Why Wisdom Teeth Often Need Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, these teeth can cause a variety of problems due to limited space in the jaw or improper alignment. If left untreated, impacted or crowded wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth.
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we regularly perform wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions to help patients avoid future oral health complications. If you’ve been told you need your wisdom teeth removed—or suspect they might be causing problems—this guide will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
📞 Call (978) 288-1000 to Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Consultation in Beverly Today.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be Causing Issues
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many do. If your mouth doesn’t have enough room or if the teeth come in at an angle, they may get stuck beneath the gumline (impacted), partially erupt, or grow in sideways.
Common signs that indicate potential wisdom tooth problems include:
- Persistent jaw pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Headaches or earaches without a clear cause
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Swelling around the jaw or cheek
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing pain, they can still lead to complications later. That’s why it’s important to have your dentist evaluate their development through X-rays and clinical exams.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth Early
Many patients benefit from having their wisdom teeth removed before they cause pain or crowding. Some of the key advantages include:
- Preventing misalignment of surrounding teeth
- Reducing the risk of infection from partially erupted teeth
- Avoiding damage to adjacent molars
- Eliminating the formation of cysts or tumors near impacted teeth
- Simpler healing in younger patients with less dense bone
Early intervention allows for a faster, smoother recovery and prevents complications that are more common in adulthood.
Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Removal
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we begin the process with a consultation and evaluation, including a panoramic X-ray or 3D imaging to assess the position of your wisdom teeth.
Once the decision is made to proceed with removal, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan and instructions to prepare for your procedure, including:
- Fasting guidelines if you’ll be under sedation
- Medication advice (such as antibiotics or adjusting regular prescriptions)
- Arranging for a ride home if you’re having general anesthesia
- What to bring on the day of surgery, such as your ID, insurance info, and comfortable clothing
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure: What Happens During Surgery
Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine oral surgery that can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the case.
Here’s what typically happens during the procedure:
- Numbing the Area – Local anesthesia is used to numb the gums and surrounding tissues.
- Accessing the Tooth – If the tooth is impacted, the dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum and remove any bone blocking the tooth.
- Tooth Removal – The tooth is gently loosened and removed. In some cases, it may be broken into smaller pieces to make extraction easier.
- Stitching (if needed) – Dissolvable stitches may be used to help the gums heal.
- Gauze Placement – Gauze is placed over the site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.
The entire procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number and position of the teeth.
What to Expect After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Recovery after wisdom tooth removal varies from person to person but generally takes about 3 to 7 days. Most patients experience swelling, mild discomfort, and limited jaw movement during the first few days.
Post-Operative Instructions for Smooth Recovery
- Rest for the first 24–48 hours and avoid strenuous activity.
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Drink plenty of water but avoid using straws for the first week.
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and hot/spicy foods that could irritate the site.
- Rinse gently with warm saltwater starting 24 hours after surgery to keep the area clean.
We’ll schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your healing is progressing as expected and answer any questions about post-operative care.
Possible Complications and When to Call Us
Most wisdom tooth removals heal without issue, but it’s important to watch for signs of complications:
- Severe or worsening pain after 3 days
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after gentle pressure
- Pus, foul odor, or taste in the mouth (could indicate infection)
- Persistent numbness or tingling
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
One of the most common complications is dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot is dislodged prematurely, exposing the bone. This can cause intense pain and delays healing. If this happens, contact us immediately—we can apply a soothing medicated dressing to ease your discomfort.
How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost in Beverly?
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction depends on the number of teeth removed, the complexity of the procedure, and your insurance coverage. At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we:
- Accept most major dental insurance plans
- Offer transparent pricing and treatment plans
- Provide flexible financing options for out-of-pocket expenses
We’re happy to verify your coverage and give you a detailed estimate before your procedure.
Why Choose Smiley Dental of Beverly for Wisdom Tooth Removal
We understand that the idea of oral surgery can be intimidating—but with an experienced dental team, advanced imaging technology, and a compassionate approach, we make the process as stress-free as possible.
Our patients choose us for:
- Comprehensive, gentle care before, during, and after surgery
- Clear communication and custom treatment plans
- Sedation options for a comfortable experience
- A clean, modern office environment focused on patient safety and comfort
Final Thoughts
Wisdom tooth removal is a common and effective way to prevent future dental issues. If you’re experiencing pain, pressure, or swelling—or simply want to stay ahead of potential problems, an evaluation is the best first step.
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we’re here to make the process easy and provide the support you need from beginning to end.
📞 Call (978) 288-1000 now to book your wisdom tooth consultation and protect your oral health for years to come.
