If you've been told your wisdom teeth need to be removed, you're not alone. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common procedures performed in oral surgery, and for good reason.
For most teens and young adults, this is the first step toward protecting the health of their entire smile. At Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts, our oral surgeons are here to walk you through exactly what to expect from your first consultation to recovery.
Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they can come in without problems. For most, however, there simply isn't enough space in the jaw for them to erupt properly.
Signs that removal may be recommended include:
Impacted wisdom teeth that are trapped beneath the gum or bone
Pain or swelling around the back of the mouth
Tooth decay or gum disease developing around a wisdom tooth
Crowding or pressure on neighboring teeth
Early evaluation gives you the best chance to protect your long-term oral health before complications develop.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Often Removed?
Wisdom teeth are uniquely positioned to cause many potential problems. Because they sit at the very back of the mouth, they're difficult to clean, which makes them vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.
When they're impacted underneath the gumline, they can silently damage nearby teeth and the bone that supports them. Removing wisdom teeth before the roots are fully formed typically means an easier extraction, faster healing, and fewer complications down the road.
Our doctors will complete a thorough evaluation to determine whether removal is the right recommendation for your situation.
Our Approach to Wisdom Tooth Extractions
At Virginia Advanced Surgical Arts, our oral surgeons bring expert surgical training and precision to every extraction.
Before any procedure, we use advanced imaging to fully assess the tooth’s position and root structure, so there are no surprises. Sedation and anesthesia options are available to keep you comfortable and calm throughout the procedure.
Oral surgery is an investment in your overall health, and it’s important to have a clear picture before moving forward with treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Your visit begins with a consultation and imaging to understand exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned. Your oral surgeon will walk you through your anesthesia options and answer any questions before the day of surgery.
The extraction is then performed with careful surgical techniques focused on your safety and wellbeing. You'll leave with detailed aftercare instructions, so you know what to expect as you recover.
Why Choose Us for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Our oral surgeons have extensive experience treating teens and young adults through wisdom teeth removal.
We take our time to communicate clearly with patients and parents, because we know that understanding what's happening makes all the difference.
When it's time to take the next step, we're ready to help you do it with confidence.
Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Before your procedure, your oral surgeon will provide specific pre-surgery instructions. In general, it’s best to plan on fasting if IV sedation or general anesthesia will be used, arrange a safe ride home, wear comfortable and loose clothing, and bring a list of any medications you take. Stocking up on soft, easy-to-eat foods and setting up a cozy recovery space at home will also help you relax and recover.
Most patients feel noticeably better on days three to five after treatment. Swelling tends to peak around day two, then gradually subsides.
Managing discomfort with prescribed medications and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, keeping your head elevated, and resting are the most important things you can do to recover after extraction. Strenuous activity should be avoided for the first week to protect the healing extraction sites.
For the first few days, stick to soft foods that require little to no chewing. A few good options are yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies without a straw, and warm broth. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, spicy, or chewy until your surgeon clears you to advance your diet. Full details will be provided at your appointment.
