Wisdom Teeth Removal
For most teens and young adults, wisdom teeth removal is just part of growing up. We know it can feel daunting — and we’re here to make sure you and your family feel informed and prepared about how to best move forward.
Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth typically begin to come in between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they come in without any issues. For others, there simply isn’t enough room in the jaw, and that’s where problems can begin.
Removal is often recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain, swelling, or infection, contributing to decay or gum disease in the surrounding area, or putting pressure on neighboring teeth. Getting an evaluation early — before symptoms become serious — is usually the better move.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Often Removed
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back of the mouth, which makes them difficult to clean properly. Even when they come in without any obvious issues, they’re still prone to decay and infection over time. When they’re impacted — meaning they’re stuck beneath the gumline or growing at an angle — they can silently damage the roots of nearby teeth and the surrounding bone.
Removing wisdom teeth in your teens or early twenties tends to be easier on the body. Roots are less developed, bone is more flexible, and recovery is generally smoother. Waiting until problems become serious often means a more complex procedure and a longer recovery time.
Our Approach to Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Before anything is scheduled, we take a thorough look. Detailed imaging helps us understand the exact position of each tooth and the root structure beneath the surface, so there are no surprises during the procedure. From there, your surgeon will explain the plan clearly and make sure you know what to expect.
Sedation options are available to help you feel at ease throughout. Our surgeons focus on precision and efficiency — getting you through the procedure safely and with as little disruption as possible to the surrounding tissue.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
The procedure typically takes less than an hour. You’ll be comfortably numb, and if you’ve chosen sedation, you’ll likely have little to no memory of it. Once everything is done, you’ll spend a short time recovering in our office before heading home — and it’s required that a trusted adult drive you home.
The first 24 hours are the most important for healing. Expect some swelling and grogginess, especially if sedation was used. Rest, keep your head elevated, and follow your post-operative instructions carefully — they make a difference in how smoothly things go.
Why Choose Oklahoma Dental Implants & Oral Surgery
We see a lot of teens and young adults in our chairs, and we understand that this is often their first experience with oral surgery. That matters to us. We take time with both patients and parents to make sure everyone leaves the consultation with a clear picture of what’s happening and what to expect.
Our surgeons bring significant experience with wisdom tooth extractions across all levels of complexity, from simple removals to fully impacted cases requiring careful surgical technique.
Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Your care team will send you home with specific pre-surgery instructions before your appointment. In general, plan to fast for several hours beforehand if sedation is being used, wear comfortable clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Having soft foods stocked at home — yogurt, applesauce, soup, smoothies (but no straws) — before surgery day makes the first few days much easier.
Most patients start to feel improvement within three to five days, though some swelling and tenderness can linger for up to a week. The first day or two is typically the most uncomfortable. It will help to use ice packs, rest, and stay on top of pain management as directed. Avoid straws, smoking, or spitting forcefully — anything that could disturb the clot forming at the extraction site — as this can lead to a dry socket, which is more painful and takes longer to heal.
Soft, cool foods are recommended for the first several days. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, and soup. Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or very hot until your surgeon clears you. You’ll receive detailed dietary guidance before and after your procedure, so you’ll never have to guess about what’s okay and what’s not.
Meet the Surgeons
Behind Your Care
Our doctors bring together decades of training, broad surgical expertise, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve.
