Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Gentle Dental, our experienced team provides safe, comfortable wisdom teeth removal to protect your oral health and prevent future complications.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop and emerge in the mouth, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. Most people have four wisdom teeth located at the back corners of the mouth, both top and bottom. These teeth are remnants from our evolutionary past when our ancestors needed larger jaws and more teeth to chew tough, uncooked foods.

What To Expect

You'll be comfortably positioned in a dental chair during the procedure, which typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If you've opted for sedation or general anesthesia, it will be administered first. The surgeon will then make small incisions in the gum tissue to access the wisdom teeth. In some cases, the teeth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. Once the teeth are extracted, the surgeon will clean the sites, place stitches if necessary, and apply gauze to control bleeding. Throughout the procedure, the Gentle Dental team will prioritize your comfort and safety, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

After The Procedure

After wisdom teeth removal, you'll likely feel groggy and experience some mouth numbness. The staff will provide gauze packs and post-operative care instructions, and you'll need someone to drive you home due to anesthesia effects. Expect swelling and discomfort, peaking within 48-72 hours. The recovery process typically takes 7-10 days, during which you should rest, apply ice packs, use prescribed pain medication, and stick to soft foods. Keep extraction sites clean by gently rinsing with salt water after the first 24 hours, and avoid smoking, drinking through straws, and forceful spitting.

While most people can resume normal activities after 3-4 days, complete healing may take several weeks. Throughout recovery, follow your dentist's instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed due to various issues. Many people's jaws are not large enough to accommodate these extra teeth, leading to overcrowding, misalignment, or impaction (where the teeth cannot fully emerge through the gums). Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Even when wisdom teeth do emerge properly, they can be difficult to clean due to their location, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. For these reasons, dentists often recommend proactively removing wisdom teeth to prevent potential complications and maintain oral health.

While there's no set age for wisdom teeth removal, it's most commonly performed on individuals between the ages of 17 and 25. This age range is ideal because the wisdom teeth roots are not fully developed, making extraction easier and recovery typically faster. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if necessary. It's important to note that not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed; some people never develop wisdom teeth, while others have enough space in their mouths to accommodate them without problems.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, we recommend consulting with your dentist about wisdom teeth removal:

Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth
Swelling or tenderness in the gums around your back molars
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
Visible crowding or shifting of other teeth
Food frequently getting trapped behind your back molars
Cysts or tumors developing around the wisdom teeth (visible on X-rays)
Recurring infections in the soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
Headaches or jaw pain
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Difficulty chewing or biting
Gum inflammation or bleeding around the wisdom teeth area
Earache or pain that radiates toward the ear
Sinus pain or pressure (for upper wisdom teeth)
Damage to nearby teeth

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the wisdom teeth removal procedure take?

The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the case.

Can I eat before my wisdom teeth removal surgery?

Generally, you should avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before the surgery if you're receiving general anesthesia. Your dentist will provide specific instructions based on your case.

Will I need to take time off work or school?

Most people take 2-3 days off, but it depends on your recovery and the nature of your work. Some may return to light activities after 3-4 days.

Is wisdom teeth removal covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover wisdom teeth removal, especially if it's deemed medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

Can I drive myself home after the surgery?

No, you'll need someone to drive you home as you'll be under the effects of anesthesia and possibly pain medication.

How soon can I brush my teeth after the surgery?

You can usually brush your teeth the night of the surgery, but be very gentle around the surgical sites.

When can I resume exercise or physical activities?

Most dentists recommend waiting at least 3-4 days before resuming light physical activities and about a week for more strenuous exercise.

Is dry socket a common complication?

Dry socket occurs in about 2-5% of cases. Following post-operative instructions carefully can help reduce this risk.

Will I need antibiotics after the surgery?

Not everyone needs antibiotics. Your dentist will prescribe them if necessary based on your individual case and medical history.

How long do stitches stay in after wisdom teeth removal?

If dissolvable stitches are used, they typically disappear within 7-10 days. Non-dissolvable stitches are usually removed after about a week.