Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last adult teeth to emerge—usually sometime between ages 16 and 22. Unfortunately, many mouths don’t have the space to accommodate them, which can lead to impaction, higher risk of decay, and other significant oral health concerns. For these patients, Edgewater Dental offers expert wisdom tooth removal.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal, or extraction, is the recommended treatment for impacted or problematic wisdom teeth. At Edgewater Dental, this is just one of many services we offer. Patients love that they rarely, if ever, need a referral to another dental office—our multi-specialty clinic can handle almost all dental needs under one roof.

As part of your (or your child’s) routine comprehensive exams, our doctors monitor the development and position of the wisdom teeth closely. If we see a cause for concern, we’ll let you know and may recommend extraction to prevent future complications.

Why Take Wisdom Teeth Out?

Most reasons for surgically removing wisdom teeth come down to lack of space. But this can result in a number of issues, including:

• Inflammation and infection

• Difficulty cleaning the area behind and between teeth

• Damage to adjacent teeth

• Crowding and shifting of nearby teeth

• Cysts in the jawbone

These conditions often overlap—for example, overcrowding can make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing the risk of infection. Symptoms of impacted or crowded wisdom teeth include:

• Pain or swelling in the gums or jaw

• Bleeding gums

• Bad breath

• Gum or bone loss

We track changes at each exam with digital imaging, helping you avoid these complications before they start. But if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to talk to us about wisdom teeth removal.

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?

Not nearly as bad as most people expect! The worst part is usually the anticipation. You’ll be given local anesthesia, so while you may feel some pressure during the procedure, you should feel no pain at all.

Afterward, some swelling and soreness are normal and can usually be managed with Ibuprofen or Tylenol. If your wisdom teeth never erupted, a small incision in the gum tissue may be needed, which can cause extra tenderness—but again, over-the-counter pain relievers usually do the trick.

Most patients feel fully recovered within a few weeks.

See Our Specialists for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Reach out to Edgewater Dental today to schedule a consultation and discuss your wisdom teeth removal options. We’re here to make the process smooth, comfortable, and stress-free—for you or your teen.