Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop and are located at the very back of the mouth. They typically begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, there isn’t enough room for them to come in properly, which can lead to pain, crowding, or other dental problems. For this reason, it is often recommended to have wisdom teeth removed before the age of 18, when the roots are not yet fully developed and recovery is easier. At Precision Implant & Oral Surgery, we provide safe and effective surgical removal of wisdom teeth to prevent complications and protect your long-term oral health.

WHO NEEDS WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. However, extraction is often recommended if the teeth don’t have enough room to fully come in, are difficult to clean, become impacted, cause pain or infection, damage nearby teeth, or grow in at an improper angle. When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle, they can push against neighboring teeth, leading to misalignment and discomfort. They also create tight spaces where bacteria can collect, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Removing wisdom teeth before these problems develop is the best way to protect your oral health.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Wisdom teeth removal is performed under general anesthesia, administered by our on-site CRNA, and you’ll receive detailed pre-op instructions during your consultation. On the day of surgery, we use both local and general anesthetic to ensure you are fully comfortable and asleep during the procedure.

After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and sutured if needed, though these sites often heal quickly on their own. Gauze is placed to control bleeding and help a protective blood clot form. This process is repeated for each wisdom tooth—typically four in total.

Unlike other extractions, wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced, so generally a follow-up appointment is not required after they are removed.

RECOVERY

After your wisdom teeth removal, proper care is key to a smooth recovery. Follow these guidelines to reduce discomfort, protect the healing site, and get back to normal as quickly as possible:

RIDE HOME: Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. Patients cannot drive for 24 hours after general anesthesia. If the patient is under age 18, a parent or guardian must be on the premises for the duration of the surgery.
BLEEDING: Keep gauze in place with pressure until bleeding slows; replace as needed using provided extra gauze.
CLOT PROTECTION: Avoid disturbing the blood clot; refrain from smoking or irrigating the socket for at least three days.
PAIN & SWELLING: Use ice packs in 20 minute increments. Stay on top of pain by using over-the-counter and prescribed pain medication as recommended.
HYDRATION: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and ease dry mouth from anesthesia.
DIET: Stick to soft foods (yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, etc.) until your gums heal. Avoid small, crunchy foods that can get stuck in your sockets.
REST: Take it easy and avoid strenuous activity for at least 3 days.
FOLLOW-UP: Your care doesn't end when you leave - we are always only a phone call away. Call us at 435-652-1445 with any concerns or to schedule an appointment.

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