The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a right of passage for young adults. Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. 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 angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is "mesial," meaning that the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth.

When a 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, and we will take x-rays and discuss your particular needs with you. If removal of your wisdom teeth is recommended, it is best to have them removed sooner than later. As a general rule, wisdom teeth are removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the teeth's roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make removal easier.

In order to remove a wisdom tooth, your dentist first needs access to it. To make this process more comfortable, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. We can even use additional medication to safely sedate you during the procedure if you prefer.

Once the tooth or teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies from person to person depending on your situation. We will share with you what to expect and provide instructions for efficient healing.