Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop, and most people do not have enough room in their mouth to accommodate them. The average human mouth comfortably fits about 28 teeth, but wisdom teeth (third molars) bring the total to 32. When there is not enough space, wisdom teeth can become impacted, grow at an angle, or only partially erupt, leading to pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. At Desert Family Dental in Mesa, Dr. Scott Lee performs wisdom teeth removal in our Main Street office using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation to ensure your complete comfort.
Why Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. In rare cases, all four come in straight and healthy with enough room to function normally. However, for most Mesa patients, wisdom teeth cause problems or will cause problems if left in place. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 85 percent of wisdom teeth eventually need to be removed.
When not removed, wisdom teeth can cause:
- Periodontal disease and gum infections, especially around partially erupted teeth
- Decay on the wisdom teeth and on neighboring teeth due to difficulty cleaning that far back in the mouth
- Crowding of teeth previously aligned by braces or Invisalign
- Pain, pressure, and swelling due to lack of room for eruption
- Cysts or damage to the jawbone in severe cases
How Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
The procedure varies depending on whether your wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped beneath the gum line or bone) or have fully erupted. Dr. Lee uses digital X rays to evaluate the position, root development, and proximity to nerves before recommending a treatment plan.
For erupted wisdom teeth, the removal process is similar to a standard tooth extraction. Dr. Lee numbs the area, loosens the tooth, and removes it with forceps.
For impacted wisdom teeth, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone may need to be removed, and the tooth may be sectioned into pieces for easier extraction. This sounds more involved than it is. With sedation, most patients report having little to no memory of the procedure and describe the experience as far easier than they expected.
Sedation Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal
At Desert Family Dental, roughly 75 percent of our wisdom teeth patients choose sedation. Dr. Lee offers three options depending on your comfort level and the complexity of the procedure:
Local anesthesia only is suitable for fully erupted wisdom teeth with straightforward removal. You will be awake but feel no pain.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) combined with local anesthesia provides mild relaxation for patients who are cooperative and whose removal is expected to be relatively straightforward. The additional cost for nitrous oxide is minimal.
IV sedation is our most popular option and is used for approximately 75 percent of wisdom teeth cases. You are essentially asleep for the procedure and will likely not remember any of it. You will need to skip breakfast and bring someone who can drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Learn more on our sedation dentistry page.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
There is no single perfect age for wisdom teeth removal, but the generally accepted ideal time is before the roots have fully formed, typically in the late teens or early twenties. Removing wisdom teeth at this stage means they come out easier and healing time is significantly reduced.
At our Mesa office, all teenagers are monitored during their regular checkups and cleanings. When the time is right, Dr. Lee will recommend removal based on X ray findings and the position of the developing teeth. If you are an adult who still has your wisdom teeth and they are not causing problems, Dr. Lee will evaluate whether removal is necessary or if monitoring is the better approach.
If your wisdom teeth are not bothering you, that does not necessarily mean they are fine. Most wisdom teeth do not cause pain until they have already created a significant problem. If you have not had your wisdom teeth evaluated, call us so Dr. Lee can take a look.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most patients recover within a few days. Dr. Lee provides detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your procedure. General recovery guidelines include:
- Take over the counter pain relievers as directed. If the procedure was more complex, Dr. Lee may prescribe stronger medication for the first few days
- Apply ice packs to your jaw in 15 minute intervals to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods for the first 2 to 3 days and gradually return to normal eating as comfort allows
- Do not drink through a straw, smoke, or spit forcefully for at least 24 hours to avoid dislodging the blood clot
- Rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous activity
A dry socket can occur if the blood clot that forms over the extraction site dissolves or dislodges before healing is complete, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This affects roughly 3 to 4 percent of patients and is easily treated with medication if it occurs. Following the aftercare instructions, especially avoiding straws and spitting, significantly reduces the risk.
If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or fever after your procedure, call our office at (480) 485-7747 right away. Our emergency dental team can accommodate same day follow up visits.
Why Mesa Patients Trust Dr. Lee for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dr. Scott Lee is a Mesa native with extensive experience in wisdom teeth removal and sedation dentistry. He averages forty hours of continuing education every year and takes the time to walk every patient through the procedure, the sedation options, and what to expect during recovery. Patients regularly tell us they wish they had not waited so long. Our team also includes Dr. Gibbons and Dr. Monahan. See what our patients say on our patient reviews page.
Serving Wisdom Teeth Patients Throughout Mesa
We welcome wisdom teeth patients from throughout Mesa, including Dobson Ranch, Escalante, Mesa Grande, Mesa Riverview, Sycamore Station, Alma Gardens, and Mesa Vista. We also serve patients from Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert. View all areas we serve.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
The procedure itself is not painful thanks to anesthesia and sedation options. Most discomfort occurs during the first 2 to 3 days of recovery and is manageable with over the counter or prescribed pain relievers.
Can I be put to sleep for the procedure?
Yes. Approximately 75 percent of our wisdom teeth patients choose IV sedation, which means you are essentially asleep and will likely not remember the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home afterward.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
The ideal time is before the roots have fully formed, typically in the late teens or early twenties. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if they are causing problems or are at risk of causing problems.
What if my wisdom teeth are not bothering me?
Most wisdom teeth do not cause pain until they have already caused a significant problem. We recommend having them evaluated with X rays so Dr. Lee can determine whether removal is needed or monitoring is appropriate.
How long is recovery?
Most patients feel significantly better within 2 to 3 days and fully recover within a week. Following the aftercare instructions Dr. Lee provides, especially avoiding straws and spitting, speeds up healing.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot over the extraction site dissolves before healing is complete. It affects roughly 3 to 4 percent of patients and is treatable with medication. Following aftercare instructions significantly reduces the risk.
Do you also perform regular tooth extractions?
Yes. For non-wisdom tooth extractions, visit our tooth extractions page. Dr. Lee handles both types in our Mesa office.
What are my options if I need a tooth replaced after extraction?
Wisdom teeth typically do not need replacement. If you need a different tooth extracted and replaced, Dr. Lee offers dental implants, dental bridges, dentures, and overdentures.
Do you accept dental insurance for wisdom teeth removal?
Yes. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer financing options. Visit our patient resources page for details.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluation
Do not wait for pain to tell you something is wrong. Desert Family Dental has been helping Mesa teens and adults through comfortable, stress free wisdom teeth removal for over two decades. Whether you need all four removed or just want Dr. Lee to take a look, we are here to help.
Our friendly team is ready to welcome you. Whether you are a parent scheduling for your teenager or an adult who has been putting this off for years, we will walk you through every step so you feel confident and prepared.
Call Desert Family Dental at (480) 485-7747 to schedule your wisdom teeth evaluation, or contact us online. We are located at 1760 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201.
