WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?

Wisdom teeth are types of molars found in the very back of the mouth. They usually appear in late teens or early twenties, but may become impacted due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, or even gum disease.

COMMON PROBLEMS CAUSED BY WISDOM TEETH

Even when wisdom teeth are not causing obvious pain, they can still create long-term oral health issues. Their position at the back of the mouth and the way they erupt can affect nearby teeth and gums.

• Impaction: Wisdom teeth may be trapped beneath the gums or jawbone, placing pressure on neighboring teeth.
• Infection: Partially erupted teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to swelling and recurring infections.
• Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push on second molars and contribute to shifting or crowding of your smile.
• Tooth Decay: Their hard-to-reach location makes brushing and flossing more challenging.
• Gum Disease: Inflammation around wisdom teeth can increase the risk of periodontal problems.
• Cysts or Bone Changes: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can be associated with cysts that affect the jawbone.

HOW DOES WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION WORK?

Wisdom teeth are typically 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 extraction easier as well as shorten the recovery time.

In order to remove a wisdom tooth, your dentist first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Our office offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Since the impacted tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in your jaw bone, your dentist will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract the tooth. In order to minimize the amount of bone that is removed with the tooth, your dentist will often “section” your wisdom tooth so that each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone. Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction, healing time varies. Your dentist will share with you what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

Before Your Appointment

During your consultation, we will review your medical history, take any necessary X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss whether and when your wisdom teeth should be removed. This is an ideal time to ask questions about sedation options, recovery, and how to prepare for your visit.

During the Procedure

1. Anesthesia and Sedation: The area around the wisdom teeth is thoroughly numbed, and nitrous oxide or oral sedation can be used to help you feel relaxed.
2. Tooth Removal: The tooth is gently loosened and removed. In some cases, the tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces so it can be removed through a smaller opening.
3. Site Care: Once the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and sutures may be placed to support healing.

Recovery & Aftercare

Most patients experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days following wisdom tooth extraction. Carefully following the post-operative instructions you receive can help you heal comfortably and avoid complications.

• Use cold compresses as directed to reduce swelling.
• Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as instructed.
• Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, soups, and mashed foods for the first few days.
• Avoid drinking through straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing, which can disturb the healing site.
• Keep the area clean according to the instructions provided by our team.

If you have questions at any point during your recovery, you are always welcome to contact our office for guidance.

IS REMOVING WISDOM TEETH NECESSARY?

There is not enough room in our mouths for wisdom teeth. Without enough room for them to erupt properly, wisdom teeth may come in at an angle. Sometimes they don't fully emerge. This causes problems to occur for the rest of your mouth. They can cause damage to the nearby teeth, also known as second molars. Removing wisdom teeth during your teen years or early twenties make it easier to remove them and prevents one from needing a more complicated surgery later in life.

DO ALL WISDOM TEETH HAVE TO BE REMOVED?

Not every patient will need every wisdom tooth removed. Some people naturally have fewer wisdom teeth, and in rare cases the teeth are able to erupt in a healthy position. We will carefully evaluate your specific situation and help you decide whether monitoring, early intervention, or extraction is the best choice for your long-term oral health.

WHY DON'T WE HAVE ROOM FOR WISDOM TEETH?

Good question! The simple answer is that our jaws are smaller than they used to be. Modern diets tend to lack key nutrients that help the jaw develop properly. An example of this is Vitamin K2.

WILL I NEED TO REMOVE MY WISDOM TEETH?

We will evaluate your mouth carefully to determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed and why. We may recommend taking 3D cone beam xrays to view your jaw and teeth in a 3-dimensional pattern. Having this technology allows us to more precisely evaluate exactly where your nerves are and view the roots of your teeth in 3-dimension. This allows for a very safe and accurate plan to be developed to remove your wisdom teeth if needed and often can shorten healing time. At Carrie Muzny DDS & Associates, we also offer sedation dentistry services to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

OUR ADVANCED APPROACH TO WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

From your first visit through your follow-up, our team focuses on comfort, safety, and clear communication. By combining 3D cone beam imaging, modern surgical techniques, and appropriate sedation options, we are able to plan your procedure precisely and help you enjoy a smoother recovery.

• 3D imaging to visualize teeth, roots, nerves, and jawbone in three dimensions.
• Carefully planned surgery to minimize trauma to surrounding tissue.
• Nitrous oxide and oral sedation to reduce anxiety and increase comfort.
• Personalized home care instructions tailored to your specific needs.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE A WISDOM TEETH CONSULTATION?

You don’t have to wait until you are in severe pain to have your wisdom teeth evaluated. In fact, early assessment often means simpler treatment and easier healing. You or your teen may benefit from a consultation if you notice:

• Jaw or facial discomfort toward the back of the mouth.
• Redness, swelling, or tenderness behind the last molars.
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully.
• Repeated infections, bad taste, or bad breath originating from the back of the mouth.
• Shifting or crowding of your other teeth.

Even without symptoms, teens and young adults should have their wisdom teeth monitored as part of their regular dental care.