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 removal of wisdom teeth does not occur, 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 wisdom tooth extraction needs with you. If removal of wisdom teeth is recommended for you, it is best to have them removed sooner than later. As a general rule, wisdom tooth extraction occurs 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 having wisdom teeth pulled easier.

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

Once you have your wisdom teeth pulled, 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 after wisdom tooth extraction.