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Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Information Page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive insights into the specialized procedure we offer. Explore in-depth guides and watch educational videos. We're committed to ensuring you're well-informed and confident when choosing us for your wisdom teeth extraction needs.
Critical Indicators You Should Extract Wisdom Teeth
Signs of Wisdom Teeth Issues
Wisdom teeth, a.k.a. those pesky third molars, tend to make their grand entrance between ages 17 and 25. When there's not enough space or they're just not growing right, they can be real troublemakers. Here are some tell-tale signs that it's time to show them the door.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth decide to stay hidden beneath the gums or pop out sideways, they cause all kinds of grief. Here’s what to watch out for:
Pain: A constant ache at the back of your mouth could mean your wisdom teeth are playing hide-and-seek.
Swelling: Puffy gums around the area are a sure sign something’s up.
Jaw Stiffness: Finding it hard to open your mouth or move your jaw? Your wisdom teeth might be the culprits.
Bad Breath: No amount of mints can disguise the stench from impacted wisdom teeth.
Tender Gums: Red, sore, or bleeding gums are red flags you shouldn't ignore.
These symptoms can really put a dent in your daily life, making removal a tempting option. Need details? Check out our article on symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth.
Common Signs You Need Removal
Wondering if the snip-snip is necessary? Here's how to tell if your wisdom teeth have overstayed their welcome:
Recurring Infection: If you’re battling constant infections around your wisdom teeth, it's probably time to part ways. Their hard-to-reach spot is a bacteria playground.
Tooth Decay: Cleaning those back molars can be a pain, often leading to decay which means eviction time.
Gum Disease: Gingivitis or periodontitis lurking around your wisdom teeth is a recipe for disaster.
Damage to Nearby Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against their neighbors, causing alignment issues or damage.
Cysts or Tumors: Cysts around these teeth can mess with your jawbone, making them a serious issue.
For more on the perfect timing for these interventions, peek at our guide on when should wisdom teeth be removed.
SymptomFrequency (%)Pain85%Swelling79%Jaw Stiffness65%Bad Breath55%Tender Gums45%Recurring Infection67%Tooth Decay59%Gum Disease72%Damage to Nearby Teeth41%Cysts/Tumors15%
Recognizing these signs helps you decide if it’s time to call it quits with those wisdom teeth. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, getting professional advice and learning why wisdom teeth removal is necessary can clear things up. Afraid of the pain? Our article on does wisdom teeth removal hurt lays it all out for you.
Getting to Know Wisdom Teeth
So, you're pondering whether your wisdom teeth need to go. Before you book that dental appointment, let's dive into what these pesky molars are all about and why their role has changed over time.
What Are Wisdom Teeth Anyway?
Wisdom teeth, those third molars that pop up in your late teens or early twenties, were MVPs for our ancestors. Back in the day, they helped munch on raw plants and other tough stuff. Our great-great-great-grandparents had bigger jaws and more room, making these molars quite handy for breaking down that leafy, fibrous chow (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
But let's be real—times have changed. Nowadays, our jaws are smaller, and wisdom teeth often don’t fit right, leading to all sorts of fun problems like impaction or growing in all crooked. That's why a lot of folks find themselves considering getting them yanked out.
Changing Diets, Changing Teeth
Once upon a time, we chomped on greens and rough plant stuff. But look at us now, with our soft, cooked goodies. This shift in diet means less work for those third molars, so they’re kind of just taking up valuable real estate.
EraJaw Space and Wisdom TeethAncestors' Diet (Leafy Greens, Tough Plants)Spacious jaws, needed for grinding tough foodModern Diet (Soft, Cooked Foods)Smaller jaws, causing misaligned wisdom teeth
Our modern meals don't require the same heavy-duty chewing, so our jaws have become smaller. This evolutionary twist leaves less room for the newcomers—hence, all the grief they can cause, from pain to nasty infections or annoying cysts (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Feel like your wisdom teeth are more trouble than they're worth? It might be time to think about getting them removed. Check out our other articles on the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth or when exactly you should get them out for more juicy details.
Digging into the past and seeing where we stand today can arm you with the knowledge to make smart decisions about those wisdom teeth. If you're dealing with discomfort, ignoring it won’t make it go away; exploring your options might just save you a lot of future pain.
Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out
The Surgery Process
Getting those pesky wisdom teeth out is pretty common. It can relieve a lot of discomfort and prevent other dental issues.
Here's how it usually goes down: first, the dentist or oral surgeon makes a little cut in your gum to get to the tooth and the bone around it. Sometimes, they need to remove a bit of the bone to get to the tooth root. They might even break the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to take out. After they’ve got all the parts out, they stitch up the area so it can heal nicely (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
To simplify, here’s the play-by-play:
Cut the gum.
Remove some bone if needed.
Break the tooth into chunks.
Get every piece out.
Stitch it up.
This way, they make sure your troublesome wisdom tooth is out in the safest way.
Want more details? Check out our page on wisdom teeth removal.
Pain Management: Anesthesia and Sedation
Nobody likes pain, especially at the dentist. That’s why they’ve got a bunch of options to keep you comfy during wisdom teeth removal.
Anesthesia TypeWhat It DoesPerksLocal AnesthesiaNumbs the spot they’re working on.You stay awake, minimal recovery time.IV SedationGoes into your vein for blissful ignorance.You won’t remember a thing, faster recovery.General AnesthesiaKnocks you out cold.Good for tricky extractions or if you're really nervous.
Local anesthesia just numbs the area around your wisdom tooth, meaning you’ll be awake but won’t feel pain. IV sedation is like a mini-vacation—you’ll be relaxed and won’t remember the procedure. General anesthesia puts you to sleep and is used for difficult cases or if you're super anxious about the whole thing (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
For more on prepping for surgery, go to our page on how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Picking the right sedation can make the whole experience smoother and less nerve-wracking. For more info on how it feels, check out does wisdom teeth removal hurt.
Getting Over Wisdom Teeth Removal
How Long to Bounce Back
Getting back on your feet after wisdom teeth removal depends on your health and how tricky the surgery was. On average, you'll likely need about a week (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Expect some swelling and pain, mostly in the first couple of days. Here's a rough idea of what to expect:
DayWhat's Happening1-2Swelling and peak pain, take those prescribed meds and ice your face.3-4Swelling will start to go down, keep taking meds if needed.5-7Feeling a lot better, only mild pain, start doing light activities again.
For more details, check out our guide on how long does wisdom teeth removal take.
Post-Op Care Tips
Taking care of yourself after wisdom teeth removal is key to feeling better fast. Here’s some must-do advice:
Rest and Hydration:
Take it easy, especially in the first 48 hours.
Prop your head up to help with swelling.
Drink lots of fluids, but skip the straw—sucking can mess with blood clots.
Eating Smart:
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
Avoid hot, spicy, and crunchy stuff that might irritate your mouth.
Slowly start eating solid foods as you get better.
Keeping It Clean:
Start rinsing your mouth gently with salt water 24 hours after surgery.
Don’t brush near the extraction site for a few days.
Use any mouthwash your dentist gives you to keep things clean.
Handling Pain and Swelling:
Take your meds as the dentist told you to.
Ice your face for the first 24-48 hours, then switch to warm compresses.
Stopping Dry Socket:
Say no to smoking or any tobacco products.
Don't spit forcefully or use a straw.
Follow our when should wisdom teeth be removed tips for an easier procedure.
For more advice, check out our reads on what happens if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth and does wisdom teeth removal hurt.
By sticking to these post-op care tips, you can make your recovery quicker and easier. For personal advice, always check with your oral surgeon or dentist.
Wisdom Teeth: The Quirky Quartet
Let's talk wisdom teeth—those pesky molars that show up just when you're getting your life together in your late teens or early twenties. Their arrival can be a mixed bag, and not everyone's dental experience is the same. Let's break it down.
How Many Are We Talking?
Wisdom teeth, aka third molars, typically make their grand entrance between 17 and 25. Most people have four, one in each corner of the mouth. But, there's a lot of variation:
Number of Wisdom TeethPercentage of People00-5%1-35-20%475-85%More than 4Less than 1%
These variations spell different issues like cramped teeth, impacted molars, or crookedness, often requiring the dreaded removal (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to hit the road? Check out our guide on signs you need wisdom teeth removed.
Extra Guests: Para-molars and Extra Wisdom Teeth
In the rarest of dental freak shows, some folks sprout extra teeth called para-molars. Found near your wisdom teeth, these can up the chaos in your mouth.
Extra TeethHow Often They Show UpPara-molarsRareExtra wisdom teethVery rare
These surprises can bring the same drama as regular wisdom teeth—pain, infections, crowding. Catching them early with professional help is your best bet. For the why and how of wisdom tooth removals, give our article on why wisdom teeth removal is necessary a read.
Knowing what's going on with your wisdom teeth helps you keep your mouth from becoming a dental disaster zone. If you're feeling any discomfort, don’t play hero—get to a dentist. Curious about the whole removal process? Scope out what happens if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth.
Meet the Wisdom Teeth Team
Say hello to the crew dedicated to making your wisdom teeth removal as smooth and comfy as humanly possible.
Dr. Heath Hendrickson
Meet Dr. Heath Hendrickson, but you can call him 'Dr. Wisdom Teeth.' With a stellar track record, he's a whiz at taking out wisdom teeth. Dr. Hendrickson has yanked over 250,000 teeth and put more than 60,000 patients to sleep without a hitch (as of 2023). His unmatched expertise and steady hands make him the go-to guy for anyone facing wisdom teeth woes.
MetricDr. Heath HendricksonTeeth Removed250,000+Patients Safely Sedated60,000+
Michael Call, CRNA
Michael Call, our anesthesia guru, makes sure every patient stays comfy and safe. He got his chops at the Mayo Clinic and has racked up over 100,000 sedations in his career. Teaming up with Dr. Hendrickson, they’ve smoothly sedated over 60,000 folks. His knack for patient safety is key to our success.
MetricMichael Call, CRNAPatients Safely Sedated100,000+Sedations with Dr. Hendrickson60,000+
Hollis Schultz, Bobbi Jo McKay, Jennifer Frame
Hollis Schultz
Hollis Schultz has been holding down the fort since 2008. Her knack for patient care and her role in keeping the clinic top-notch make her an irreplaceable part of our crew. She's the friendly face who makes sure everything runs like clockwork.
NameRoleJoinedHollis SchultzStaff Member2008
Bobbi Jo McKay
Running the show as Office Manager is Bobbi Jo McKay. She jumped on the wisdom teeth bandwagon after earning her Dental Assisting Certificate in 2011 and hasn’t looked back. With nine years under her belt, she’s all about giving patients the best experience possible.
NameRoleExperience (Years)Bobbi Jo McKayOffice Manager9
Jennifer Frame
And then there’s Jennifer Frame, our lead assistant who knows the ins and outs of oral surgery. Her expertise in dental anesthesia means our clinical care is second to none.
NameRoleJennifer FrameLead Assistant
Together, the squad at Wisdom Teeth Only makes sure your trip to the dentist is a breeze. Their combined smarts and dedication make them a top pick for wisdom teeth removal in Utah. If you're dealing with pain or those pesky complications or just want your wisdom teeth gone as a precaution, you can count on this crew to take excellent care of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth, and why do they need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause problems because there is insufficient space for them to fully emerge or they may grow in an improper position. This can lead to various issues like pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to address these concerns.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or overcrowding, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their assessment, they can recommend the need for wisdom teeth removal. If you do not have a dentist, please call us and set up a FREE consultation and x-ray to determine a plan that is right for you.
Why are the third molars referred to as wisdom teeth?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago!
"The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years."
— Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Why do we have third molars if we just remove them?
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
What is the process for removing wisdom teeth?
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
Does everyone have 4 wisdom teeth?
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Does wisdom teeth removal require anesthesia or sedation?
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the procedure?
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, your dental professional will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation. These instructions include: fasting 5-6 hours before the surgery, avoid smoking or using a straw post-surgery, take regularly prescribed medications, apply ice packs, maintain proper oral hygiene, and call us if you encounter any problems on our 24/7 after care nurse line. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Will I experience pain during or after the removal?
The procedure itself is usually painless due to anesthesia or sedation. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage any post-operative pain. Additionally, using home remedies such as applying ice packs and rinsing with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery period.
What are the alternatives to wisdom teeth removal?
In certain cases where the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, positioned correctly, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure they do not cause complications in the future. However, if extraction is recommended, it is typically the most effective solution to prevent potential issues associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
What does it mean that a wisdom tooth is ‘impacted’?
Your dentist will classify a tooth by the degree to which it has been able to grow out of your jaw bone. If a tooth remains trapped in the bone, usually by a lack of space or close proximity to other teeth, the tooth is considered to be ‘impacted’. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed, you will experience some degree of swelling around the lower wisdom teeth. Sometimes patient’s refer to this as the “chipmunk effect” because after surgery you look like you are packing nuts in your cheeks like a chipmunk!
When is the best time to remove the wisdom teeth?
This is always a hard question to answer, simply because we can’t see into the future. However, if an X-ray indicates that there is inadequate room for the wisdom teeth to develop then a few criteria may indicate the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth. Your doctor will help you decide when the time is right - They are best removed before the roots have fully developed. Ideally, when root development is between 25% and 50%. Undeveloped roots increase the chances that your surgery will be successful and you will not suffer any long term negative effects.- If possible, allowing the tooth to erupt as much as possible before it gets ‘stuck’ is also favorable. The closer the tooth gets to erupting, the simpler the surgery to remove it will be.- Age is a consideration and patients in their late teens are ideal candidates for removal. However, in some instances patients as young as 10 years old or as old as 90 may require wisdom tooth removal.- Oftentimes patients will remove the wisdom teeth to prepare for braces at the request of their Orthodontist.- …And, if your wisdom teeth are hurting…this is a great time to remove them!
What could happen if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth when my doctor recommends that I do?
If you wait until your adult years to remove your wisdom teeth several things become more complicated about your surgery.- First, at some point in your late-late teens or early twenties, your lower wisdom teeth will grow root tips and finish developing. Once this happens, the risk of the root tips interfering with the nerve in your mandible raises the risk of temporary or permanent numbness in your lower lip and chin.- The older you become, generally the more dense your bone becomes. Increased bone density will increase the difficulty of removing the wisdom teeth and could cause additional swelling and healing time.- Younger patients heal faster and with less complications overall than older patients. Younger patients generally experience less dry socket, pain and swelling than older patients.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket (local alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot is lost from the hole left in the jaw after a wisdom tooth is extracted. It generally results in a dull, uncomfortable ache. It is easily treated in the office where you had your wisdom teeth removed.
What can be done to prevent a dry socket?
We see very few dry sockets in our practice! We are excited to provide you with a state of the art procedure called Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to reduce your chances of dry socket from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100! We offer this procedure at no charge to you! After placing your IV, we will draw a small amount of blood. That blood will be put into a centrifuge and spun very fast until it separates into distinct layers. One of the layers, the Platelet Rich layer contains numerous white blood cells, neutrophils and other key components of healing. This portion of your blood will be put back into the socket to stimulate bone growth and healing, reduce pain and inflammation and dramatically reduce your chance of dry socket. Dr. Hendrickson believes PRF is so beneficial that he provides this service to all of his patients at no cost. Thanks to PRF treatment we see a very small number of dry socket.
Where are you located?
We have 2 locations. Our Provo & Murray offices are located...
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
What are your hours?
We are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm MST.
Surgeries are scheduled on Thursdays (Provo) and Fridays (Murray).
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
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