Wisdom Teeth Removal

Extraction is Common, Typically Not Painful

Wisdom teeth are types of molars located in the very back of your mouth. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or the angle the tooth is going in. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is “mesial” – meaning the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth.

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections and even gum disease.

Each patient’s situation is unique. If extraction is necessary or advised we will help answer all of your questions. If we do recommend that you have your wisdom teeth removed, it is best to so sooner than later.

Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the teeth roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier, as well as making the recovery time much shorter.

Typically, wisdom teeth removal is not a painful procedure. We will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. If you are feeling nervous about the procedure, we can provide you with free “happy gas” (nitrous)  or discuss our other sedation options to help ease your nerves.

Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, the healing process begins – which almost always involves lots of rest, relaxation and ice cream! We will let you know exactly what to expect during the healing process and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.