Wisdom Teeth FAQs

What are wisdom teeth?
At what age do people get wisdom teeth?
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
What are some symptoms of wisdom teeth?
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
What are some problems that can arise if I do not remove my wisdom teeth?
Why are wisdom teeth more difficult to remove than other teeth?
Can I be sedated during my wisdom teeth removal?
How is the sedation administered?
What types of medications are administered for sedation?
Will an anesthesiologist be present?
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
What is the recovery period for wisdom teeth extractions?

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What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third molars located in the back of your mouth. They usually are the last to develop.

At what age do people get wisdom teeth?

Most people get their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties, but it is also possible to develop wisdom teeth as a pre-teen or as an older adult.

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

No, not everyone gets wisdom teeth. While many people get all four of their wisdom teeth, some people may only develop three, two or even just one.

What are some symptoms of wisdom teeth?

Some symptoms of wisdom teeth are pain in the jaw, tenderness, swelling around the gums, discharge if an abscess or infection is present, or you can see it poking through the gum behind your second molar. Some people, however, don’t have any visible or noticeable symptoms of wisdom teeth pain.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

If they are impacted and or cause crowding in your teeth, it is recommended that they be removed to avoid damaging the surrounding teeth. If they grow in correctly positioned, healthy and function properly, it is not necessary to have them removed.

What are impacted wisdom teeth?

A wisdom tooth is considered impacted if there is not enough room after the second molar for the tooth to emerge or develop normally.

What are some problems that can arise if I do not remove my wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth, if not grown properly, can cause further dental problems, including damage to surrounding teeth, jaw damage (cyst growth), inflamed/infected gum tissues, cavities, alignment problems, or sinus issues.

Why are wisdom teeth more difficult to remove than other teeth?

Wisdom teeth do not often grow in like your other teeth. If they are impacted, they have a more angled position and will need to be sectioned into pieces when extracted. If the tooth is not yet erupted, it will also require an incision in the tissue before accessing the tooth.

In addition, we also have to consider the wisdom teeth’s root anatomy. Wisdom teeth typically have multiple roots and they can be shaped in a variety of ways, as well as grow separately or fused together. Teeth with irregularly shaped roots or curvature can be more difficult, especially on the lower jaw, because of its relativity to the nerve.

Can I be sedated during my wisdom teeth removal?

Sedation is an option for wisdom teeth removal; however, our Doctors will want to review your health history, allergies and medications before proceeding with this treatment recommendation.

How is the sedation administered?

Sedation is administered through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. Once injected, the patient will fall asleep and is completely unaware of the procedure being performed. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus.

What types of medications are administered for sedation?

Medications most commonly used are Fentany, Versed, Ketamine and Diprivan. For more information on anesthesia and Sedation, please visit our Anesthesia Page.

Will an anesthesiologist be present?

Drs. Howerton, Hopkin, Kennedy and Clark are board certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, having completed the required anesthesiology schooling, training and evaluation required and continue to maintain their education in order to administer anesthesia in the office. In addition to our Doctor’s expertise, three to four of our certified surgical assistants are in the room with the Doctor throughout the entire procedure monitoring the patient’s vital signs and breathing.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Depending on the complexity of the extraction, there are different anesthetic options that could be administered during the procedure to minimize the pain and discomfort during the extraction. Please visit our Anesthesia Page to review the different options available for our patients and procedures usually associated with each method.

What is the recovery period for wisdom teeth extractions?

We usually estimate 7-10 days for a recovery period, however some people may experience shorter or longer recovery times. Ultimately, it is all dependent on the patient.