Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted when they affect other teeth, become painful, decayed or infected, as well as when they become impacted. They are called wisdom teeth because they usually grow in when a person is between age 17 and 25 or older. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have more or less. As wisdom teeth struggle to find room to grow in a crowded mouth, these teeth may grow in sideways, partially emerge, or even remain trapped under the gums.  When wisdom teeth are partially or completely trapped in the gum, they are called impacted. 

While wisdom teeth can cause obvious issues such as misaligned and crowded teeth, impacted wisdom teeth may cause many unseen and serious problems, such as jaw and nerve damage.  Whether your wisdom teeth have come in or not, they may be causing problems that could include: Misalignment of jaw and teeth, Tooth decay from trapped bacteria and food, Infections, Pain, stiffness and swelling, gum disease, jawbone damage, nerve damage, cysts and tumors in the jaw.

Your specific recovery will depend on many factors, including your age, overall health and the difficulty of the extraction.  Most patients will experience some swelling and mild discomfort after surgery, and you will be limited to a soft diet until the discomfort passes. 

Early evaluation and removal of wisdom teeth is the best way to resolve and prevent problems associated with wisdom teeth. We are happy to evaluate your wisdom teeth and create a treatment plan if needed.