Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the very back of the mouth. These are usually the last teeth to come in during your teenage years when one “comes into wisdom". Typically, this corresponds to ages 16 to 20, but in many people, they are not able to erupt (come out) at all.
Not everyone grows wisdom teeth, and if you're one of those people, don't worry—not getting your wisdom teeth is not a bad thing. That being said, some people actually even have extra wisdom teeth!
For people who do have wisdom teeth, there is usually not enough space in their mouths to accommodate the molars. The teeth attempt to break through the gums but are caught and with the inability to clean the pocket around them can make it a bit of pain—literally.
Without enough room to grow, wisdom teeth can grow at an angle or against your second molars, which can lead to crowding or damage to your other teeth. It can also make removal more difficult. This is why dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth as a teenager.
Signs You Might Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
The best way to find out if you need your wisdom teeth removed is by consulting with a dentist. Your dentist or dental specialist, such as a periodontist or an oral & maxillofacial surgeon, can obtain dental x-rays.
Simply because you cannot see the teeth in your mouth does not mean they are not there. The dental x-rays can confirm whether or not you have third molars and their likelihood of being impacted – meaning they cannot erupt. Regular dental exams can also help your dentist spot potential issues well before you notice them.
Pain or a toothache is often what alerts a person to an issue with their wisdom teeth, though wisdom teeth don't always hurt, even when impacted.
Here are some common signs you might need your wisdom teeth removed:
- Gum pain, swelling, and redness
- Pain in your upper or lower jaw
- Shifting or crowding of teeth
- Frequent oral infections
- Cysts or tumors around the impacted tooth or jawbone
- Tooth decay around second molars
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction may be done in a dentist's office or by an oral surgeon, depending on whether you have any impacted wisdom teeth, which may require a more in-depth surgical procedure and sometimes sedation.
Whether done in your dentist's office or at a hospital, wisdom teeth extraction is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure.
Before your procedure, you should discuss any concerns you have with your doctor including any pre-existing health conditions. Your surgeon will provide you with pre-operative instructions. These instructions will cover topics like when you need to stop eating or drinking before the surgery and what medications you may need to stop or start taking.
If your procedure requires you to be sedated, you'll be asked to make arrangements for someone to drive you home and stay with you.
Be sure to discuss the following during the appointment:
- Wisdom tooth removal cost. The cost of a tooth extraction varies widely, depending on whether or not the tooth is impacted, and the type of anesthesia you will need. Simple extractions generally cost between $75 and $200 per tooth. Removing an impacted tooth can cost $200 to $600 per tooth.1
- Types of payment accepted. Unless you have the cash to pay out of pocket, you'll want to ask about the methods of payment accepted. You may be able to have part of your wisdom tooth removal cost covered by your insurance. If you choose a dentist or surgeon within the CareCredit® network, you can use your CareCredit® credit card to help you finance your procedure.*
- How long wisdom teeth removal will take. Ask how long your procedure is expected to take so the person picking you up knows what time to arrive.
- Wisdom teeth removal recovery time. Having a general idea of the recovery time is important so you can arrange the necessary time off of work or school.
Tips to prepare for wisdom teeth removal
Here are some tips to help you get ready for your wisdom teeth removal and recovery:
- Arrange to get enough time off work or school.
- Pick up prescriptions beforehand (pain medication, antibiotics, etc., prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon).
- Add soft foods to your grocery list since you will need to avoid hard foods for a few days.
- Have ice/ice packs ready to use for swelling and bruising during the first days and then warm packs for subsequent days.
If you tend to experience anxiety, regardless of your reason for going to the dentist, read our tips on how to relax during your visit.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed? What to Expect
On the day of your oral surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon will apply a numbing agent to your gums before administering anesthesia.
Anesthesia
One of the following three types of anesthesia will be used:
- Local anesthesia is administered by injection to the site of extraction so you don't feel anything but light pressure. This type of anesthesia means you will be awake during the procedure. This may be paired with “Laughing gas" or Nitrous Oxide. The Nitrous Oxide helps take the edge off of the procedure.
- (Intravenous) Sedation is a method where an IV is started and medications are given to relax you into a state where you will recall little or nothing from the surgery.
- General anesthesia is usually reserved for deeply impacted teeth. This is administered either through a mask on your nose, an IV in your arm, or both. This type of anesthesia means you will be unconscious during the procedure.
The most common of the above three is sedation. There are a two variations of this depending on your comfort level and the extent of work needed:
- Twilight or Light sedation is administered through an IV in your arm and leaves you in a conscious state just between waking and sleeping.
- Deep sedation is good for patients who are either very anxious or tend to have a serious gag reflex.
Wisdom tooth extraction
To extract the tooth, the dentist or surgeon will:
- Make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone
- Remove any bone that may be blocking the tooth root
- Remove the tooth, which may require dividing it into pieces first
- Clean the site of the removed tooth
- Stitch the gum closed, if necessary
- Apply gauze over the extraction site to stop bleeding
Recovery after wisdom tooth removal
You'll be moved to a comfortable area to rest and be monitored for a short time before being sent home.
Following the wisdom tooth extraction, a blood clot (or clots) should form over the site of the procedure. You may have some swelling and feel some pain.
It is important to avoid strenuous activities which may interrupt the healing process and negatively impact any blood clots. This can lead to a condition known as 'dry socket.' When this occurs, the bone is exposed and the underlying nerves become sensitive to cold or cold air or liquids.
There are things you can do to help make your recovery from wisdom tooth removal easier and potentially help reduce swelling as well as some of the pain you may experience.
Try these tips to help you heal following the removal of your wisdom teeth:
- Eat soft foods for the first few days, like pasta, soup, eggs, etc.
- Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, spicy, or too hot (temperature-wise).
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Apply ice to help with swelling and bruising.
- Apply moist heat to sore jaw muscles starting the second or third day after your surgery
- Unless otherwise directed, rinse carefully with warm salt water.
- Use extra pillows to elevate your head during sleep.
- Take medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
- Call your dentist if you experience signs of infection, such as fever, or if swelling or pain persists or worsens.
You can't prevent wisdom teeth from growing in but staying on top of your oral health by maintaining good hygiene and regular dental exams can help you avoid other issues.
CareCredit Financing for Wisdom Tooth Removal
If approved, you can use your CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network, to finance wisdom tooth removal and other dentistry procedures or treatment. The benefit of using a CareCredit credit card is the opportunity to use promotional financing on qualifying purchases. You can also use your CareCredit credit card again and again to pay for other health, wellness, and dental care needs.* Use the Acceptance Locator, or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a dental care provider near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.
Reviewer Bio
Dr. Robert Lemke, DDS, MD, PA, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Born and raised in San Antonio, Dr. Lemke is a graduate of Trinity University and the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. His extensive training and dual degrees (DDS and MD) allow him to provide superior care to every patient. He has lectured nationally on subjects including craniofacial reconstruction, facial cosmetic surgery, facial trauma, and the 'Teeth-in-a-Day" procedure for full-arch reconstruction. Learn more at www.oralsurgerytx.com
Author Bio
Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today, and more.