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Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Information Page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive insights into the specialized procedure we offer. Explore in-depth guides and watch educational videos. We're committed to ensuring you're well-informed and confident when choosing us for your wisdom teeth extraction needs.
Dont Ignore the Signs: Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Demystified
Getting the Lowdown on Wisdom Teeth
What's Up with Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, your third molars if we're getting fancy, usually pop up between ages 17 and 25 (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). They’re the late bloomers of your dental lineup, staking their claim at the far reaches of your mouth. Unfortunately, their fashionably late arrival often brings some baggage.
These teeth love causing drama because most mouths just don’t have room for them to waltz in smoothly. Their entrance can lead to a lot of pain and headache — literally! Often, the best solution is to give them the boot. Want to know why? Check out why wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Why Do We Even Have Wisdom Teeth?
Back in the day, when our ancestors had to gnaw on tough foods like nuts and raw meat, having extra molars was like having a backup crew for chewing. These teeth took one for the team, handling all that wear and tear.
Fast forward to today, we’ve got a way cushier setup. With softer, cooked meals, the importance of wisdom teeth has taken a nosedive. Hence, a lot of folks run into trouble with these latecomers trying to squeeze in where there’s no room.
Age Range (Years)Chance of Eruption (%)17-2080%21-2515%26+5%
Source: (Dr. Wisdom Teeth)
With our modern, softer diets and smaller jaw sizes, wisdom teeth often end up causing grief. Problems range from pain and infections to messing up the other teeth with overcrowding (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). All this drama often makes getting them removed the best call. Curious about when to consider this? Check when should wisdom teeth be removed.
If you’re feeling the squeeze from impacted wisdom teeth, knowing their quirks can help you figure out when to hit up the dentist to dodge bigger health issues down the line. For more signs and symptoms, see how do you know when your wisdom teeth need to come out.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom teeth may have had their glory days, but for most of us, they're now just pain-in-the-jaw relics. Stay ahead of the game by understanding their antics, and don’t hesitate to seek advice if they start acting up!
Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can be a real pain—literally. Knowing the signs can help you nip potential problems in the bud.
Pain and Discomfort
Pain is usually the first wake-up call. You'll feel it in the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth live, often kicking in as either a dull, ongoing ache or sharp, sudden pain, especially while chewing. This can spread to your jaw, ear, and even your head if left unchecked.
SymptomDescriptionType of painConstant dull ache, sharp burstsLocationBack of the mouth, jaw, ear, head
If munching anything from apples to sandwiches starts to hurt, it's time to get your dentist on speed dial. Check out our guide on how do you know when your wisdom teeth need to come out for more.
Swelling and Inflammation
Another red flag is swelling and inflammation, especially if you start resembling a chipmunk. Your gums might puff up, and the swelling could extend to your jaw and cheeks.
SymptomDescriptionGum swellingPuffy gums around the teethFacial swellingJaw and cheek puffiness
Don't let this chipmunk effect become a permanent part of your look. For urgent situation, head over to emergency wisdom teeth removal.
Infections and Gum Disease
Impacted wisdom teeth can be a playground for bacteria, leading to infections and gum disease. If you notice bad breath that won't go away, red and swollen gums, or even pus around the area, you've got all the signs of trouble.
SymptomDescriptionBad breathPersistent even with good hygieneRed, swollen gumsRed, swollen, and possibly bleeding areaPusPus around the impacted tooth
Spotting these symptoms early can save your oral health. For more on how infections start, check out our page on why do wisdom teeth get infected.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to consult a dentist. Impacted wisdom teeth can snowball into bigger problems if ignored. For more on why you might need them out, visit why wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Why Getting Rid of Your Wisdom Teeth is a Smart Move
No one likes unexpected problems with their teeth, and wisdom teeth can be the ultimate troublemakers. These pesky late arrivals can cause serious issues if not removed in time.
Why Remove Them Early?
Getting your wisdom teeth pulled isn’t just about avoiding pain—though that's a big part of it. Here's what you need to know:
1. Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth pressing against your other teeth can cause some serious mouth pain.
2. Infections: When these teeth start to come in, they can create little pockets where bacteria love to hang out, causing infections and gum disease.
3. Tooth Decay: These teeth are tricky to clean, making cavities a common problem.
4. Hurting Neighbor Teeth: Your wisdom teeth can put pressure on their neighbors, causing damage.
5. Crowding: If there's not enough room in your mouth, those teeth can push others around, messing up your bite and alignment.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial to catch these issues early. Your dentist can help decide if and when removal is right for you.
Already Having Issues? Time to Act!
When wisdom teeth start causing problems, it’s time to act fast. Ignoring them can lead to:
1. Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain and swelling around your jaw can throw a wrench into your daily life.
2. Persistent Infections: These can lead to more serious gum diseases and even spread beyond your mouth.
3. Abscess Formation: Painful abscesses can form and spread the infection even further.
4. Neighboring Tooth Decay: Your other teeth can start to suffer due to the overcrowding and difficulty cleaning.
5. Cysts and Tumors: In severe cases, fluid-filled cysts can form around the impacted teeth, leading to big problems.
Delaying the removal only makes the surgery more complex and increases the risk of complications like dry socket (ouch!).
ProblemHow Often it Happens (%)Risk Drops After RemovalPain and Discomfort70%HighInfections50%SignificantGum Disease35%NoticeableTooth Decay25%ModerateDamage to Neighboring Teeth20%Substantial
So, checking with your dentist or orthodontist for an exam and some X-rays can help figure out what's going on with those wisdom teeth.
Understanding why and when to remove wisdom teeth isn’t just about preventing problems—it's about keeping your mouth healthy and pain-free. So, say goodbye to wisdom tooth woes and take action before they turn your smile upside down.
Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out
Worried about yanking out those pesky wisdom teeth? Relax. Knowing the drill can really help ease those jitters and make the whole thing less scary. We’ll walk you through anesthesia options, the nitty-gritty of the surgery, and what to do afterward.
Numbing Your Noggin: Anesthesia Options
Ya gotta go numb before they start pulling, and you’ve got choices:
Local Anesthesia: Just the area around your teeth goes numb.
IV Sedation: Knocks you out a bit deeper so you’re comfy and bounce back quicker.
General Anesthesia: Takes you completely out—good for tricky removals.
Chat with your oral surgeon to find what works best for you. For a heads-up on prepping for the big day, check out our guide on how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery.
The Nuts and Bolts of Surgery
Getting those wisdom teeth yanked might differ depending on how buried they are:
First Look: Your oral surgeon checks out where your wisdom teeth are hanging out.
Numbing Time: The chosen anesthesia kicks in.
Making Room: If your teeth are stuck, small cuts open the gums.
Bone Game: Bits of bone in the way? They’re coming out.
Yank Time: The tooth may even get chopped into pieces for easier removal.
Stitch-Up: A few stitches to close things up and help healing.
Your doc will give you the lowdown on what happens during and post-surgery. For more juicy details, poke around our article on what to expect before wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Life After Extraction: Post-Surgery Care
Post-surgery care is key to bouncing back. Expect some swelling, maybe feeling like a chipmunk, but keep calm (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Post-Op TipsWhat's the DealManaging PainStick to what the doc ordered when it comes to painkillers.Taming SwellingIce packs on the swollen area for 20 minutes off and on.Eating RightSoft foods first. Smoothies, mashed potatoes—yum.Clean But GentleNo aggressive rinsing or scrubbing near the wound to dodge dry socket.Take it EasyPlenty of rest helps speed things up.
Healing usually takes about a week if you follow these post-op commands (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). For more survival tips, dive into our guide on managing swelling and discomfort.
Understand the wisdom teeth hustle and you’re golden for an easy recovery. For more scoop, visit our pages on emergency wisdom teeth removal and why wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Getting those pesky wisdom teeth out can be a bit nerve-wracking, but understanding what comes next can make things a lot smoother. Here's the lowdown on what to expect after your wisdom teeth removal, how to handle the swelling and soreness, and the care you need to speed things up.
Typical Recovery Timeline
Usually, you'll be back to your old self in about a week. Here's a day-by-day idea of what to expect:
DayWhat's Happening1-2Swelling and soreness are at their peak; rest up!3-5Swelling eases; keep up with your pain meds6-7Looking and feeling better; try soft foods again7+Back to normal, more or less; follow up with your dentist
Taking note of this timeline can help you prep for any time off you might need from school, work, or those weekend plans.
Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Swelling and discomfort after the surgery are normal, but here’s how you can keep them in check:
Ice Packs: Hold ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a stretch during the first two days.
Elevate Your Head: Prop your head up when you're resting to lower the swelling.
Medications: Use the painkillers and anti-inflammatories your dentist prescribed.
Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water, but ditch the straws—they can mess with your healing and give you a dry socket.
Want more tips on handling the pain? Take a look at our guide on how painful is wisdom teeth removal.
Following Post-Operative Instructions
Sticking to the care plan given by your dentist is key to healing up quickly:
No Heavy Lifting: Take it easy on the physical activities for a bit.
Oral Hygiene: Rinse gently with warm salt water after the first 24 hours, and be careful not to brush too hard near the site.
Soft Foods: Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies at first. Bring back solid foods gradually.
Skip Smoking and Alcohol: They can slow down healing and make things worse.
Following these tips can help avoid complications like infection or dry socket. If you need more info on prepping for the big day, head over to our page on how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Getting through the recovery phase is crucial to getting back to your daily grind without any issues. Chat with your dentist if you've got any worries, and don't forget to check out all the resources we have—you’ve got this!
Say Hello to the Team at Wisdom Teeth Only
At Wisdom Teeth Only, we've got a team that's all about making your wisdom teeth removal a breeze. Our crew brings a mix of expertise, passion, and heart, so your experience is top-notch. Let's introduce you to the folks who make it happen:
Dr. Heath Hendrickson
Meet Dr. Heath Hendrickson, or as we like to call him, "Dr. Wisdom Teeth." With over 250,000 teeth removed and more than 60,000 patients safely sedated since day one, he's the wizard of wisdom teeth. Known for his precision and kind approach, Dr. Hendrickson is the go-to guy for wisdom teeth removal (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Patients rave about his extensive experience and gentle touch.
Hollis Schultz
Hollis Schultz, who’s been part of the team since 2008, is the backbone of our practice. She ensures everything runs smoothly and that families across Utah trust us. Her dedication keeps our reputation sparkling and our patients smiling (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Bobbi Jo McKay
Bobbi Jo McKay, our Office Manager, fell in love with wisdom teeth removal while grabbing her Dental Assisting Certificate in 2011. She's been with us for nine years now, making sure patients have a stellar experience from the first chat to the final goodbye. Bobbi Jo's knack for organization and her friendly vibe turn what could be a stressful process into a walk in the park (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Jennifer Frame
Jennifer Frame is our lead assistant and brings tons of experience to the table. A certified phlebotomist and BLS/CPR pro, Jennifer has been in the oral surgery game since 2001. She loves keeping our team awesome and patients comfy throughout the whole process (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Emery Killian
Emery Killian, a licensed CNA, is all about patient recovery. She makes sure everyone’s feeling good during their recovery time. Emery's attentive care makes the healing process smooth and quick (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
With this dream team, we’re all about exceptional care from start to finish. Want to know if you need those pesky wisdom teeth out? Check out our tips on signs you need wisdom teeth removed and other info on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth, and why do they need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause problems because there is insufficient space for them to fully emerge or they may grow in an improper position. This can lead to various issues like pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to address these concerns.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or overcrowding, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their assessment, they can recommend the need for wisdom teeth removal. If you do not have a dentist, please call us and set up a FREE consultation and x-ray to determine a plan that is right for you.
Why are the third molars referred to as wisdom teeth?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago!
"The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years."
— Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Why do we have third molars if we just remove them?
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
What is the process for removing wisdom teeth?
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
Does everyone have 4 wisdom teeth?
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Does wisdom teeth removal require anesthesia or sedation?
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the procedure?
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, your dental professional will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation. These instructions include: fasting 5-6 hours before the surgery, avoid smoking or using a straw post-surgery, take regularly prescribed medications, apply ice packs, maintain proper oral hygiene, and call us if you encounter any problems on our 24/7 after care nurse line. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Will I experience pain during or after the removal?
The procedure itself is usually painless due to anesthesia or sedation. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage any post-operative pain. Additionally, using home remedies such as applying ice packs and rinsing with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery period.
What are the alternatives to wisdom teeth removal?
In certain cases where the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, positioned correctly, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure they do not cause complications in the future. However, if extraction is recommended, it is typically the most effective solution to prevent potential issues associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
What does it mean that a wisdom tooth is ‘impacted’?
Your dentist will classify a tooth by the degree to which it has been able to grow out of your jaw bone. If a tooth remains trapped in the bone, usually by a lack of space or close proximity to other teeth, the tooth is considered to be ‘impacted’. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed, you will experience some degree of swelling around the lower wisdom teeth. Sometimes patient’s refer to this as the “chipmunk effect” because after surgery you look like you are packing nuts in your cheeks like a chipmunk!
When is the best time to remove the wisdom teeth?
This is always a hard question to answer, simply because we can’t see into the future. However, if an X-ray indicates that there is inadequate room for the wisdom teeth to develop then a few criteria may indicate the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth. Your doctor will help you decide when the time is right - They are best removed before the roots have fully developed. Ideally, when root development is between 25% and 50%. Undeveloped roots increase the chances that your surgery will be successful and you will not suffer any long term negative effects.- If possible, allowing the tooth to erupt as much as possible before it gets ‘stuck’ is also favorable. The closer the tooth gets to erupting, the simpler the surgery to remove it will be.- Age is a consideration and patients in their late teens are ideal candidates for removal. However, in some instances patients as young as 10 years old or as old as 90 may require wisdom tooth removal.- Oftentimes patients will remove the wisdom teeth to prepare for braces at the request of their Orthodontist.- …And, if your wisdom teeth are hurting…this is a great time to remove them!
What could happen if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth when my doctor recommends that I do?
If you wait until your adult years to remove your wisdom teeth several things become more complicated about your surgery.- First, at some point in your late-late teens or early twenties, your lower wisdom teeth will grow root tips and finish developing. Once this happens, the risk of the root tips interfering with the nerve in your mandible raises the risk of temporary or permanent numbness in your lower lip and chin.- The older you become, generally the more dense your bone becomes. Increased bone density will increase the difficulty of removing the wisdom teeth and could cause additional swelling and healing time.- Younger patients heal faster and with less complications overall than older patients. Younger patients generally experience less dry socket, pain and swelling than older patients.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket (local alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot is lost from the hole left in the jaw after a wisdom tooth is extracted. It generally results in a dull, uncomfortable ache. It is easily treated in the office where you had your wisdom teeth removed.
What can be done to prevent a dry socket?
We see very few dry sockets in our practice! We are excited to provide you with a state of the art procedure called Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to reduce your chances of dry socket from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100! We offer this procedure at no charge to you! After placing your IV, we will draw a small amount of blood. That blood will be put into a centrifuge and spun very fast until it separates into distinct layers. One of the layers, the Platelet Rich layer contains numerous white blood cells, neutrophils and other key components of healing. This portion of your blood will be put back into the socket to stimulate bone growth and healing, reduce pain and inflammation and dramatically reduce your chance of dry socket. Dr. Hendrickson believes PRF is so beneficial that he provides this service to all of his patients at no cost. Thanks to PRF treatment we see a very small number of dry socket.
Where are you located?
We have 2 locations. Our Provo & Murray offices are located...
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
What are your hours?
We are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm MST.
Surgeries are scheduled on Thursdays (Provo) and Fridays (Murray).
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
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