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Wisdom Teeth Removal | Dental Arts of Catoosa | Catoosa

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Posted on August 18, 2025 by Marc Cangiano

What Exactly Are Wisdom Teeth?

“Wisdom teeth” is the name given to the last set of permanent molars that don’t come in until young adulthood for most people.  They usually don’t make their appearance until the late teens and early 20s—perhaps when a person is considered older and “wiser.” 

A wisdom tooth is a type of molar and makes up the third set of permanent molars at the back of the mouth. The molars are important for chewing and grinding food as part of the first step in the digestive process. Without molars, our bodies would have a much harder time getting the nutrition we need out of our food!

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When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?

Not all people grow wisdom teeth, and those that do sometimes only have one or two rather than all four. Some people’s wisdom teeth come in, or “erupt,” through the gums with no apparent problems while others experience different issues requiring their wisdom teeth be extracted.

Some complications calling for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth include:

  • Tooth Decay

  • Cysts and Jaw Damage

  • Crowding of Other Teeth

Wisdom Tooth Removal for Preventative Reasons

Even when wisdom teeth erupt with no apparent issues, you should speak with a dentist and get a thorough examination.  It is possible that issues concerning the alignment of your teeth and bite or the health of your gums could arise in the future.  We want to help you avoid the necessity of emergency dentistry whenever possible; a consultation now could prevent painful complications later.

What Should I Expect in the Wisdom Teeth Removal Process?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure done by two methods:

Simple Extractions:

This is when the tooth has fully or almost fully erupted from the gums.  This often only requires a local anesthetic—an injection to make the area around the tooth numb—and then your dentist uses tools to lift and remove the tooth.

Surgical Extractions:

This procedure requires surgery because the tooth lies submerged, partially or fully, below the gumline. In this case, your dentist or oral surgeon will need to cut into the gums to expose the tooth and remove it.

Afterwards you may have some soreness or pain which can be relieved with the use of an ice pack and/or a pain medication for a day or two.  Your dentist will also discuss what you should do to ensure your recovery is as fast as possible and the area heals properly.