Wisdom teeth are the four molars located at the very back of your mouth—two on the top and two on the bottom. In many cases, these teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly. When this happens, they may become impacted, grow at an angle, or cause pressure on nearby teeth.

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing discomfort, your dentist may recommend removing them to avoid future problems. Common reasons for removal include:

• Impacted teeth that are trapped beneath the gum or jawbone
• Crowding or shifting of other teeth due to lack of space
• Partial eruption, which can trap food and bacteria and lead to infection
• Tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas
• Cysts or damage to nearby teeth or bone
• Jaw stiffness or discomfort

Preventive removal is often recommended in the late teens or early twenties, before the roots fully develop and potential problems arise.

You may need to have your wisdom teeth evaluated if you experience:

• Persistent pain or pressure in the back of your mouth
• Swelling or redness in the gums near your molars
• Jaw pain or difficulty opening your mouth
• Bad breath or a bad taste from the area
• Headaches or earaches related to jaw pressure

Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, routine X-rays during your dental visits help us monitor your wisdom teeth and make recommendations before complications begin.

Wisdom teeth removal is a common and routine oral surgery performed in our office. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation and X-rays

We begin with a detailed exam and digital imaging to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and plan your care.

Comfort and Sedation

We use local anesthesia to numb the area, and may offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or other sedation options to help you feel relaxed and at ease.

Tooth Removal

The wisdom teeth are carefully removed, often in less than an hour, depending on the number and position.

Post-Op Care

You’ll receive complete aftercare instructions and guidance for managing swelling, discomfort, and healing over the following days.

Most patients recover fully within 5 to 7 days. To support a smooth healing process:

• Get plenty of rest for the first 24 hours
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling
• Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies
• Avoid using straws or spitting forcefully
• Gently rinse with saltwater starting on day two
• Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed

Our team is here to support you throughout your recovery and will schedule a follow-up if needed to monitor healing.