When Is the Right Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth—also called third molars—are the final set of molars that typically erupt between ages 17 and 25. For some, these latecomers emerge without issue. For many others, however, they bring a host of problems like crowding, pain, or infection. So how do you know when it’s time to have them removed?
Common Signs It’s Time for Removal
Whether you’re a parent monitoring your teen’s dental growth or an adult experiencing late wisdom tooth issues, here are the signs to watch for:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the gums
- Jaw stiffness or soreness
- Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth
- Frequent infections in the soft tissue behind your molars
- Decay or cysts forming around the wisdom teeth
Sometimes, even without symptoms, X-rays can reveal impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth. That’s why routine dental exams and early imaging—usually during the teen years—are important.
Why Early Removal Is Often Recommended
It might seem aggressive to remove wisdom teeth before they cause problems, but there’s a good reason many oral surgeons suggest it: the earlier the removal, the easier the recovery.
Younger patients typically heal faster and experience fewer complications. Waiting until pain or infection sets in often leads to a more complex surgery and a longer healing time.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Rockwall Oral Surgery, Dr. Kevin Pollock and his team make the process as comfortable as possible:
- Consultation and imaging: We’ll assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth using 3D imaging.
- Sedation options: Depending on your comfort level, we offer local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia.
- Surgical removal: The procedure usually takes under an hour. Impacted teeth may require a small incision and sectioning for removal.
- Same-day discharge: You’ll return home the same day with clear post-op instructions and a recovery kit.
Smooth Recovery Tips
Most patients recover from wisdom tooth removal within 7–10 days. Here’s how to help the healing go smoothly:
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling in the first 48 hours.
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
- Take prescribed pain medications as directed.
- Avoid drinking through straws or smoking—these actions can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
- Follow all oral hygiene instructions, including gentle rinsing with salt water after 24 hours.
Ready for a Wisdom Tooth Check?
If you or your teen are experiencing discomfort—or just want peace of mind—it’s smart to schedule an evaluation. Early detection and treatment can prevent unnecessary pain and protect your long-term oral health.
Call Rockwall Oral Surgery at (469) 757-4433 or visit our contact page to book your consultation.
