Wisdom Teeth
Explained

Wisdom teeth are your last set of adult teeth to grow in, typically developing in females between the ages of 12-16 and males from 14-18. Also called third molars, your wisdom teeth are located in the back of your mouth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in correctly and cause no issues. But often, wisdom teeth become partially or fully trapped (impacted) in your gums or jawbone.

Because the wisdom teeth develop in the back of the jaws, there is rarely enough space for them to erupt. This can lead to impaction where the teeth are stuck in the jaw bone. Impacted teeth can result in pain as they try to erupt and cause inflammation in the gums.

It is very important to have your wisdom teeth evaluated by a Board Certified Oral Surgeon to determine if they should be removed. If they are removed earlier in life (before the age of 25) there are typically fewer problems and complications, but wisdom teeth can be safely removed at any time in life.

What to Expect With
Extraction

Can my wisdom teeth be removed comfortably in the office?

Most patients have their wisdom teeth removed very comfortably here in our office under sedation anesthesia. Removing wisdom teeth typically takes about 1 hour, and most of our patients leave comfortable and fully awake with no discomfort or memory of the procedure within 2 hours of their arrival.

What is the recovery time after removal?

Most people are able to return to school or work comfortably within 3-5 days after their wisdom teeth are removed. Often they can be removed on a Friday and patients return to work or school on Monday. We provide all our wisdom tooth patients with long-acting anesthesia for many hours of comfort after the procedure. We also provide prescriptions for post-operative pain medications to manage any discomfort patients may have. We will also see you for a check-up one week after surgery to evaluate your healing and make sure you are doing well. Most of our patients report little to no discomfort post-operatively after sedation anesthesia.

Is it costly to remove wisdom teeth?

Removing wisdom teeth is no more expensive than most other common dental procedures. It is typically covered by most dental insurance carriers. You can speak to our office staff about your insurance coverage as well as financing options that may be available.

Call 803-699-5900 to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation.

Contact Us

We are ready to help you and look forward to meeting you! These links will answer many of your questions for your first visit. If you still have questions, please contact us at the office nearest you for assistance.

Columbia: 803-699-5900
Orangeburg: 803-534-5444
Camden: 803-398-9900