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Oral surgery

Wisdom tooth removal in Herriman

Wisdom teeth often run out of room. If yours hurt, are stuck under the gum or are pushing on other teeth, we can check them and help you decide what to do.

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Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?

No. Some wisdom teeth grow in straight, can be cleaned well and cause no trouble. Many others come in at an angle or stay trapped under the gum. Those teeth can trap food, cause infection or harm the molar next to them, so removal is often advised.

  • Wisdom teeth usually show up between ages 17 and 25
  • X-rays show the angle of each tooth and how close it is to nerves
  • Removing them younger often means an easier recovery

Signs your wisdom teeth may need attention

Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the very back of your mouth. You may want them checked if you notice:

  • Pain or pressure behind your back molars
  • Gums at the back that are swollen, tender or bleed
  • A bad taste or smell that keeps coming back
  • Trouble opening your mouth all the way
  • Food that gets stuck behind your last teeth

Some problems cause no pain at all, so regular x-rays matter. At your visit, your dentist looks at how each tooth is growing and how much room you have. Teens are often checked during their routine exams. If removal is a good idea, your dentist will plan the next steps with you.

What surgery day looks like

  1. Planning visit. Your dentist reviews your x-rays, your health history and how many teeth need to come out. You will get written instructions for the day of surgery.
  2. Comfort. The area is numbed. You can ask about sedation if you feel anxious. If you are sedated, plan for an adult to drive you home.
  3. Removal. A tooth under the gum needs a small opening in the gum. Some bone may be gently removed, or the tooth may be taken out in sections so it comes out with less force.
  4. Finish. Each site is cleaned and may be closed with stitches. Gauze is placed to help a clot form.

Removing all four teeth at once is common, so you only heal one time. Your dentist will tell you how long your visit should take.

Recovering at home

Plan to rest for the first day or two. Swelling often peaks around day two or three, then fades. Use ice on your cheeks for the first day. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup and eggs, and skip straws, smoking and crunchy foods for at least a week. Start gentle salt water rinses the day after surgery. Take pain medicine as your dentist directs. Call us if you have a fever, swelling that keeps growing after day three or bleeding that will not slow down. Read our after-surgery care tips for more help.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about wisdom tooth removal

What age is best for wisdom tooth removal?
Many people have them out in their late teens or early twenties. At that age the roots are not fully formed, and healing tends to be quicker. Adults can still have them removed when needed.
How long is recovery?
Most people are back to school or work in two to four days. The gums keep healing for a couple of weeks. Teeth that were deep in the bone may take longer.
What can I eat after surgery?
Start with cool, soft foods like smoothies eaten with a spoon, applesauce and mashed potatoes. Add warm soft foods like pasta and eggs as you feel ready. Avoid nuts, chips and seeds until the sites close.
What if I leave my wisdom teeth in?
If they are healthy and easy to clean, your dentist may just keep an eye on them with x-rays. If they are stuck or causing problems, waiting can lead to infection, decay in the next tooth or a harder surgery later.
Will insurance help pay for it?
Many plans cover part of wisdom tooth removal. Coverage depends on your plan and the type of removal. We check your benefits and give you an estimate first.

Related care

You may also want to know about

Tooth Extractions

Careful removal of a tooth that cannot be saved, plus a plan to replace it if you want one.

About tooth extractions

Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

Call (385) 481-6738Get directions