Wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom teeth are third molars. They usually appear between ages 17 and 21. MouthHealthy says they may need to be removed when there is pain, infection, cysts, tumors, damage to neighboring teeth, gum disease, or tooth decay that cannot be restored. A dentist may also recommend removal as part of braces or other treatment.

Before deciding, your dentist examines your mouth and takes an X-ray, such as a panoramic X-ray. The area is numbed, and some teeth are cut out in pieces. Recovery takes days to a couple of weeks, and your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. See post-operative instructions.

See impacted wisdom tooth and wisdom teeth. The practice describes extractions on the tooth extraction page.