Wisdom Teeth Removal
Clear guidance, appropriate anesthesia options, and surgical care tailored to your individual needs.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth may require removal when they are impacted, painful, infected, decayed, affecting the health of a neighboring tooth, or when removal is appropriate as part of an orthodontic treatment plan. In some cases, healthy wisdom teeth may be monitored. Recommendations are based on your symptoms, examination, imaging, and individual anatomy.
Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth can be associated with inflammation, infection, or recurring discomfort.
A tooth that cannot erupt normally may remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum or bone.
Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean and may develop decay that cannot be predictably restored or maintained.
Periodontal disease around a wisdom tooth may compromise the health of the adjacent second molar and its supporting tissues.
Removal may be recommended as part of an individualized orthodontic treatment plan when the position of the wisdom teeth may interfere with planned treatment.
Less commonly, impacted wisdom teeth may be associated with cysts or other pathologic changes involving the surrounding tissues.
What to expect before surgery.
Your consultation is an opportunity to understand whether treatment is recommended, review anesthesia options, and develop a plan tailored to your health, anatomy, and goals.
Review your health
We review your medical history, medications, allergies, and other factors that may affect surgery or anesthesia.
Clinical evaluation
Dr. Siew evaluates your wisdom teeth, surrounding tissues, symptoms, and any concerns you may have.
Review the anatomy
Appropriate imaging helps assess tooth position and nearby structures and supports surgical planning.
Discuss your options
We review whether removal is appropriate, anesthesia options, alternatives, expected recovery, and important risks.
Anesthesia options for your comfort and safety.
The appropriate option depends on your procedure, health history, preferences, and other clinical considerations.
Local anesthesia
Local anesthetic numbs the surgical area while you remain awake during the procedure.
IV sedation
IV sedation can help reduce anxiety and awareness and improve comfort during wisdom tooth surgery. The appropriate level of sedation is individualized for each patient.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia may be considered for selected patients and procedures when clinically appropriate.
What to expect after wisdom tooth surgery.
Recovery is different for every patient. We will provide instructions specific to your procedure and health history.
Swelling & soreness
Swelling and discomfort are common during the first several days and generally improve as healing progresses.
Diet
Begin with foods that are soft to eat and gradually return to your normal diet as healing allows.
Activity
Plan for some downtime after surgery. Instructions about exercise, school, work, and other activities will depend on your procedure.
Follow-up
Contact our office if you have concerns during recovery. Follow-up evaluation may be recommended depending on your treatment.
Common questions about wisdom teeth.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Whether removal is recommended depends on your symptoms, tooth position, examination, imaging, oral health, and other individual factors. Wisdom teeth that are healthy and unlikely to cause problems may sometimes be monitored.
What age is best for wisdom teeth removal?
There is no single age that is right for everyone. Wisdom teeth are commonly evaluated during the teenage years and young adulthood, but treatment recommendations depend on tooth development, position, symptoms, anatomy, and individual circumstances.
Will I be asleep for the procedure?
Not necessarily. Anesthesia options may include local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your procedure, health history, preferences, and other clinical considerations. We will review the appropriate options with you before surgery.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies depending on the number and position of the teeth removed, the complexity of surgery, and individual healing. Swelling and soreness are common during the first several days and generally improve as healing progresses.
What can I eat after wisdom tooth surgery?
Softer foods are generally more comfortable early in recovery. You can gradually return to your usual diet as healing and comfort allow. You will receive specific postoperative instructions after surgery.
When can I return to work, school, or exercise?
This varies by patient and procedure. Plan for some downtime after surgery and follow the individualized recommendations you receive regarding work, school, exercise, and other activities.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a painful postoperative condition that can occur when normal healing at an extraction site is disrupted. If you develop increasing pain after surgery rather than gradual improvement, contact our office so we can evaluate you.
Understanding the risks of wisdom tooth surgery.
Wisdom tooth removal is a common surgical procedure, but all surgery involves potential risks. These vary depending on the position of your teeth, surrounding anatomy, health history, and complexity of treatment.
Potential complications can include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, dry socket, delayed healing, or injury to nearby teeth or structures. Depending on the location of the wisdom teeth, there may also be risks involving the nearby nerves or maxillary sinus.
Your individual anatomy and risks will be reviewed with you before surgery so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Have questions about your wisdom teeth?
Contact our team to request an appointment and discuss whether an evaluation may be appropriate for you.