Symptoms to watch out for
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars and the last permanent teeth to come in. They appear at the very back of your mouth, usually sometime between your late teens and mid-twenties. Some people get them earlier or later, and some people never get them at all. In some cases, wisdom teeth come in without causing any issues, but more often, they lead to complications that require removal.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
- They are growing in at an angle or pushing against the tooth beside them
- There is not enough space, causing pain or crowding
- They are trapping food and bacteria, increasing the risk of decay
- They are impacted, which can lead to painful infections
The wisdom tooth removal process
Depending on how your wisdom teeth are positioned, they may be easily removed by your dentist or may require a routine surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon. After an initial exam, your dentist will let you know what kind of extraction you need. Some patients have all four removed at once, while others have them taken out in stages.
Examining your teeth
Before any decision is made, we need a full picture of what is happening with your teeth and jaw. We will take X-rays to check the position and root structure of your wisdom teeth. This helps us determine whether your teeth should come out, how simple the removal will be, and whether surgery is needed. Our goal is to avoid surprises and plan the smoothest experience possible.
The removal procedure
At your exam, we will explain the process, answer any questions you have, and help you prepare. Depending on your needs and preferences, your dentist will recommend local freezing, sedation, or anesthesia. We use gentle and modern techniques to remove teeth efficiently and with minimal discomfort to help speed up your recovery.
Aftercare
You may be asked to bring a trusted friend or family member to accompany you, drive you home, and stay with you during the early stages of your recovery. We will send you home with clear aftercare instructions that explain what to do and what to avoid. If anything feels off or you have questions during your recovery, please give us a call. We are here to help.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. Some people keep their wisdom teeth without issues. Removal is only needed if they are impacted, crowded, infected, or otherwise disrupting your oral health.
Modern dentistry focuses on comfort. With today’s tools, techniques, and sedation options, we can keep you relaxed and pain free during the procedure. We will also give you aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable as you heal.
You can eat about an hour after your procedure, once you remove the gauze. Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours, and avoid hot foods and drinking through a straw for several hours to prevent irritation.
Here are some general guidelines to help you heal safely and avoid complications:
- Do not spit, rinse your mouth, blow your nose, use a straw, or smoke for the first 24 hours
- Avoid touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
- Stick to lukewarm or cold foods and drinks
- Avoid aspirin, as it can affect blood clotting
- Skip exercise and heavy activities for a few days
Most patients take about three to four days off from work, school, or intense activity. Full healing usually takes about two weeks, though most discomfort fades within the first few days.
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