The extraction of wisdom teeth is the most common treatment for this specialty, although other treatments include: extraction of trapped teeth or gums disease.

What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20.

Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt, there is often not enough room left to accommodate them. This can lead to teeth being trapped (by other teeth or by the bone). If teeth are impacted, swelling and tenderness in the area may occur.

Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and disease. Since teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications, the American Dental Association recommends that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.

How are wisdom teeth removed?
A tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. We recommend local anesthesia to numb the area during the procedure. After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, we will ask you to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 to stop the bleeding. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days. Removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or impaction should not affect your bite or oral health in the future.