Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth—typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, these teeth grow in without any issues. But for many others, wisdom teeth can cause pain, misalignment, infection, or other oral health complications. At Crowns Now Family Dentistry, we help patients understand their options and receive the care they need when wisdom teeth become a concern. If you or your child are facing the possibility of having wisdom teeth removed, this guide will walk you through what to expect and why you're in good hands with our experienced dental team.
While not everyone will need their wisdom teeth extracted, the majority of people benefit from having them removed at some point in early adulthood. That’s because modern mouths are often too small to accommodate these additional molars. As a result, wisdom teeth can become impacted—meaning they are trapped beneath the gum line—or they may erupt at the wrong angle, pushing against neighboring teeth and causing crowding or damage.
Even when wisdom teeth do emerge fully, they are often difficult to clean properly due to their location at the back of the mouth. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, and chronic inflammation. In some cases, cysts or infections may form around impacted teeth, leading to more serious complications. Because of these risks, dentists often recommend proactive removal of wisdom teeth—especially in young adults—before they begin causing problems.
At Crowns Now Family Dentistry, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry, especially when it comes to surgical procedures like wisdom teeth extraction. That’s why our first step is always a comprehensive evaluation. Using digital X-rays and thorough exams, our dentists carefully assess the position, development, and potential impact of your wisdom teeth. We take the time to discuss your symptoms (if any), your treatment goals, and the timing that works best for you.
For teens and young adults, we often recommend monitoring wisdom teeth starting around age 16. In many cases, early removal can prevent pain, swelling, and dental shifting later on. If you’re an adult who never had your wisdom teeth removed, we can also help determine whether removal is still necessary—or whether it’s safe to leave them in place with regular monitoring. Either way, your treatment plan is developed with your health and comfort as the top priority.
Many patients feel anxious about the idea of oral surgery, but wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure—and our team at Crowns Now Family Dentistry makes every effort to ensure the experience is safe, smooth, and stress-free. The process typically begins with a detailed pre-surgical consultation where we review your X-rays, medical history, and any questions or concerns you may have. We'll explain the procedure step by step so you know exactly what to expect.
On the day of your surgery, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and properly numbed with local anesthesia. In some cases, especially if multiple teeth are being removed or if the teeth are severely impacted, we may also use sedation options to help you relax. The extraction itself involves carefully removing the wisdom tooth from the gum and bone. For impacted teeth, a small incision may be made, and the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces to ease removal.
The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and you’ll be sent home with clear instructions for post-operative care. We’ll also schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure your recovery is on track and to address any lingering discomfort or questions.
Most patients recover from wisdom teeth removal within a few days to a week, depending on how many teeth were removed and whether they were impacted. During the first 24–48 hours, it’s common to experience swelling, mild bleeding, and some discomfort. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications such as dry socket.
It’s important to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and stick to soft foods for the first few days. Applying cold compresses and taking pain medications as directed can help manage swelling and soreness. You’ll also want to avoid drinking through a straw, smoking, or rinsing too aggressively, as these activities can disrupt the healing clot.
Our team remains available throughout your recovery. If you have questions, need advice, or experience unusual symptoms like severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, you can reach out to us right away. Your safety and well-being are always our highest priority, and we’re here to support you at every step.
The ideal time for wisdom teeth removal is typically during the late teen years or early twenties. This is when the roots are still forming, making the procedure easier and the recovery faster. At this age, the teeth are more likely to be removed before they’ve caused major problems like decay, shifting, or infection.
However, age alone shouldn’t determine your treatment timeline. At Crowns Now Family Dentistry, we base every decision on your unique needs, dental history, and anatomy. Some patients can safely keep their wisdom teeth into adulthood, while others may need removal later in life due to crowding, pain, or complications. If you're unsure whether now is the right time for you or your child to have wisdom teeth evaluated, we’re happy to schedule a consultation and provide personalized guidance.
Modern mouths often don’t have room for four extra molars. When wisdom teeth try to erupt into a space that’s too small, they can push against surrounding teeth or remain trapped under the gum line. This can lead to pain, inflammation, misalignment, and infections. Even when they do erupt, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly due to their location at the back of the mouth—making them more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease.
Removing wisdom teeth before they cause major issues is a common and effective strategy, especially for teens and young adults. At Crowns Now Family Dentistry, we help patients make these decisions with confidence by thoroughly evaluating their unique dental anatomy and health history. We don’t rush into extractions—we walk through all the options and explain exactly why treatment may or may not be necessary.
Every patient is different, and that’s why we begin with a comprehensive evaluation at one of our Crowns Now Family Dentistry offices. Using advanced digital X-rays and a complete oral examination, we assess the position, size, and potential complications associated with your wisdom teeth. Our dentists will explain whether extraction is recommended, what the timing should look like, and how to best plan for a smooth recovery.
For some patients, especially those in their teens, we may suggest proactive removal to avoid future problems. For others—especially adults whose wisdom teeth haven’t caused any issues—we may recommend regular monitoring instead. No matter your situation, you’ll receive clear, honest guidance from experienced professionals who care about your long-term oral health.
Having your wisdom teeth removed may sound intimidating, but it's a very routine procedure—especially in the hands of our experienced Crowns Now Family Dentistry dental team. Your journey begins with a thorough consultation where we go over your X-rays, explain the surgical steps, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also discuss anesthesia or sedation options to help you feel comfortable.
On the day of your procedure, our team will ensure that you are completely numb and relaxed. Depending on your needs, we may offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation. The dentist will carefully remove each wisdom tooth, sometimes making a small incision in the gum and breaking the tooth into sections for easier extraction. The entire procedure is typically completed in under an hour
We also take time to listen. We understand that oral surgery can be intimidating, especially for teens or adults who have dental anxiety. That’s why we focus on clear communication and patient education. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured into treatment—and we’ll make sure all of your questions are answered before, during, and after your procedure.
If you’re feeling nervous about wisdom teeth removal, you’re not alone. Many patients feel anxious before undergoing oral surgery. That’s why we offer sedation options to help you feel more at ease. Depending on your needs and medical history, we may recommend nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation for a more relaxed experience.
Sedation can be especially helpful for patients who need multiple teeth removed at once or who have had negative dental experiences in the past. Our team will carefully review your medical background to ensure the safest and most appropriate sedation method is used. Throughout the procedure, we closely monitor your comfort and safety.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “If my wisdom teeth aren’t bothering me, do I still need to have them removed?” The answer depends on several factors. Just because wisdom teeth aren’t painful doesn’t mean they aren’t causing issues. For example, they may be pushing against nearby teeth, increasing your risk of crowding or misalignment. They may also be partially impacted, which creates a pocket where bacteria can collect and lead to gum infections or decay.
By evaluating your wisdom teeth with digital X-rays and an exam, we can determine whether proactive removal is the best course of action. In some cases, we may recommend keeping the teeth and monitoring them with regular check-ups. In others, we may advise early removal to prevent problems down the road. The key is to base the decision on expert insight—not guesswork.
At Crowns Now Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on being a dental practice that families trust. Our philosophy is built on care, clarity, and long-term health. We never take a cookie-cutter approach to treatment. Instead, we focus on building relationships, understanding each patient’s individual concerns, and offering honest guidance. When you come to us for wisdom teeth removal, you’ll receive care that’s both clinically sound and emotionally supportive.
Whether you’re a parent researching options for your teenager or an adult dealing with persistent discomfort, our team is ready to walk you through the process. We believe that dental surgery should be handled with both technical skill and personal compassion—and that’s exactly what you can expect at Crowns Now Family Dentistry.
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