Wisdom Teeth Removal
in Oakboro, NC

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to develop, usually appearing during the late teens or early twenties. While some people have enough room for their wisdom teeth to come in normally, others may experience problems because their teeth are impacted, misaligned, or difficult to keep clean.

At Oakboro Family Dentistry, we can evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is the best option for your oral health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

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Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed when they do not have enough room to erupt properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can become trapped beneath the gums or jawbone, while partially erupted teeth can create areas where food and bacteria become trapped. This can increase the risk of infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to nearby teeth.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. If a wisdom tooth is healthy, properly positioned, and easy to clean, your dentist may recommend monitoring it during routine visits.

Common Wisdom Teeth Symptoms

Wisdom teeth do not always cause noticeable symptoms. However, problems may develop as they erupt or become impacted. Signs that you may need an evaluation include:

Pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth
Swollen or irritated gums
Jaw soreness or stiffness
Difficulty opening your mouth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around a wisdom tooth
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
Repeated infections around the tooth
Damage or pressure affecting nearby teeth

If you experience pain or swelling around a wisdom tooth, schedule an examination so we can determine what is causing the problem.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal?

Your first step is an examination and dental X-rays to evaluate the position and development of your wisdom teeth. We will discuss whether removal is recommended and explain what you can expect from treatment.

During the procedure, the area is carefully numbed, and sedation options can be utilized to help you remain comfortable. Depending on the position of the tooth, removal may involve gently loosening and extracting the tooth or making a small opening in the gum to access an impacted tooth. Oakboro Family Dentistry provides wisdom teeth extractions in-office as part of our oral surgery services.

What is recovery from wisdom teeth removal like?

Some soreness, swelling, and tenderness are normal after wisdom teeth removal, and we will provide specific aftercare instructions to help protect the extraction sites while they heal. Most patients benefit from taking it easy for the first few days, eating softer foods, keeping the area clean as directed, and avoiding activities that could disturb the healing sites. Your recovery time will vary depending on how many teeth are removed and whether they are impacted. Following your post-operative instructions closely can help support a smooth recovery.

If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain or have been told your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, schedule an evaluation with our dental team in Oakboro, NC.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Oakboro, NC