived from a patient’s own blood and contains a variety of proteins and growth factors that allow oral tissues to quickly regenerate themselves, leading to a shorter and more comfortable recovery process.

Learn About Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) Therapy

Pre & PostOperative Instructions for Wisdom Teeth Patients

Dental team member reviewing pre and postoperative care instructions with wisdom tooth patient

If you or your child is about to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction, be sure to download our pre and post-operative instructions below. These will ensure that you’re completely prepared for the procedure and know what to do afterward to help speed up healing and help prevent common issues like dry socket. Of course, if you have any questions regarding this, you’re always welcome to give us a call. 

Download Pre-Op Instructions

Download After-Care Instructions

More to Explore

IV Sedation Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) Infection Control & Sterilization Wisdom Teeth Removal

Woman with healthy smile after wisdom tooth extraction