Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most frequently performed oral surgeries in the United States and for good reasons. The human mouth is designed to accommodate 28 teeth comfortably; however, with the addition of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, there are 32 teeth. When the last four molars try to erupt in the back of the mouth, lots of dental issues can develop.

How to Know When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Many individuals get their wisdom teeth removed as a preventive measure to avoid complications later in life. If your dentist suggests removing your wisdom teeth even though you have no symptoms, it is because they have detected potential future problems on X-rays or during an examination. Wisdom teeth removal in your teens or early twenties is an easier surgery with a faster recovery time than waiting until your thirties or later.

However, there are many symptoms you may experience that indicate you need immediate wisdom teeth removal because they are already causing problems. These may include:

• Throbbing or pulsing tooth pain.
• An impacted tooth (a tooth trapped fully or partially in the jawbone or gumline).
• Inflamed, puffy, or bleeding gums at the back of the mouth.
• A stiff, painful jaw.
• A bad taste in your mouth due to infection.
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
• Pus or bloody discharge in the mouth.
• A pimple or cyst on the gums around the wisdom tooth.
• An earache or aching cheek radiating from the wisdom tooth area.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, please contact your dentist or our office to have your wisdom teeth examined as soon as possible. This helps prevent the spread of infection and resolves the issue.

Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed?

No. In some cases, there is sufficient space in the back of the mouth, and wisdom teeth removal is not necessary; however, this is rare. If you choose to leave your wisdom teeth in place, your dentist will need to monitor them throughout your life, as they may shift or attempt to erupt at any time, potentially leading to impaction, damage to adjacent teeth, or infection. At that point, they will have to be removed, and the procedure will be more complex, painful, and costly. Early removal is recommended to prevent such future problems and to minimize the surgical risk associated with the procedure.

Why Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed at San Francisco Surgical Arts?

Our oral surgeons have removed thousands of wisdom teeth over the decades and have the technical skill and finesse to remove them while minimizing trauma to the jawbone and surrounding tissues. They are trained and licensed to provide anesthesia for our patients’ comfort and safety during wisdom teeth removal. We follow up with all our patients to ensure they are recovering properly and address any questions they may have. Our services are provided in an environment of optimal safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment. We are dedicated to ensuring that wisdom teeth surgery always proceeds smoothly.

The Wisdom Teeth Surgery Process

In most cases, we perform wisdom teeth removal under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide), or general anesthesia. These options, along with all associated surgical risks (such as nerve damage and sinus complications), will be reviewed with you prior to your surgery. Once the teeth are removed, we suture the gums closed. To help control bleeding, we provide a gauze pad for you to bite down on. You rest in our office under careful supervision until you are ready to be taken home. You are discharged with a postoperative kit that includes postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in about a week for suture removal. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at our San Francisco Office at 415-813-6400.

Wisdom Teeth FAQs

How long does wisdom teeth removal take?

For a simple wisdom tooth removal, the procedure typically takes 20-30 minutes. It will take longer for an impacted tooth or a complex extraction. If you have all four wisdom teeth removed at the same time, the procedure typically takes 2-3 hours. You will be sedated the entire time.

What can I eat after having my wisdom teeth removed?

For the first few days, a liquid or soft diet is recommended. Mashed potatoes, hummus, pudding, milkshakes, yogurt, and applesauce are all good choices. Be sure to stay hydrated and avoid anything too hot or cold. After the first few days, you can begin adding firmer foods to your diet.

How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat?

You cannot eat for at least two hours after surgery. This allows the blood clots to form fully, protecting the surgical sites. Most people are still a bit groggy and experiencing some discomfort at this point, so food is not at the forefront of their minds. Once the blood clot is formed and any bleeding has stopped, you can begin eating. Be sure to cool down any hot foods before eating.

When can I use a straw after having my wisdom teeth removed?

Do not use a drinking straw or suck on anything (including a vape or cigarette) for at least seven days following wisdom teeth removal, as the suction created can dislodge the blood clot from the extraction site, leading to a painful dry socket.

How can I avoid dry sockets?

Dry sockets are painful conditions caused when a blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site, exposing the empty socket’s nerves and blood vessels to air and bacteria. The pain is intense and throbbing. Most dry sockets occur around day three but can occur at any time. To avoid them, keep these tips in mind:

• Do not probe the extraction site with your tongue.
• Gently rinse your mouth a few times a day with warm salt water. Let the water drain out; do not spit.
• Do not use a drinking straw.
• Do not vape or smoke.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Elevate your head when sleeping for the first several days.
• Avoid strenuous activities that could raise your blood pressure.

Having your wisdom teeth removed can alleviate pain and prevent more complex dental issues in the future. To have your wisdom teeth evaluated, see your dentist or contact our office at San Francisco Office Phone Number 415-813-6400.