Wisdom Teeth

What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Do They Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 24. Because they develop later than other permanent teeth, there’s often not enough room in the mouth, which increases the risk of:

• Crowding – pushing nearby teeth out of alignment

• Impaction – teeth trapped below the gum line

• Infections or gum disease near the molars

• Tooth decay in partially erupted wisdom teeth

By removing wisdom teeth early, Marvel Dental helps prevent pain, misalignment, and long-term oral health complications.

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not always. The Marvel Dental team carefully evaluates each patient before making a recommendation. Extraction may be advised if you have:

• Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth

• Wisdom teeth growing sideways or crooked

• Gum disease near the molars

• Jaw pain or swelling at the back of the mouth

• Recurrent infections from trapped food or bacteria

• Cavities in hard-to-clean wisdom teeth

• Bone loss in the upper or lower jaw

Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, your dentist may recommend preventive wisdom tooth removal to avoid future problems.

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Before surgery, your Marvel Dental provider takes digital X-rays to see the exact position of your wisdom teeth. You’ll also review:

• Current medications, vitamins, or supplements

• Sedation and anesthesia options (local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, or sedation dentistry for anxious patients)

• Recovery guidelines and aftercare instructions

Since anesthesia takes time to wear off, you’ll need to arrange a ride home after your procedure.

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Your Marvel Dental provider administers an anesthetic and makes incisions in your gums to expose your wisdom teeth. They use handheld tools to carefully loosen each tooth and then pull them from their sockets. 

After removing your wisdom teeth, your provider cleans the empty sockets, places stitches to close the surgical sites, and packs them with gauze to stop the bleeding. Then, they write you a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication and move you to a recovery room until the anesthetic wears off. You will have to have someone drive you home after the procedure. 

Call the nearest Marvel Dental office to schedule a wisdom teeth extraction consultation, or book your appointment online today.