Wisdom Teeth FAQs in Sammamish, WA

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in. They are often called your third molars and are located in the back of your mouth.

At what age do people get wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth typically begin to erupt as you’re entering adulthood or becoming wise, which is why they’re called wisdom teeth. On average, wisdom teeth come in between the ages of 17-25.

Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

No. It’s common to develop all four of your wisdom teeth, but there are patients who only have one, two, or three.

What are some symptoms of wisdom teeth?

Many people have no symptoms when their wisdom teeth come in, but others experience swelling around the gums, tenderness, jaw pain, or even discharge from an abscess or infection that’s developed.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth can become impacted which means they don’t fully erupt through the gums. This can lead to infection. Other times, there is little room left in the mouth once wisdom teeth erupt which results in overcrowding, misalignment, and damage to nearby teeth. Another problem that often results from the limited space in the mouth when wisdom teeth come in crooked and can’t be properly cleaned. Even when none of these issues occur, wisdom teeth are prone to have problems so should be carefully cared for and checked on throughout your life.

What are impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that are unable to fully erupt and develop normally because there’s not enough room in the mouth.

What are some problems that can arise if I do not remove my wisdom teeth?

If you choose not to have your wisdom teeth removed, you are at risk of inflamed or infected gums, cavities, alignment issues, sinus problems, jaw damage (including the development of cysts), and damage to nearby teeth.

How much will it cost to get my wisdom teeth removed?

When you come in for a consultation, we’ll be able to assess your situation and give you an accurate estimate of the cost. We take into consideration the number of teeth we’ll be removing, their position, and the complexity of your case.

Can I be sedated during my wisdom teeth removal?

Absolutely. But we will discuss your health history, allergies, and medications at your consultation and decide if sedation is the best option for you.

How is the sedation administered?

We administer sedation through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. You will quickly fall asleep and have no memory of the procedure. We provide oxygen through a nasal breathing apparatus.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

No. We make sure you are full anesthetized throughout the procedure so that you don’t feel a thing. Some discomfort may develop throughout the day as you heal at home, but nothing that can’t be managed with over-the-counter medications.

What is the recovery period for wisdom teeth extractions?

The best way to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery is to rest and relax the first few days following surgery. The length of a full recovery varies from patient to patient, but full recovery usually takes 7-10 days.

Will I have sutures (stitches) where the wisdom teeth were removed?

We use dissolvable sutures to stitch up the extraction site. Your stitches should dissolve within a couple of weeks, so there’s no need to return to our office for their removal.