Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth rarely emerge without complications, and removing them is often the most effective way to prevent potential problems. At Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces, with five offices in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, the team of general and family dentists performs wisdom teeth removal for adolescents, teens, and adults experiencing pain or other complications. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today to learn more.

What is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal involves extracting the teeth that emerge at the back of the mouth, known as third molars or wisdom teeth. They’re the last teeth to develop. Most people don’t get their wisdom teeth until ages 17-21.

By the time your wisdom teeth emerge, your jaw has already fully developed and may not have enough room to support four extra teeth — two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. Removing these teeth can help prevent potential complications, such as impaction, crowding, pain, and inflammation.

Why might I need wisdom teeth removal?

Your dentist at Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces may recommend wisdom teeth removal for several reasons, including:

Impaction

Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to fully emerge or develop properly. They can become impacted, partially emerge, or remain trapped beneath the gum line.

Crowding

Emerging wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding in your mouth. This can cause your existing teeth to become misaligned, affecting your bite.

Infection

Due to their location at the back of the mouth and difficulty in cleaning, wisdom teeth are prone to infection. 

Pain and discomfort

Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort, especially if they’re pushing against other teeth or if there isn't enough space for them to properly emerge.

Gum inflammation

The partial eruption of wisdom teeth can create pockets around the gums, making it difficult to clean and leading to inflammation and infection.

Tooth decay

Wisdom teeth, being at the back of the mouth, are often challenging to clean thoroughly. This can make them susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Is it painful to get wisdom teeth removed?

The Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces team uses anesthesia to perform wisdom teeth removal — so you feel no pain. They may also use sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Next, they make an incision in your gums and use special tools to extract your teeth. Finally, they close the incisions with sutures and pack your mouth with gauze.

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes 1-2 weeks. You should avoid eating solid foods for at least a few days and clean your extraction sites regularly. The team may provide more personalized instructions to ensure a smooth, successful recovery.

Call Smile Structure Dentistry and Braces or request an appointment online today to learn more.