EXTRACTION RESOURCES
Wisdom Teeth Removal
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars and the last teeth to develop in your mouth. They typically begin forming in early adolescence and attempt to push through the gums between the ages of 17 and 25. Most adults develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, although it is perfectly normal to have fewer than four or, in rare cases, none at all.
Over thousands of years, as human diets became softer and cooking became universal, jaws gradually became smaller. The teeth themselves did not evolve at the same pace. The result is that modern jaws frequently lack the space to accommodate these additional molars, leading to a host of problems when they try to emerge.
At Glendale Dental Wellness, we monitor wisdom tooth development with regular checkups and digital X-rays. Panoramic radiographs allow us to see the position, angle, and root development of your wisdom teeth long before they attempt to erupt, enabling early detection and proactive planning.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not every person needs their wisdom teeth removed. When wisdom teeth come in straight, are easy to clean, and do not interfere with neighboring teeth, there is no clinical reason to extract them. However, the majority of people do not have enough room for proper eruption. Common reasons for removal include:
- Impaction: The tooth is fully or partially trapped beneath gum tissue or bone
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth push against existing teeth and shift alignment
- Pericoronitis: Recurrent infection under the gum flap of a partially erupted tooth
- Cysts or tumors: The tissue surrounding an impacted tooth can develop complications
- Damage to adjacent teeth: Pressure can cause root resorption of the second molar
- Difficulty cleaning: Position makes them highly susceptible to cavities and gum disease
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
When a wisdom tooth cannot fully emerge, it is considered impacted. The type of impaction — mesioangular (tilted forward), distoangular (tilted backward), horizontal (on its side), or vertical (upright but trapped) — determines the surgical approach and complexity of the extraction. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are often the most problematic because the opening in the gum creates a pocket where bacteria collect, yet the tooth cannot be properly cleaned.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Knowing what to expect before, during, and immediately after the procedure helps many patients feel calmer and more prepared. Here is an overview of each step at Glendale Dental Wellness.
Pre-Operative Evaluation
Includes panoramic X-ray and possibly a CBCT scan for teeth near the inferior alveolar nerve. We review your medical history, medications, and any health conditions that might affect the procedure or recovery.
Local Anesthesia
Injections numb the surgical area completely. You remain fully awake and aware but feel no pain at the extraction site. Appropriate for patients comfortable in the dental chair with straightforward extractions.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Laughing gas produces a relaxed, calm state combined with local anesthesia. An excellent option for mildly anxious patients. Effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask.
IV Sedation
For significant dental anxiety or complex extractions. You will be drowsy and likely have little memory of the procedure. A responsible adult must drive you home after IV sedation.
Extraction Process
An incision exposes the tooth and bone. Bone blocking the tooth is carefully removed. The tooth is often sectioned into smaller pieces for removal through a smaller opening, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue.
Post-Procedure
Gauze pads placed over extraction sites. You receive written post-operative instructions, prescriptions if needed, and a follow-up appointment. Total appointment time is typically 90 minutes to two hours for all four teeth.
Recovery & Key Considerations
Rest with head elevated, apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals, stick to cold soft foods. Do not rinse, spit, use a straw, or smoke. See our full recovery guide.
Swelling and bruising are normal at 48-72 hours. Begin gentle salt water rinses after 24 hours. Pain is usually well managed with prescribed medication.
Most patients notice meaningful improvement. Transition from prescription to over-the-counter pain relief. Introduce warmer soft foods. Avoid strenuous exercise.
Most patients feel close to normal. Dissolvable sutures have dissolved. Gradually return to regular diet. Full routine including work and school can resume.
Usually recommended to go through recovery only once. One period of downtime, one anesthesia session, one set of follow-ups. Staged removal is an option for patients who prefer it.
Roots are not fully formed and bone is less dense, making extraction easier with faster recovery. A proactive evaluation before problems begin avoids emergency situations.
If a future dental implant is planned, a bone graft can be placed at the extraction site to preserve bone volume during healing.
Most dental insurance covers wisdom teeth removal when medically necessary. Cost varies by impaction degree, number of teeth, and sedation type. We provide detailed estimates before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
The ideal age for wisdom teeth removal is typically between 16 and 25, when the roots are not yet fully developed and the surrounding bone is less dense. This makes the extraction easier, reduces surgical complexity, and leads to faster recovery. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if they are causing problems. Older adults may experience a slightly longer recovery due to denser bone and more fully formed roots, but the procedure is still safe and effective.
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
You should not feel pain during the procedure itself. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area completely, and sedation options like nitrous oxide or IV sedation can keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout. After the anesthesia wears off, you can expect some soreness and swelling for the first few days. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications effectively manage post-operative discomfort for the vast majority of patients. Most people describe the recovery as more uncomfortable than truly painful.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
Removing all four wisdom teeth typically takes 30 to 60 minutes from the start of the procedure to completion. A single wisdom tooth can often be removed in 15 to 20 minutes. The exact time depends on the position of each tooth, the degree of impaction, and whether bone removal or tooth sectioning is required. The total time in the office will be longer when you factor in preparation, anesthesia administration, and post-operative monitoring.
Can I eat before wisdom teeth removal?
This depends on the type of anesthesia planned for your procedure. If you are receiving only local anesthesia or nitrous oxide, a light meal a few hours beforehand is usually fine and can help prevent lightheadedness. If IV sedation is planned, you will need to fast — typically nothing to eat for at least six to eight hours before your appointment, and no clear liquids for two hours prior. We will give you specific fasting instructions when your procedure is scheduled.
What happens if I don't remove impacted wisdom teeth?
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth in place can lead to several complications over time. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are prone to infection (pericoronitis), as bacteria easily become trapped under the flap of gum tissue covering the tooth. Impacted teeth can also cause damage to adjacent second molars, contribute to cyst formation in the jawbone, and create crowding that shifts your other teeth out of alignment. Not every impacted wisdom tooth will cause problems, but the risk increases with age.
How long does the numbness last after removal?
Numbness from local anesthesia typically wears off within two to four hours after the procedure. Your lips, tongue, chin, and cheeks may feel heavy or tingly during this time. Be careful not to bite your lip or tongue while still numb. If you received IV sedation, you may also feel groggy for several hours afterward. In rare cases involving lower wisdom teeth positioned very close to the inferior alveolar nerve, temporary numbness can persist for days or weeks, but permanent nerve effects are uncommon.
