Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most people have four wisdom teeth — the last molars at the back of the mouth — and most do not have room for them. When wisdom teeth come in crooked, get stuck below the gum, or cause crowding, removing them is often the simplest answer. We take wisdom teeth out gently and explain every step so you know what to expect.

What it is

Wisdom teeth removal (also called third molar extraction) is a common dental procedure where one or more of your back molars are taken out. Depending on the position of the tooth, the extraction may be a simple in-office removal or a more involved surgical procedure for teeth that have not fully come through the gum.

We remove wisdom teeth to:

• Relieve current pain or swelling
• Treat or prevent infection around a partly-erupted tooth
• Prevent damage to nearby teeth
• Avoid future crowding and bite issues
• Solve a tooth that decay has already reached but cannot be saved

What to expect

The visit usually takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on how many teeth are being removed and how they sit in your jaw. Here is the general flow:

1. We review X-rays of your jaw together and answer any questions
2. You choose your level of comfort — local anesthesia is enough for most patients, and we also offer sedation options if you are anxious or having multiple teeth removed
3. The area is numbed completely
4. The tooth (or teeth) are removed carefully, with as little pressure as possible
5. We place sutures if needed and give you gauze to bite on
6. You go home with clear written instructions for the next few days

Most patients feel sore but manageable for two to three days. We will go over how to eat, when to use ice packs, and which activities to avoid until you are fully healed. If anything does not feel right while you are healing, call us.

Who it’s for

Wisdom teeth removal may be the right choice if:

• Your wisdom teeth are causing pain, swelling, or repeated infections
• A wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck under the gum) and showing up on X-rays
• A wisdom tooth has decay that cannot be filled
• Your dentist or orthodontist sees crowding building up
• You are starting orthodontic treatment and your orthodontist recommends removal

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth out. Some people have plenty of room and healthy wisdom teeth that never cause trouble. We will look at your specific situation and recommend removal only when there is a real reason for it.