Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal in Highland, Utah, addresses problems that occur when these third molars don’t have enough room to emerge properly. Most people’s jaws aren’t large enough to accommodate these extra teeth, which typically try to come in during the late teens or early twenties. When there isn’t sufficient space, wisdom teeth can become impacted—meaning they’re trapped beneath the gum line or growing at awkward angles.
Impacted wisdom teeth create a host of problems. They can push against neighboring molars, causing pain and potentially damaging those healthy teeth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to infections, gum disease, and tooth decay. Some wisdom teeth grow toward the back of your mouth or even sideways, creating situations that are impossible to clean properly. Cysts can develop around impacted teeth, potentially damaging your jawbone and surrounding structures.
Even wisdom teeth that manage to emerge fully often sit so far back in your mouth that keeping them clean becomes nearly impossible. This makes them vulnerable to decay and gum disease, which can then spread to adjacent teeth. Removing problematic wisdom teeth protects your overall oral health and prevents complications that only get worse with time.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Attention
Your body usually gives you clear signals when wisdom teeth are causing trouble. Pain or tenderness at the back of your mouth is often the first indication something’s wrong. You might notice swelling, redness, or bleeding gums around the area where wisdom teeth are trying to emerge. Some people experience jaw pain, stiffness, or difficulty opening their mouth fully.
Bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or frequent headaches can also indicate wisdom tooth problems. However, not everyone experiences obvious symptoms. Sometimes wisdom teeth cause damage silently, which is why your dentist monitors their development through regular x-rays during your routine checkups. Catching problems early makes extraction simpler and recovery easier.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
The complexity of your wisdom teeth removal depends on whether your teeth have fully emerged or remain impacted beneath the gums. Our doctors will examine your mouth and take x-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the best approach for extraction.
The Extraction Procedure
Before starting, we’ll ensure you’re completely comfortable. Local anesthesia numbs the area around each tooth being removed, and we offer sedation options for patients who feel anxious about the procedure. For simple extractions where the tooth has fully emerged, the process resembles a standard tooth removal. We’ll loosen the tooth and gently lift it from the socket.
Impacted wisdom teeth require a surgical approach. We’ll make a small incision in your gum to access the tooth, and sometimes we need to remove a bit of bone covering it. In some cases, we’ll divide the tooth into smaller pieces to make removal easier and less invasive. Once the tooth is out, we’ll clean the site thoroughly, place stitches if needed, and provide gauze to control bleeding.
Recovery and Aftercare
The first few days after wisdom teeth removal require some special care, but most people find recovery more manageable than they expected. Following aftercare instructions carefully helps you heal quickly and avoid complications.
Important recovery tips include:
- Apply ice packs to your face for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup for several days
- Avoid using straws, as the suction can dislodge blood clots and cause dry socket
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, which significantly slow healing
- Rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery
- Rest for the first day or two and avoid strenuous activity
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
- Continue brushing your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical sites
Most people return to normal activities within a few days, though complete healing takes a few weeks. You’ll have a follow-up appointment so we can check your progress and address any concerns.
Planning for Your Procedure
Many patients wonder about the best time to have wisdom teeth removed. If your dentist recommends extraction, sooner is generally better than later. Younger patients typically recover faster because the tooth roots aren’t fully formed yet and the surrounding bone is less dense. Waiting until problems develop often means dealing with pain, infection, and more complicated surgery.
We offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, and in-house payment plans to make wisdom teeth removal affordable. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost, especially when the procedure is medically necessary.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation
Don’t wait until wisdom teeth cause serious problems. Call Treehouse Dental at (801) 756-2273 to schedule a consultation with Dr. William Collins, Dr. Beau Seager, and the team. We’ll evaluate your wisdom teeth, discuss your options, and create a treatment plan that protects your smile. Discover the joy of a healthy smile at Utah’s trusted family dental clinic!
