Humans have a third set of molars that usually appear in their late teens or early 20s. Most people who need to get their wisdom teeth out do so as a teenager. Their dentist identifies that there could be a problem if the teeth are allowed to grow in — like insufficient room for them — and remove them at that point.
But some people wait until adulthood to get these extra molars removed. If you’re getting your wisdom teeth extracted as an adult, you’re probably wondering what to expect during the procedure and as you recover.
Here at A&N Dental in Tempe, Arizona, Mandana Kheshtchin, DDS, and Brent Woodmansee, DMD, don’t just specialize in wisdom tooth extraction, they also want to make sure you feel informed and comfortable before, during, and after your procedure. So, we developed this guide to answer some of the most frequent questions we get from adults anticipating the extraction of their wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth extractions in adults
First up, you might be wondering why you need your wisdom teeth removed now. Usually, adults require wisdom tooth extraction because the extra molars have become impacted. That essentially means the teeth aren’t able to grow in properly, either because they’re coming in at an angle or because there simply isn’t enough space in your jawbone.
Impacted teeth can cause a number of unwelcome symptoms, including:
- Mouth pain
- Gum disease
- Cysts
- Food getting trapped by the impacted tooth
- Damage to nearby teeth
In other words, the situation can escalate — and quickly. Fortunately, at whatever point your wisdom tooth becomes impacted, Dr. Wodmansee and Dr. Kheshtchin can provide the extraction you need right here at our office.
What you should expect
If you do need your wisdom teeth extracted, your procedure will be performed using a local anesthetic to keep your mouth numb as the teeth come out.
Both Dr. Kheshtchin and Dr. Woodmansee have extensive experience carefully, deftly removing the extra molars from your jawbone. Your wisdom tooth extraction should be over in 90 minutes or less.
If you’re feeling anxious about the procedure, we can help. We offer conscious sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout your time with us.
You should plan to take it easy for a few days after your wisdom teeth come out. Many of our adult patients set their appointment for later in the week so they can use the weekend to recover.
Ultimately, having your wisdom teeth removed is a routine procedure, whether you’re a teen or an adult. If you’d like to talk through it with our team or schedule your appointment at our state-of-the-art facilities, call our office in Tempe, Arizona, or book your appointment online today.