Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, officially referred to as third molars, are usually the last teeth to develop. They are upper and lower teeth whose function is to grind food as part of the digestive process. They are located in the very back of your mouth, next to your second (or twelve year) molars and near the entrance to your throat. They usually complete development between the ages of 15 and 20, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of Wisdom.

Why Should I Have Them Removed?

Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent, adult teeth (16 in the upper and 16 in the lower jaw), many do not have enough room in their mouth for all of these teeth to completely erupt. Since the wisdom teeth are the last to develop, they will not have enough room to adequately erupt into the mouth to become fully functional teeth. This lack of room or space can result in a number of harmful effects on your overall dental health. When this occurs they are said to be impacted, indicating their inability to erupt into an alignment, which will allow them to be able to function in the chewing process. There are several types of impactions:

  • Soft Tissue Impactions: There is adequate jawbone to allow the wisdom tooth to erupt but NOT enough room to allow the gum tissue to recede to allow adequate cleaning of the tooth.
  • Partial Bony Impactions: There is enough space to allow the Wisdom tooth to partially erupt. It cannot function in the chewing process and creates cleaning problems, among others.
  • Complete Bony Impactions: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains totally below the jawbone or if even partially visible requires complex removal techniques. Unusually Difficult Complete Bony Impactions: The impacted Wisdom tooth is in an unusual and difficult to remove position. This situation can also arise when the shape of the jawbone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more difficult.

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to erupt and they become impacted, several detrimental results can occur:

infected wisdom teethInfection –  Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and swallowing.
wisdom teeth damageDamage –  If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the Second Molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease (bone loss) or cavities (more appropriately known as dental caries or decay).
wisdom teeth cystDisease –  Non-infectious diseases can also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled ‘balloons’ inside the jawbone which are associated with impacted wisdom teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jawbone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
crowding from wisdom teethCrowding –  Although controversial, many feel that impacted wisdom teeth directly contribute to crowding of your teeth which is most noticeable in the front teeth, usually the lower front teeth. This is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are most likely a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood and retained, impacted wisdom teeth are likely to play a contributory role. Although wisdom tooth removal cannot be recommended solely to avoid crowding, it can be recommended to absolutely eliminate its possible role in future crowding and other bite changes.

Unless you have an active problem at the time of your consultation, the reason for removal is primarily preventative to avoid long-term problems.

We will need to see you for a consultation before it is determined IF you will benefit from Wisdom tooth removal. We will need to take a special x-ray of your mouth and jaws to determine how much room you have, if any, for your Wisdom teeth to erupt.

So, Do I Really Have To Have Them Removed?

In most cases the absolute answer is no. Unless you have been told that you have a life-altering disease process (which is unlikely), you don’t have to do anything until or unless YOU chose to do so. This is not critical, life-saving, emergency medical treatment. It is elective. We understand, however, that we can identify problematic patients early in their teens and treat them when the impact of the surgery is minimal and their ability to recover is at its maximum.

What is The Best Age To Have Them Removed?

If it is recognized that you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to erupt, it is advisable to have them removed as soon as it is recognized. In some patients it is as early as 11 or 12 whereas in others it may not be until 17 or 18 years of age. You will heal faster, with more predictable final healing and have fewer complications than an older patient.

What If I Don’t Have Them Removed Now?

Many people, especially in years past, were told to take a “wait and see” approach to wisdom teeth. Many who did not have adequate room developed localized problems previously mentioned. The problem with this approach is that IF it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties, fifties, or beyond, it is clearly more difficult for you as the patient. The post-operative course is usually prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is more difficult than with a younger patient. IF you do not have your impacted wisdom teeth removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties, it may be advisable to wait until or unless a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops and then treat the affected area only. This is because the predictability of healing decreases with age and the likelihood of infection and delayed healing increases.


If I Decide to Do It, When Should I Have Them Removed?

There is probably never a good time to undergo an elective procedure such as wisdom teeth removal. We recommend that the surgical appointment doesn’t conflict dramatically with school activities. The most ‘popular’ times for wisdom teeth removal is during the summer and school vacations. The bottom line is that with adequate preparation, any time will work for most people IF they have planned accordingly in advance.

What Happens On The Day They’re Removed?

First of all, you need to decide if you will be sedated (‘go to sleep’). Most people clearly prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their Wisdom teeth removed. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options for you at your consultation.

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office, where they must remain during the entire procedure and they should plan on staying with you the rest of the day. Your procedure will take about an hour and you will probably be in the office for 1 ½ -2 hours. Our surgical assistants will review your post-operative instructions. When you leave the office you will be comfortable and drowsy. Most patients prefer to go home and rest with no other physical or scholastic activities planned for a few days.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. We have the training, license, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia to allow patients to select the most appropriate alternative. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and staff experienced in anesthesia techniques.

What Happens Afterwards – – – What Will I Feel Like?

Most of the time you will want to maintain a low profile for a few days. We ask that you follow your post-operative instructions closely as they will make you most comfortable during the first few days following your procedure. Please allow the time to let your body begin healing before resuming an active social, academic, or athletic schedule. Most patients feel like they are over the hump in 3-5 days. If you are a parent and want to help your child prepare for the removal of their wisdom teeth, visit our parents corner.

Are There Any Problems?

As with any medical procedure, there can be complications or an unanticipated result that you should be aware of:

There is a nerve, which supplies feeling to the lower lip, chin, and tongue which is frequently very close to the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. Having these teeth out between the ages of 12 and 18 usually provides shorter roots so that the nerve is not so close to the roots of these teeth. Occasionally, when the teeth are removed, especially in older patients, the roots have grown longer and become closer to the nerve itself. This nerve can become irritated in the process of removing the tooth. When local anesthesia wears off, you may experience a tingling or numb sensation in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve gradually over a period of weeks or months. RARELY, it can result in a permanent alteration of sensation similar to the feeling of Novocain®. We feel that you should be aware of this before consenting to surgery.

The upper wisdom teeth are situated close to your sinuses and their removal can result in a communication between your mouth and the sinus. Once again, if the teeth are removed at an early age, the root formation is minimal and this complication is very unlikely to occur. Should this occur, it will usually close spontaneously. We may give you special instructions to follow if this is apparent at the time of surgery. We prefer that you don’t blow your nose for two or three days following the surgery. You can wipe your nose, but don’t blow your nose. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue – – you should not create any pressure in the sinus area, which may dislodge the healing blood clot. If you sense a communication occurring after the surgery, please contact the office. RARELY, an additional procedure may be necessary to close the communication. The most common problem encountered following surgery of any kind is infection. This usually requires an office visit and clinical examination. Many times, just placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection. It will occasionally require drainage of the infected area, which may have accumulated near the surgical site, and even more rarely do the patients need to be admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics and further surgical drainage.

Other temporary problems you may experience in the postoperative period include stiffness of the jaws, chafing around the corners of your lips, facial bruising, and blood oozing from the extraction sites. The postoperative instruction sheet we will provide should answer many of the questions related to these more common concerns. If not, don’t hesitate to call the office.

What Are Dry Sockets?

A visual of dry socket that developed after the removal of wisdom teethDry sockets continue to be the most common problem people experience following wisdom tooth surgery. They arise due to premature loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket and affect approximately one out of five patients. This seems to occur with greater frequency in people who smoke or are taking birth control pills. While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s). Patients may first notice the pain starting in the ear radiating down towards the chin. It frequently begins in the middle of the night, and the Motrin medication usually doesn’t help. Treatment involves placing a medicated dressing in the “empty” tooth socket. This will help decrease the pain and protect the socket from food particles. The effectiveness in alleviating the pain lasts for 24-48 hours and usually will require dressing changes every day or two for five to seven days. Dressings usually are removed when you have been pain free for 2-3 days. The dressing doesn’t aid in healing. The only reason to place a dressing is for pain control. If Motrin® (ibuprofen) is controlling the pain, the socket will heal without a dressing. An irrigation device can be given to you to help keep food particles from lodging in the extraction site following removal of the dressing.

What Does It Cost – – -And Will My Insurance Cover It?

Because of the different types of impacted wisdom teeth, along with different anesthesia options, it is impossible to give you a realistic estimate of what our services will cost until we have reviewed your x-rays. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. We encourage you to check with both your medical AND dental insurance carrier to determine your coverage and out of pocket liability.

What If I Have Questions Before Surgery?

We recognize that having your Wisdom teeth out is NOT something you really want to do. We also realize that with an active schedule there is never a really good time to have this done. If this information, combined with information you receive at your consultation appointment doesn’t answer all of your questions, please call our offices to speak to one of our Patient Care Coordinators.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.



Seacoast Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 18 Wisdom Teeth reviews

Patient Testimonial

The surgeries could not have gone better - from the scheduling and billing/payment to the explanation of the pre- and post-operative care, and the surgeries themselves. I felt confident that if there had been any post-op issues, the office would be available and able to assist my kids. The staff members who helped us had a great balance of professionalism and good humor.

- Julie E

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I had my wisdom teeth removed and I was well taken care of. Dr. De Tolla and Jill were wonderful and made my visit easy.

- Sam P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

To preface: I get super anxious and squirmy with anything regarding the dentist or needles. I mean it when I say this office is perfect! I wish I could go to them for normal dentist visits too. I was so scared of getting my wisdom teeth out I would get panic attacks about it. They were always so so kind and understanding. The day I went in for my surgery they did so much to make me feel comfortable, I didn't really have any pain or discomfort with the prep/sedating me. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. They called me for follow up care twice to make sure I was recovering well, happy to say there were no issues there either. I would recommend them to anyone! Thank you to everyone at this office who helps make this place so lovely, your kindness made a world of a difference to me.

- Kaitlyn E

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Over the years, I have brought 2 sons for wisdom tooth extractions and both received excellent treatment and their recovery was very smooth. I highly recommend Dr. De Tolla and his office staff.

- Jeanne H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

My son underwent oral surgery at PRH due to his special needs. I was told by another office that oral surgery and routine dental care (cleaning, x-rays, etc.) had to be done separately (which meant Jake would have to be put under twice). Dr. DeTolla and staff coordinated the two so my son only had to undergo anesthesia once. I can’t say enough about Dr. DeTolla! Great bed side manner, extremely competent, friendly, professional. I would highly recommend him and his office! Thank you! ~ Erica

- Erica R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. De Tolla is probably one of the best in his field. He has worked on several members of my family and each time we knew we were in the best of hands. Thank you very much to Dr. DeTolla and staff. Thank you also to Nurse Jill for taking wonderful care of my son!

- Jennifer S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. De Tolla was amazing! I have a major anxiety disorder and medical sensitivity. He made this experience so easy. Allison was also so great! She made me feel like we were best friends and I can’t thank her enough for everything. I really hope she sees this as I am beyond thankful. Thank you to Shannon as well for holding my hand when I was going under. This office is truly amazing and if under the unfortunate event I need more work done, I will return here.

- Victoria A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

To say I was a reluctant patient would be a drastic understatement. With that said, Dr. DeTolla and his experienced staff put me at ease almost immediately, and took care of the extraction quickly and routinely. I was completely at ease in talking with Dr. DeTolla and his two assistants (Allison and Shannon) both before and after my procedure. Obviously, I'm hoping I don't have to have something like this done again … but if I do, I know these folks are the best, and I'd return there without question. I would also strongly recommend Dr. DeTolla and his team to friends and family without hesitation. Thanks!!

- Chuck M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Over all 5 stars. Excellent with helping patients understand the process along with patient care. It’s as easy as going out to dinner with wonderful friends. Thanks everyone.

- Mark B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

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- ALlison G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. DeTolla and his staff were extremely friendly and helpful. They made sure I was comfortable, answered all my questions, and treated me like family!

- Mary Liz B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Seacoast Oral Surgery is amazing! I had all four wisdom teeth extracted and I was EXTREMELY nervous, so nervous that I pushed it back a year from my consult date. Allison took me back for my procedure and went above and beyond to answer all my questions and make sure I was comfortable. Dr. De Tolla did an outstanding job and made the process as easy as possible. Thank you to everyone at Seacoast Oral Surgery for making me feel right at home!

- Devyn M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Hi, I was so nervous to take out three wisdom teeth. Little did I know how easy and smooth it was. Would go back anytime!!!!

- Carin F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. De Tolla was so great! Having just moved to the area, he came HIGHLY recommended from pretty much anyone I spoke to and now I know why. I needed to have all four wisdom teeth removed (two that were impacted), something I should have done a long time ago. Dr. De Tolla and his assistant Allison were very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. On consultation day, Allison went over every detail for what to expect before, during, and after surgery and answered every question I had with ease. She knew I was nervous and went above and beyond to make me comfortable and ease my nerves. She's so funny! The procedure itself was quick and essentially painless. A testament to Dr. De Tolla's skills. Allison followed up with me the next day to check on the progress and to remind me of what to expect in the coming days. My overall experience was five stars. I could not recommend Dr. De Tolla enough! Thank you!!

- Phoenix D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. De Tolla did a fantastic job. I will absolutely return to see him for any future work I may need, and I would recommend family and friends to him. Dr. De Tolla and the staff at Seacoast Oral Surgery were highly professional, courteous, and made me feel at ease for a procedure I was nervous about. Especially Ally, who was friendly, warm and answered many of my initial questions prior to my surgery and meeting Dr. De Tolla. On the day of my surgery, Ally made me laugh, and feel relaxed and comfortable before the procedure. It is obvious that she takes great care of her patients and pride in her role. She also promptly followed up with me after my surgery to check on my healing. Dr. De Tolla’s office made an anxious process entirely simple and smooth. Thank you all!

- Katie S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I was very nervous for the removal of all 4 impacted wisdom teeth, some of which were at risky location near nerves as I should've had them removed a decade prior. Dr. Snow was very professional and soothing of my anxiety and explained all the risks involved and what the procedure would entail. I had no severe discomfort post-surgery and numbness had subsided by the next day. Dr. Snow did an incredible job from start to finish; I'm beyond pleased with my experience at Seacoast Oral Surgery and would absolutely recommend them to anyone. Thank you Dr. Snow and staff!

- Kathleen M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. De Tolla and staff were exceptional. My son had his wisdom teeth out and was quite nervous. Jill and Tara took great care of him and made him feel at ease. Recovery was as explained. Very happy with my experience.

- Jeff P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Very good experience. Friendly staff all around

- Allison L

5 out of 5 stars on