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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 Risk It: What Really Happens When Wisdom Teeth are Ignored
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Why It Matters
Problems from Ignoring Wisdom Teeth
Leaving your wisdom teeth unattended, especially if they're impacted, can spell disaster for your oral health. Impacted wisdom teeth are those troublemakers that can't pop out fully, usually because there's no room or they're growing the wrong way. Trust me, it hurts.
Big problems from not dealing with those stubborn teeth include:
Ouch, the Pain: Crowded wisdom teeth can turn that lovely smile into a wince, with pain radiating around your gums and the back of your mouth.
Infection Invasion: Those pesky impacted teeth create a cozy spot for bacteria to thrive, leading to infections that can spread like wildfire.
Neighborly Damage: Impacted teeth love to bully, pushing against their neighbors, causing alignment issues and even tooth decay.
To know more about why you might need those wisdom teeth pulled, check out our signs you need wisdom teeth removed article.
Pain PointsPotential DamageImpacted Wisdom TeethPain, InfectionCrowded Wisdom TeethDamage to Nearby TeethAwkward PositionsGum Disease, Tooth Decay
Info from the experts at Dr. Wisdom Teeth.
What Happens If You Delay?
Putting off the removal of your wisdom teeth is like inviting problems to crash on your couch. Don't do it. Waiting too long can make things a lot worse and bring new headaches, such as:
Mega Infections: What starts as a low-key problem can blow up, needing more serious intervention.
Cysts and Tumors: Impacted teeth are troublemakers, potentially causing cysts that damage your jawbone and nearby tissues.
Gum Chaos: Crowded and crooked teeth are harder to clean, setting the stage for gum disease which threatens your entire mouth.
Cavity City: Those hidden teeth make it tougher to brush and floss, upping the chance of cavities.
Delay ConsequencesWhat Could HappenMega InfectionSpreading and severe infectionsCysts and TumorsAround impacted teethGum ChaosIncreased gum disease riskCavity CityHidden areas ripe for cavities
For when your wisdom teeth removal becomes a ticking clock, visit our urgent wisdom teeth removal page.
Taking care of these issues early with a good dentist can sidestep a world of hurt. Timely wisdom teeth removal isn't just a smart move—it's essential for keeping your mouth in tip-top shape. Discover the perks of extraction here.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Age Matters
Knowing how age affects getting your wisdom teeth pulled can really help you make the best choice and gear up properly for the procedure. Here, we'll look at how younger and older folks handle healing and complications differently, plus how anesthesia and sedation can make things easier.
Healing & Complications: Young vs. Older Folks
Age definitely impacts how well you heal and how likely you are to face issues after your wisdom teeth are yanked. Younger folks tend to bounce back faster with fewer problems. This mainly boils down to how their bones are still growing.
Younger Folks (17-25):
Quick healers with fewer problems.
Less chance of dry socket, pain, and swelling.
Softer bones make the whole extraction process easier.
Older Folks (25+):
More likely to have issues like dry socket, pain, and a lot of swelling.
Developed roots might mess with the nerve in the jaw, leading to potential numbness in the lower lip and chin.
Tougher, more rigid bones make extractions trickier, and healing takes longer.
Age GroupHealing TimeComplicationsYounger Folks (17-25)FasterLess dry socket, pain, and swellingOlder Folks (25+)SlowerMore dry socket, pain, and swelling
Anesthesia & Sedation: Keeping You Comfy
Anesthesia and sedation are key to making your wisdom teeth removal as comfy as possible. You've got a few options, depending on how you feel about the whole thing.
Local Anesthesia:
Numbs just the area they’re working on.
You’re awake but pain-free.
Sedation Anesthesia:
Given through an IV.
You hover between consciousness and sleep, which helps you relax and not stress out.
General Anesthesia:
Knocks you out completely.
Ideal for tougher extractions.
Type of AnesthesiaLevel of ConsciousnessBest ForLocal AnesthesiaAwake with no painSimple extractionsSedation AnesthesiaSemi-consciousFolks with anxietyGeneral AnesthesiaCompletely unconsciousComplex extractions
Talk it over with your oral surgeon to pick the anesthesia that works best for you. If you want more details, check out our page on anesthesia & sedation for comfort.
Getting a handle on how age affects healing and anesthesia choices really helps you and your family decide when and how to tackle those pesky wisdom teeth. For more tips, swing by our article on when's the best time to yank those wisdom teeth.
When It's Time to Bid Farewell to Those Wisdom Teeth
PRF Treatment: The Secret Weapon Against Pain and Complications
Alright, let’s have a quick chat about Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF), shall we? Think of PRF as your body's own magic healing potion. When your wisdom teeth get the boot, PRF steps in to do a little cleanup, reducing post-surgery woes like swelling and dry socket. Simply put, PRF concocts a mix of your blood's platelets, fibrin, and white blood cells, using it to fast-track healing and ease the pain.
Dr. Hendrickson is a firm believer in PRF. He even says it slashes the chance of a dry socket from being a common hiccup to a rare blip—like, from 1 in 10 to just 1 in 100! Plus, he throws it in at no extra cost, making life post-surgery much more comfortable. Intrigued? Hit up our guide on what to expect before wisdom teeth removal surgery for more inside scoop.
Why Getting Those Teeth Out Is Sometimes a Must-Do
Here’s the deal: those pesky wisdom teeth can really cramp your style. They often don’t have enough room to pop out properly, leading to all sorts of chaos—think infections, pain, damage to your pearly whites, and even cysts. Not a fun time.
Yanking them out could mean dodging these headaches. Not every wisdom tooth needs to be evicted, but catching the troublemakers early can save you from a whole lot of drama later on. Without this preemptive strike, your other teeth might start rioting and require more intense fixes. Check out our Wisdom Teeth Removal vs. Extraction FAQ to get into the nitty-gritty.
For teens and young adults, regular dental checkups are key to figuring out the right timing. Your dentist will be your best ally in deciding whether those teeth need to stay or go. Curious if those wisdom teeth are causing that annoying jaw pain? We’ve got answers for you right here.
Risks of Avoiding RemovalHow Often?What to Watch Out ForInfectionFrequentlyThanks to trapped gunk and germsNeighboring Teeth DamageOftenMisalignment and decay ahoyPainSometimesMostly when impactedCysts/TumorsRareBut still a hassle if they pop upGum DiseaseDecent chanceHard-to-clean spots turn nasty
Deciding whether to ditch those wisdom teeth can feel tricky, but weighing the benefits for oral health versus the risks helps. If you’re still navigating this dental maze, our guide on symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is a must-read. Keep those chompers healthy and happy!
All About Wisdom Teeth
Got wisdom teeth woes? We’re here to break things down, from their notorious late arrival to the unique quirks they bring along.
Popping Up & The Troubles They Bring
Wisdom teeth, or third molars as some fancy folks call them, usually make their grand entrance between ages 17 and 25 (thanks for the timeline, Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Being the last to the dental party, they often have to wrestle for room, and that’s where the drama starts. Here are some common wisdom tooth mishaps:
Impaction: Sometimes these teeth get stuck under gums or jawbone, causing a whole lotta pain and swelling. Curious about how this looks? Check out symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth.
Infection: Tight quarters make them tough to clean, inviting all sorts of bacterial parties.
Tooth Decay: These guys don’t usually get the best hygiene treatment, making them prime targets for cavities.
Gum Disease: If infections spread, they could mess with your gums too.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth: As they try to squeeze in, they might push around their neighbors, causing damage.
ProblemWhat's Up?ImpactionStuck in gums or jaw, causing discomfort and swellingInfectionHard to clean, leading to bacteria buildupTooth DecayProne to cavities due to tricky cleaningGum DiseaseInfections that spread to gumsNeighbor DamagePushes or damages the teeth next door
Number Diversity, Extra Teeth, & What’s Normal
How many wisdom teeth do you have? It varies – most folks get four, one at each corner (who knew, right? Again, shoutout to Dr. Wisdom Teeth). But some people have fewer, or even none! Occasionally, you might even find extra ones called 'para-molars' – just Mother Nature’s way of keeping things interesting.
Wisdom Teeth CountPercentage of Folks0Rare1 to 3Less Common4Most Common5 or MoreReally, really rare
Knowing your wisdom teeth situation can make a world of difference when deciding whether to monitor or remove them. A chat with your dentist can point you in the right direction. Want more details on when you might need them out? Head over to signs you need wisdom teeth removed.
Wondering about the risks of neglecting these pesky teeth? Check out what happens if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth for the lowdown.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: Anesthesia
Making sure you're comfy during wisdom teeth removal is super important, and anesthesia is like your VIP pass to a stress-free experience. This section spills the tea on the role of anesthesia during surgery and breaks down your options for staying chill.
Why Anesthesia Matters
Getting your wisdom teeth yanked out often needs some good old-fashioned anesthesia or sedation to keep you comfy and pain-free. Anesthesia isn't just about numbing your mouth but also calming those jitters so you can sail through the procedure. Whether your dentist suggests a numbing shot or a deeper sedation depends on how tricky the extraction is and how nervous you are (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Type of AnesthesiaPain ManagementMemory of ProcedureRecovery TimeLocal AnesthesiaNumbs just the areaFully awareMinimalIV SedationSuper relaxed, kinda out of itLittle to no memoryModerateGeneral AnesthesiaTotally out coldNo memoryLonger
Keeping Patients Comfy
Picking the right anesthesia can make all the difference in your experience. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s on the menu:
Local Anesthesia:
Just numbs the gums and nearby area.
You’re awake and aware but don't feel a thing.
Great for simple, quick extractions.
Fast recovery, so you're back on your feet in no time.
IV Sedation:
Aka "twilight sleep."
Puts you in a deep, relaxed state where you might barely remember anything.
Faster recovery compared to being totally knocked out.
Perfect for those more intense wisdom teeth removals (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
General Anesthesia:
Puts you completely under, like deep sleep.
Ideal for complicated cases.
You won’t remember a thing.
Takes longer to bounce back and needs some aftercare.
When you're gearing up for wisdom teeth removal, chatting with your dentist about the anesthesia options is key. Knowing what to expect can help squash any nerves and set you at ease.
For more tips on getting ready for surgery, check out our guide on how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to part ways with those pesky wisdom teeth, learn more about the signs you need wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom Teeth: Should They Stay or Go?
Keep or Yank? The Big Decision
Sometimes, those pesky wisdom teeth behave themselves and don’t need to be evicted. If they’re fully out, lined up like good soldiers, and not causing any trouble, your dentist might just keep an eye on them. Good dental checkups and top-notch brushing and flossing are key to making peace with your wisdom teeth (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
But let’s be real: when wisdom teeth decide to go rogue—getting stuck or turning in odd directions—pulling them is usually the best move. Dentists often suggest extraction to dodge pain, infections, cavities, gum disease, and collateral damage to nearby teeth. It’s like dealing with a bully early on to avoid bigger issues down the line (When to Yank Those Wisdom Teeth).
Why Kicking Them Out Can Save You a World of Hurt
Ditching your wisdom teeth can sidestep a ton of dental dilemmas:
Pain and Infection Busters: Wisdom teeth can be a real pain if they decide to crash the party at a weird angle or crowd others. Yanking them stops that hurtin’ and keeps infections at bay, especially since half-out teeth are bacteria magnets (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Shielding Against Cavities and Gum Trouble: Buried in the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth can be a real chore to clean. This makes them perfect hangouts for cavities and gum infections. Pulling ‘em can dodge those problems (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Saving Neighboring Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can crowd and crunch adjoining teeth. Ejecting them prevents that trouble and keeps your pearly whites in order.
Dodging Future Hassles: Early bird gets the worm—catching wisdom teeth issues young usually means smoother sailing. Younger folks heal faster and suffer fewer complications like dry socket and swelling (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Age GroupHealing TimeComplicationsPain LevelYounger CrowdQuickerLess (low dry socket, swelling)LowerOlder FolksSlowerMore (high bone density)Higher
For more scoop, check out Should You Remove or Not?.
The decision to pull wisdom teeth isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. You gotta weigh your symptoms, tooth alignment, and risk factors. Getting a handle on the clues that scream ‘tooth pull’ can help you make the right call. To learn more on whether wisdom teeth must always be ousted, hit up Must They Always Go?.
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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