🦴 Oral Surgery

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Safe, comfortable removal of problematic wisdom teeth that are causing pain, crowding, or infection. Our experienced oral surgeons use advanced techniques and sedation options to ensure your procedure is as comfortable as possible.

45-90
Minutes Per Procedure
3-7
Days Recovery
17-25
Typical Age Range

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop—typically emerging between ages 17-25. Most people have four wisdom teeth (one in each corner of the mouth), though some people have fewer or none at all. These teeth are remnants from our evolutionary ancestors who needed extra molars to grind down plant tissue and rough food.

Unfortunately, modern human jaws are often too small to accommodate wisdom teeth properly. When there isn't enough space, wisdom teeth become "impacted"—stuck beneath the gum or growing at awkward angles. This can cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and other serious oral health problems. That's why extraction is often recommended.

💡 Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Even if wisdom teeth aren't currently causing problems, dentists often recommend removal as a preventive measure. It's easier to remove wisdom teeth in your late teens or early twenties before roots are fully formed and complications develop. Waiting until problems arise can make extraction more difficult and recovery longer.

Common Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Removal

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Impaction

Wisdom teeth are trapped beneath the gum or bone, unable to erupt properly. Can be partially or fully impacted, causing pain and potential infection.

📐

Poor Angle

Growing sideways, tilted, or at odd angles that push against adjacent molars, causing crowding, damage, or misalignment of other teeth.

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Infection (Pericoronitis)

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to painful gum infections, swelling, and difficulty opening your mouth.

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Cavities & Decay

Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly due to their location. They're highly susceptible to cavities that can spread to neighboring teeth.

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Cysts or Tumors

Impacted wisdom teeth can develop fluid-filled sacs (cysts) that damage jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Rare but serious complication requiring removal.

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Crowding

Wisdom teeth pushing through can crowd existing teeth, undoing years of orthodontic work or causing bite problems and misalignment.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

1

Consultation & X-Rays

We examine your wisdom teeth using X-rays or 3D scans to determine their position, root formation, and proximity to nerves. This helps us plan the safest extraction approach and discuss sedation options with you.

2

Anesthesia & Sedation

Options include local anesthesia (numbing only), IV sedation (twilight sleep), or general anesthesia (fully asleep). Most patients choose IV sedation for comfort—you'll be relaxed and won't remember the procedure.

3

Tooth Extraction

For erupted teeth, we loosen and remove them like regular extractions. For impacted teeth, we make a small incision in the gum, remove any bone blocking the tooth, and extract it (sometimes in pieces for easier removal). The entire procedure typically takes 45-90 minutes for all four teeth.

4

Stitches & Recovery Instructions

The extraction sites are cleaned and may be stitched closed (dissolving stitches). Gauze is placed to control bleeding. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and prescriptions for pain medication if needed.

Recovery & Aftercare

Most patients recover from wisdom teeth removal within 3-7 days, though complete healing takes several weeks. Here's what to expect:

First 24-48 Hours

  • Rest: Take it easy. Avoid strenuous activity that could dislodge blood clots
  • Ice Packs: Apply to cheeks 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to reduce swelling
  • Soft Foods: Stick to smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup (not too hot)
  • Pain Management: Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed
  • Bleeding Control: Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes; some oozing is normal for 24 hours

Days 3-7

  • Warm Salt Rinses: Gently rinse with warm salt water after meals starting day 2-3
  • Gradual Diet: Slowly introduce firmer foods as comfort allows
  • Gentle Brushing: Brush carefully, avoiding extraction sites
  • Swelling Peaks: Maximum swelling occurs days 2-3, then gradually improves
  • Resume Activities: Most people return to normal activities by day 5-7

⚠️ Warning Signs - Call Your Dentist If You Experience:

Excessive bleeding that doesn't stop after 4+ hours, severe pain not controlled by medication, fever above 101°F, difficulty breathing or swallowing, excessive swelling that worsens after day 3, numbness that persists beyond the first day, or foul taste/odor indicating possible infection (dry socket).

Preventing Dry Socket

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is the most common complication after wisdom teeth removal, occurring in 2-5% of cases. It happens when the blood clot protecting the extraction site dislodges, exposing bone and nerves—causing severe pain around day 3-4.

How to Prevent Dry Socket:

  • No Straws: Suction can dislodge blood clots—avoid straws for at least one week
  • No Smoking: Smoking dramatically increases dry socket risk. Avoid for at least 72 hours (ideally 1-2 weeks)
  • No Spitting: Let saliva drool into a tissue instead of forcefully spitting
  • Gentle Rinsing: Don't vigorously swish; let water gently flow over extraction sites
  • Follow Instructions: Take antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?

During the procedure, no. You'll be numb from local anesthesia, and most patients also choose sedation so they're relaxed or asleep. After the procedure, you'll experience soreness and discomfort for 3-7 days, but pain medication keeps this manageable. Most patients describe it as moderate discomfort rather than severe pain.

Should I remove all four wisdom teeth at once?

Most dentists recommend removing all four at once if they all need to come out. This requires only one recovery period, one sedation session, and prevents future problems. However, some patients prefer to do two at a time (one side, then the other). Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for your situation.

How long should I take off work or school?

Plan for 2-3 days off for rest and recovery. Most people can return to work or school by day 3-4 if their job doesn't involve heavy physical activity. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need 5-7 days. Avoid important events (presentations, dates, etc.) for at least one week due to potential swelling and discomfort.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Start with liquids and very soft foods: smoothies (no straws!), yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soup (lukewarm), ice cream, pudding, protein shakes. Gradually introduce soft pasta, fish, and cooked vegetables as you heal. Avoid crunchy, chewy, spicy, or very hot foods for at least one week.

Will my face swell?

Swelling is very common and peaks on days 2-3 post-surgery. Your cheeks may look puffy, resembling a chipmunk. This is normal and gradually resolves over 5-7 days. Ice packs the first 48 hours help minimize swelling. Some bruising may also appear on your cheeks or neck, which fades within a week.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?

Costs vary based on complexity and how many teeth are removed. Simple extractions range from $75-$200 per tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth cost $225-$600 per tooth. Removing all four impacted wisdom teeth typically costs $1,000-$3,000 total, depending on sedation type. Most dental insurance covers 50-80% of medically necessary wisdom teeth removal.

What if I don't remove my wisdom teeth?

If wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, properly positioned, and you can clean them effectively, they may not need removal. However, impacted or problematic wisdom teeth that aren't removed can lead to infection, cysts, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, tooth decay, and chronic pain. The problems typically worsen over time.

Expert Wisdom Teeth Removal

Don't let wisdom teeth pain control your life. Our experienced oral surgeons provide safe, comfortable extractions with sedation options to ease your anxiety. Schedule your consultation today to discuss your wisdom teeth and determine the best treatment plan.

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