Wisdom Teeth Removal
Our wisdom teeth, also known as our third molars, are the last adult teeth to grow in. They’re located in the back, two on top and two on the bottom—four in total. Typically, they emerge through the gum line in early adulthood—from the late teens to mid-twenties.
Some people never get their wisdom teeth at all, and some people’s wisdom teeth grow in without any problems. However, it’s very common for wisdom teeth to become impacted because there simply isn’t enough room for them.
Here at KK Dental, we perform wisdom tooth extractions regularly on our patients who have developed or are at risk of developing impacted wisdom teeth.
About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain as it continues to try growing in. It will apply undue pressure to the teeth next to it, potentially causing structural damage. Impacted wisdom teeth are also prone to developing tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can also cause the development of cysts in the gums in the surrounding area.
If one or more wisdom teeth start posing any of these issues, or if your dentist anticipates these problems developing, a wisdom tooth extraction will be necessary.
The Procedure
While a wisdom tooth extraction is considered surgery, it’s still an outpatient procedure—which means it’s performed in our office, and you will go home when it’s finished.
Your dentist will administer anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable and so that you cannot feel anything during the extraction. The type of anesthesia used will depend on both your own comfort and the complexity of your wisdom tooth extraction. Three types of anesthesia can be used—general, local, and sedation.
The wisdom tooth or teeth will be extracted from the jawbone, and the incision will be cleaned. In some cases, stitches will be used to close the wound. Gauze will help stop the bleeding.
You will recover comfortably in our office, and given post-operative instructions for at home. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions clearly and to keep a close eye on symptoms that seem out of the ordinary.
It’s uncommon for a follow-up appointment to be made, as most of our patients recover from wisdom tooth extractions well, but our team is always on hand to make sure your oral health is in great shape, and you’re feeling comfortable.
FAQs
Wisdom teeth may become impacted when there is not enough room for them to erupt properly. In some cases, the teeth may remain trapped beneath the gums or develop at angles that affect nearby teeth and gum tissues.
Yes, impacted wisdom teeth may still contribute to swelling, trapped bacteria, gum irritation, jaw discomfort, or damage affecting nearby teeth, even when severe pain is not consistently present. Dental imaging often helps identify hidden problems before more significant symptoms develop.
Dental imaging helps evaluate root position, bone support, nearby nerves, sinus anatomy, and the position of surrounding teeth before surgery begins. This information helps the dentist or oral surgeon determine the safest and most appropriate surgical approach.
Yes, partially erupted wisdom teeth may create areas beneath the gums where bacteria and food debris collect more easily. These areas may become difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of inflammation, infection, or gum problems.
Wisdom teeth that develop at improper angles may place pressure on nearby teeth and surrounding tissues. In some situations, this pressure may contribute to crowding, gum irritation, damage affecting neighboring teeth, or bite-related concerns.
Yes, smoking may reduce blood flow and interfere with healing after oral surgery. Tobacco use may also increase the risk of dry socket, infection, delayed healing, and irritation affecting the surgical area during recovery.
After a wisdom tooth is removed, a blood clot forms inside the extraction site to help protect the underlying bone and nerve tissue during healing. If the clot becomes disturbed too early, healing may become more uncomfortable and delayed.
Yes, mild swelling and jaw stiffness may occur after wisdom teeth surgery as part of the normal healing response. The amount of swelling may vary depending on tooth position, surgical complexity, and individual healing patterns.
Aftercare instructions help reduce post-surgery irritation and support healing. Following these recommendations carefully may also help reduce the risk of bleeding, dry socket, infection, or unnecessary pressure affecting the surgical areas.
A wisdom teeth evaluation may be recommended if you have jaw pain, swelling, gum irritation, infection, difficulty cleaning the back teeth, or concerns involving impacted wisdom teeth. At KK Dental, treatment recommendations are based on examination findings, dental imaging, tooth position, and long-term oral health considerations.
