Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of your mouth. They are often referred to as the third molars, and they normally come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Oftentimes, there isn’t enough space in your mouth for wisdom teeth because all of your other teeth have already erupted by that point. Consequently, there’s a chance that your wisdom teeth might become partly or completely impacted under your gums, which can lead to all kinds of problems.

While wisdom teeth extraction is sometimes viewed as a rite of passage for teenagers and young adults, it’s not always necessary. We only recommend having your wisdom teeth removed if they truly pose a threat to your oral health. Some of the signs that indicate that an extraction might be needed include:

• Wisdom teeth that have failed to break through the gums.
• Symptoms associated with infection, such as swelling.
• Pain in the back of your mouth that doesn’t go away.
• A change in the alignment of your bite.

Wisdom teeth that remain trapped under the gums will have to be extracted surgically. The process involves making an incision in the gums, and the tooth in question might need to be divided into sections that can be removed separately.
If the wisdom teeth have managed to erupt and are visible above the gumline, the extraction process is much simpler. We can use special instruments to loosen the teeth before taking them out with forceps.

It’s up to you to take care of your mouth while it’s healing after wisdom teeth extraction. Here are some of the steps you will need to take:

• Use a cold compress to keep swelling down.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication if you’re experiencing any discomfort during your recovery.
• Maintain a soft-food-only diet for a few days.
• Take it easy. Don’t engage in any sort of strenuous physical activity.
• Make sure that your head stays elevated at all times. (Naturally, this includes when you go to sleep.)
• Avoid drinking through a straw or doing anything else that could result in a dry socket.
• Contact our office immediately if you notice unusual symptoms (such as pain that doesn’t fade away after a certain period of time).

When the time comes to have your wisdom teeth removed, one of the first things you will want to figure out is how much you can expect to pay for your treatment. Our team can explain the factors that influence the final price and give you a reliable estimate. On top of that, we can file any necessary insurance claims on your behalf, and we can help you explore other options for managing the cost of your care.