What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The procedure depends on the position of the tooth.
A wisdom tooth that has fully erupted may sometimes be removed similarly to another tooth. An impacted tooth may require a surgical approach to access and remove it.
Local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the patient’s needs, and the services available at the dental practice, additional sedation options may also be considered.
Once the tooth has been removed, the area is cleaned and stitches may be placed when necessary.
Your dental team will provide instructions for caring for the extraction site during healing.
Do All Four Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed at Once?
No.
Treatment depends on the condition and position of each wisdom tooth. In some situations, more than one tooth may be removed during the same appointment. In others, only the tooth or teeth causing concern require treatment.
Your dentist will review the findings from your examination and imaging before recommending which teeth, if any, should be removed.
What Is Recovery Like After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Some soreness, swelling, and tenderness are common after wisdom tooth removal.
The amount of discomfort and the length of recovery can vary depending on the number of teeth removed, their position, the complexity of the procedure, and the individual patient.
During the early stages of healing, you may be advised to:
- Rest and limit strenuous activity
- Eat softer foods
- Avoid disturbing the extraction sites
- Follow instructions for keeping your mouth clean
- Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed
- Avoid smoking or vaping during healing
- Follow any additional instructions provided by your dental team
Swelling and discomfort should generally improve as healing progresses. Follow the specific aftercare instructions you receive, as they may differ depending on your procedure.
What Is Dry Socket?
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot normally forms in the socket and protects the area as healing begins.
Dry socket can occur when this protective clot is lost or does not remain in place as expected. This can expose the underlying bone and cause significant pain.
Following your aftercare instructions can help support normal healing. Avoiding smoking, vaping, forceful rinsing, and other activities your dental team tells you to avoid is particularly important during the early healing period.
Contact your dental office if pain becomes severe, increases after initially improving, or you are concerned about how the extraction site is healing.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
There is no single age at which everyone should have their wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom teeth commonly develop during the teenage years and early adulthood, which is why they are often evaluated during this period. However, the appropriate timing depends on how the teeth are developing and whether they are causing or are likely to cause problems.
Regular dental examinations and appropriate imaging allow your dentist to monitor their development and make recommendations based on your individual situation.
When Is a Referral Needed?
Some wisdom teeth are relatively straightforward to remove, while others are more complex.
The tooth’s position, root development, surrounding anatomy, medical considerations, and other factors can influence the difficulty of the procedure.
When appropriate, your dentist may recommend referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or another provider with additional experience managing complex extractions.
The goal is to have the procedure completed in the setting most appropriate for your individual needs.
Have Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluated
The presence of wisdom teeth does not automatically mean they need to be removed. An examination and appropriate dental imaging can help determine their position, condition, and whether treatment is necessary.
Contact our dental team if you are experiencing wisdom tooth symptoms or would like to have your wisdom teeth evaluated.
