Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth — your third molars — usually make their appearance in the late teens or early twenties. For many patients, there simply isn't enough room for them to come in properly, which is when removal becomes the best option.

Why removal is often recommended

• Impaction — the tooth is trapped under the gum or bone, unable to fully emerge
• Crowding — insufficient space, which can push on neighboring teeth
• Partial eruption — creates a hard-to-clean pocket prone to infection and gum disease
• Growing in at an angle — sideways or angled wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth or bone
• Cysts or decay — impacted teeth are more prone to developing cysts or cavities that are difficult to treat

Evaluation

We use digital X-rays to see exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned relative to your nerves, sinuses, and neighboring teeth, so we can plan the safest, most comfortable approach well before any discomfort starts.

The procedure

Depending on how each tooth has developed, removal may be a straightforward extraction or a surgical one. Fully emerged wisdom teeth are often removed much like any other tooth, under local anesthetic. Impacted teeth may require a small incision and, occasionally, sectioning the tooth for a smoother removal.

Recovery

Most patients manage recovery well with rest, soft foods, and the aftercare instructions we provide. Some swelling and soreness for a few days is normal, and we'll check in to make sure you're healing as expected.

See our post-op care instructions for full recovery guidance after your extraction.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.