Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but the only way to know for certain is to have them evaluated, since wisdom teeth that come in at the wrong angle can cause problems long before you notice any pain.
At Elite Dental Aesthetics, Dr. Adams can determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be extracted or whether they can simply be monitored. Checking your wisdom teeth is a simple, painless process that can save you trouble down the road, and it is one of the easiest things to add to a routine visit.
When Wisdom Teeth Usually Come In
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are typically the last teeth to erupt, usually appearing between ages 16 and 24. Some wisdom teeth come in fully aligned with the rest of the bite and cause no trouble at all. Others do not have enough room to grow in properly and become what dentists call impacted, meaning they are partially or fully trapped beneath the gums or jawbone.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be Causing Problems
Wisdom teeth do not always announce themselves with obvious pain, so it helps to know what to watch for:
- Pain or pressure toward the back of the jaw, especially near where a wisdom tooth is emerging.
- Swollen, red, or tender gums around the back molars.
- Recurring bad breath or an unusual taste that does not resolve with brushing.
- Crowding or shifting in your other teeth as wisdom teeth push against them.
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth having your wisdom teeth checked at your next visit rather than waiting for the discomfort to pass on its own.
What Happens if Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are Left Untreated
According to Mayo Clinic, wisdom teeth that stay trapped beneath the gums can lead to infection, cysts that damage nearby tooth roots or bone, and gum disease in the surrounding tissue. Wisdom teeth that partially break through the gums are also difficult to clean, which raises the risk of decay and infection in that area over time.
How We Evaluate Your Wisdom Teeth
Our team uses dental X-rays to see exactly where your wisdom teeth are positioned and whether they have room to come in properly. Checking early, often in your late teens or early twenties, makes it easier to plan ahead before a problem develops. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not affecting your bite, we may simply monitor them at your regular checkups instead of recommending removal.
What to Expect From Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When a wisdom tooth does need to be extracted, we walk you through the process so you know what to expect at every step. Our wisdom teeth extraction services are designed to keep you comfortable, and sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious about the procedure. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, with full healing typically taking one to two weeks.
Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Checked
Oral surgery is available on-site when extraction is the right choice for your smile, and our team also welcomes anxious or first-time patients through our first visit process so you know exactly what to expect before treatment begins.
Do not wait for pain to tell you something is wrong. Request an appointment with Elite Dental Aesthetics to have your wisdom teeth evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth
At what age do wisdom teeth usually need to be removed?
Most wisdom teeth are evaluated and, if necessary, removed between the ages of 16 and 24. Removal tends to be easier at a younger age because the roots are not fully formed and the surrounding bone is less dense.
Can wisdom teeth cause problems even if they are not painful?
Yes. Wisdom teeth can be impacted or angled improperly without causing noticeable pain, but they may still be contributing to crowding, gum disease, or a cyst that only shows up on an X-ray.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that erupt fully, sit in proper alignment, and can be cleaned easily may not need to be removed. Your dentist can determine this through an exam and X-rays.
How long does recovery take after wisdom tooth extraction?
Most people feel back to normal within a few days and are fully healed within one to two weeks. Recovery time can vary depending on whether the tooth was impacted.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, so you should not feel pain during removal. Some soreness and swelling afterward is normal and typically manageable with the aftercare instructions your dentist provides.
Contact Elite Dental Aesthetics:
775-200-1956
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
85 Foothill Rd Ste 2 Reno, NV
Reno, Nevada
89511