Wisdom teeth often make their appearance in your late teens or early twenties, but for many people, they bring more problems than wisdom. At Vineyard Dental & Orthodontics in Paso Robles, we help patients take the guesswork out of wisdom teeth removal by offering gentle, guided care every step of the way.
If you’re wondering whether your wisdom teeth need to come out or what the process looks like, here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of your mouth. Not everyone needs to have them removed, but in many cases, they:
Grow in at an angle or sideways
Get stuck under the gums (impacted)
Push against neighboring teeth
Cause crowding or pain
Lead to infection or damage to other teeth
If your mouth doesn’t have enough space for them, they can cause discomfort, inflammation, and long-term dental complications.
Signs It Might Be Time for Removal
Here are a few common signs that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth evaluated:
Ongoing pain or pressure in the back of your mouth
Swelling or tenderness around the gums or jaw
Frequent headaches or jaw tightness
Bad breath or a lingering bad taste
Shifting or crowding of your other teeth
Even if you don’t feel symptoms yet, we may recommend removal if X-rays show that your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems later on.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Vineyard Dental, we aim to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- Consultation and imaging. We’ll take X-rays and discuss the best timing and approach for your situation.
- Sedation and removal. On the day of your procedure, we use local anesthesia and offer sedation options to ensure you stay relaxed and pain-free.
- Gentle extraction. Our skilled team will remove the teeth with precision and care.
- Post-op instructions. You’ll go home with detailed aftercare steps and guidance to support healing. Most patients recover within a few days.
How to Prepare and Recover Smoothly
We’ll walk you through everything before and after your procedure, but here are a few quick tips:
- Stock up on soft foods like smoothies, soups, and yogurt
- Avoid straws for the first few days
- Keep your head elevated while resting
- Apply cold compresses to manage swelling
- Take medications as prescribed and avoid smoking
Most people feel significantly better within three to five days and are fully healed in about two weeks.
When in Doubt, Get Checked Out
You don’t have to wait until you’re in pain to deal with your wisdom teeth. The earlier we can assess their position, the better we can plan a safe and easy removal if needed.
If you or your teen are experiencing symptoms or just want peace of mind, schedule a consultation at Vineyard Dental & Orthodontics in Paso Robles today. We’re here to make wisdom teeth removal simple, gentle, and stress-free.