Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the molars found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties but may become impacted — failing to erupt — due to lack of room in the jaw or the angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is "mesial," meaning the tooth is angled forward toward the front of the mouth.

When Removal Is Needed

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Partially or fully erupted wisdom teeth tend to be difficult to clean and are susceptible to decay, recurring infections, and gum disease.

Dr. Song will take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If removal is recommended, it's best to act sooner rather than later — younger patients often have an easier, faster recovery.

The Extraction Process

Dr. Song will first numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Additional sedation is available if you feel nervous about the procedure. If the tooth is still under the gums and embedded in the jaw bone, Dr. Song will need to remove a small portion of the covering bone to access the tooth. To minimize the amount of bone removed, the wisdom tooth may be "sectioned" so each piece can be removed through a small opening.

Recovery

Healing time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Dr. Song will provide detailed instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process — including what to eat, how to care for the site, and when to call if something seems off.