At Century Family Dental, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate dental care to patients of all ages in Westborough, MA. Among the essential oral health services we offer, wisdom tooth extraction is a preventive and corrective treatment that protects long-term dental health and comfort.

Whether your wisdom teeth are causing pain or haven't erupted yet, our team is here to offer expert guidance and gentle, customized care. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from why wisdom tooth removal is necessary to recovery tips and answers to common patient questions.

What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction is the surgical removal of one or more third molars, typically located at the back of the mouth. These teeth are the last to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Due to limited space in the jaw, they often grow crookedly, partially, or remain impacted under the gumline.

At Century Family Dental, we use modern techniques and sedation options to make your extraction as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Why Wisdom Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed—but for many, extraction is recommended to prevent future complications such as:

• Impacted Teeth: When wisdom teeth fail to fully emerge, they can become trapped in the jawbone or gums, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
• Overcrowding: Late-emerging wisdom teeth can push against existing teeth, leading to alignment issues or undoing previous orthodontic work.
• Infection Risk: Partially erupted teeth are hard to clean and become breeding grounds for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum infections and abscesses.
• Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, making them difficult to reach with brushing and flossing, leading to a higher risk of cavities.

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

• Pain Relief – Eliminates or prevents jaw pain, headaches, and inflammation.
• Improved Oral Hygiene – Makes brushing and flossing easier by removing hard-to-reach teeth.
• Prevents Dental Shifting – Reduces the risk of misalignment and bite issues.
• Protects Adjacent Teeth – Prevents damage to neighboring molars due to overcrowding or infection.
• Reduced Risk of Cysts or Tumors – Impacted teeth can sometimes develop cysts that damage the jawbone.
• Personalized Treatment – Extraction plans are tailored to your needs, whether for one tooth or all four.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. Simple Extraction:

Used when the tooth has erupted fully. This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure.

2. Surgical Extraction:

Required when the tooth is impacted or partially erupted. Involves making a small incision in the gum and may require bone removal.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• Consultation and Imaging: X-rays or 3D scans help assess tooth position and plan your treatment.
• Anesthesia Options: Local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on complexity and patient comfort.
• Extraction: The tooth is carefully removed, often in sections, to minimize trauma.
• Post-Op Instructions: Detailed care tips provided for smooth healing and to avoid complications.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery typically takes 3–7 days. To promote healing:

• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
• Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies
• Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing
• Take prescribed or OTC pain relievers as directed
• Keep the area clean, but avoid brushing the extraction site for the first 24 hours

The Connection Between Wisdom Teeth and Overall Health

Untreated wisdom teeth issues can lead to jawbone loss, cysts, and even systemic infections. Early evaluation and timely removal are key to preventing serious complications and protecting your total health.

Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Consultation Today

At Century Family Dental, we believe that wisdom tooth extraction doesn’t have to be stressful. Our experienced team provides safe, gentle, and effective care with your comfort and oral health as our top priorities.

Book Your Appointment Today

Call us or schedule online for a consultation on wisdom tooth extraction in Westborough, MA. We're here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and ensure you have a healthy, pain-free smile for years to come.

FAQs about Wisdom Tooth Extraction

1. At What Age Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed between ages of 17 and 25, when the roots are not fully developed and healing is faster.

2. Is the Procedure Painful?

With modern anesthesia and sedation, patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal and manageable.

3. Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not necessarily. We assess each case individually—if the teeth are healthy, well-aligned, and fully erupted, they may not need removal.

4. Can I Drive Myself Home After the Procedure?

If sedation or general anesthesia is used, someone should drive you home. If only local anesthesia is used, you may be able to drive.

5. What Foods Can I Eat After the Procedure?

Stick to soft, cool foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies for the first few days.

6. What Are Dry Sockets, and How Can I Avoid Them?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or rinsing vigorously for a few days after your procedure.

7. Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back After Removal?

No, once a wisdom tooth is removed, it does not grow back.

8. Is the Procedure Covered by Insurance?

Many dental insurance plans partially or fully cover wisdom tooth extraction, especially if deemed medically necessary.

9. Can I Smoke After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

It’s strongly recommended to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours to prevent dry socket and delayed healing.

10. How Long is the Recovery Period?

Most people recover in 3 to 5 days, but complete healing may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.