- 2921 Landmark Pl ste 100, Madison, WI 53713
- (608) 274-0770
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Question
What are wisdom teeth?
Known as third molars, wisdom teeth develop during the late teens or early twenties. You already have two sets of molars, so an additional set is not needed for proper oral function. Wisdom teeth are large and their molars are unpredictable. Some people develop all four wisdom teeth: two on the top and two on the bottom. Other people develop more or less than four, and some never develop them at all.
Question
How long does it take to recover after having wisdom teeth extracted?
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is quick and easy. With the use of anesthesia, you will feel no pain during the surgery and wake up once it's over. The surgery itself lasts about 1 hour, which can vary depending on the number of wisdom teeth you have and if any are impacted. You can expect to feel drowsy for the remainder of the day and should rest at home. Many people return to their regular activities the next day, or two days following surgery. Follow the instructions provided by your oral surgeon closely to expedite your recovery.
You should give your body the time it needs to recover and avoid any activities or foods that would harm your surgical sites and delay healing. It takes roughly 2 weeks for the surgical sites to fully heal, but you should be back to your normal routine before then.
Question
What happens if I don’t get my wisdom teeth taken out?
If they are not extracted, wisdom teeth can cause several oral health problems. They can push against other teeth and knock them out of alignment. Their large roots can grow into the roots of other teeth or facial nerves, which can be very painful. The presence of wisdom teeth can be painful, as they put pressure on the back of the mouth.
Sometimes, a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. This means it is trapped beneath the gum tissue and grows sideways toward nearby teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to properly clean, leaving you susceptible to infection. When this issue progresses, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and the formation of cysts or tumors around the teeth.
Dentists and oral surgeons recommend having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible. As you age, the wisdom teeth will become more firmly embedded into the jaw bone, which can lead to more complex extractions down the road. While early extraction is recommended, you can have wisdom teeth removed at any age.
Did You Know? You Can Bank Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth
When you bank stem cells from wisdom teeth, you have insurance on your future health in the event of injury or disease.
All teeth contain stem cells, even wisdom teeth. After your wisdom teeth are extracted, your surgeon can send them to a secure laboratory through a stem cell banking service like Stemodontics. Stem cells are very powerful and have the ability to regenerate and repair connective tissue, bone, dental tissue, vital organs, and nerve tissue. When stored, stem cells are suspended in time and can be thawed and used at their healthiest state.
LEARN MORETop 10 Things to Consider
1
Attend Dental Checkups
At these visits, your dentist takes X-rays of your teeth. If third molars begin to make an appearance, he or she will refer you to an oral surgeon to have them extracted.
2
The Sooner the Better
Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when they are not fully developed, and younger patients tend to have faster recoveries.
3
Board-Certified Difference
When you choose an oral surgeon who is board-certified, you receive care from an expert who is held to the nation’s highest dental and surgical standards.
4
Your Comfort Matters
Oral surgeons are the only dental professionals qualified to administer all types of anesthesia, unlike general dentists. This surgery is performed using IV sedation.
5
Prepare
Have everything ready for when you get home after surgery: a resting area, soft foods, water, pillows, and any medications your surgeon has prescribed.
6
Protect Your Future
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you have the option to bank their valuable stem cells through a banking service like Stemodontics®.
7
Ask Questions
Your surgeon is there to answer questions and make you feel confident about your procedure. Ask any questions you have beforehand and know what to expect.
8
Take it Easy
It can be difficult to take time away from your routine, but giving your mouth the time it needs to heal is essential for optimal results and a faster recovery.
9
Research Your Options
You should feel comfortable with your surgeon. View our list of the top wisdom teeth removal surgeons nationwide.
10
Ease Your Nerves
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. Research it beforehand and view other patients’ stories to feel at ease and informed.
Latest Listings
Check out our latest listings of the nation’s top wisdom teeth removal experts.
Oral & Facial Surgery Institute – St. George, UT
- 1098 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790
- (435) 628-1100
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
7×7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists
- 595 Buckingham Way, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
- (415) 915-0638
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
7×7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists
- 1 Daniel Burnham Ct Suite 366-C, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
- (415) 346-5966
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Wise Decision – Minnetonka, MN
- 10653 Wayzata Blvd suite 200, Minnetonka, MN 55305
- (952) 230-5148
7×7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists
- 99 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA
- (415) 661-6006
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Round Rock Oral Surgery – Round Rock, TX
- 7200 Wyoming Springs Dr #1000, Round Rock, TX 78681
- (512) 255-5800
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Somerset Oral Surgery – Hillsborough, NJ
- 390 Amwell Rd building 2 205, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844
- (908) 874-4442
Somerset Oral Surgery – Lebanon, NJ
- 1220 NJ-31 #11, Lebanon, NJ 08833
- (908) 730-6766
Somerset Oral Surgery – Somerville, NJ
- 50 Division St ste 301, Somerville, NJ 08876
- (908) 725-5585
Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery – Hamilton, MT
- 215 N 10th St suite c, Hamilton, MT 59840
- (406) 549-6600
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery – Missoula, MT
- 805 S Reserve St, Missoula, MT 59801
- (406) 549-6600
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Clayton, NC
- 220 Springbrook Ave #110, Clayton, NC 27520
- (919) 585-7646
Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – North Hills Raleigh, NC
- 3809 Computer Dr ste 101, Raleigh, NC 27609
- (919) 298-2820
Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – North Raleigh, NC
- 8301 Bandford Way #121, Raleigh, NC 27613
- (919) 876-4746
Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Pennsville
- 213 N Broadway, Pennsville Township, NJ 08070
- (856) 678-9303
Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Woodbury Heights
- 992 Mantua Pike #302, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097
- (856) 845-1341
Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio – Bardstown
- 4181 New Shepherdsville Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004
- (502) 305-3649
Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Studio – Louisville
- 300 Middletown Park Pl a, Louisville, KY 40243
- (502) 254-3818
Beverly Hills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery
- 8920 Wilshire Blvd suite 325, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
- 310-275-2200
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Greater Ventura Oral & Facial Surgery- Ojai
- 1202 Maricopa Hwy suite d, Ojai, CA 93023
- 805) 646-2944
Greater Ventura Oral & Facial Surgery-Ventura
- 5200 Telegraph Rd suite b, Ventura, CA 93003
- (805) 648-5121
Utah Surgical Arts-Lehi
- 139 Hunter's Grv Ln, Lehi, UT 84043
- (801) 901-8089
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
- 22632 Summit Dr suite b, Watertown, NY 13601
- (315) 405-4005
Napa Sonoma Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Napa
- 3301 Villa Ln, Napa, CA 94558
- (707) 255-5033
Napa Sonoma Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Sonoma
- 378 Perkins St, Sonoma, CA 95476
- (707) 996-4519
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Golden Foothills Oral & Facial Surgery Center – El Dorado Hills
- 4901 Golden Foothill Pkwy, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
- (916) 941-9860
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery – Folsom
- 785 Hana Way ste 101, Folsom, CA 95630
- (916) 817-8937
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Golden Foothills Oral, Facial, & Dental Implant Surgery – Auburn
- 1240 High St ste 105, Auburn, CA 95603
- (530) 537-2784
- Wisdom Teeth Listings
Stephenville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
- 605 Vantage Dr, Stephenville, TX 76401, USA
- (254) 965-2541
- Wisdom Teeth Listings