Wisdom Teeth Removal

When wisdom teeth are impacted or erupt at the wrong angle, they can cause serious discomfort and oral complications. Fortunately, our oral surgeons in Saratoga Springs and Orem, UT, regularly perform wisdom teeth removal for teens and adults. If you’re interested in safe, virtually painless wisdom tooth removal, turn to Utah Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Why Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Also known as your third molars, wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 16 to 25. While very few people older than 30 experience issues with their wisdom teeth, it's possible to require extraction at any age. Leaving wisdom teeth intact when they should be removed can come with pain and additional oral health issues.

Most of our wisdom teeth removal patients visit our Saratoga Springs, UT, practice for the following reasons:

Their wisdom teeth are impacted: Since wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth, it’s possible for them to not erupt normally. They can become trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
Their wisdom teeth come in at the wrong angle: Your wisdom teeth may press up against your other teeth, which can cause shifting.
They have cavities or gum disease: You may not be able to reach these teeth with a toothbrush and floss, leading to decay.

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Here are some signs that it may be time to explore wisdom teeth removal with our oral surgeons in Saratoga Springs, UT.

Pain in the Back of your Mouth

Experiencing pain at the back of your mouth is one of the telltale signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in or beginning to cause problems. The pain may come and go in waves or be constant.

Inflamed Gums

When wisdom teeth erupt from your gums, it can result in swelling or tenderness, making it challenging to eat or properly clean your teeth.

Cysts

Cysts can form in the jaw when partially erupted wisdom teeth are left intact. They can lead to further mouth and jaw issues, including infection and tooth loss.

Earaches or Headaches

Wisdom teeth don’t only cause issues in your mouth. The pain you feel may radiate out to other areas of your head, resulting in ear or headaches.

Jaw Pain or Stiffness

If your wisdom teeth emerge improperly, they can alter the way your teeth meet when you bite down. This can lead to feelings of stiffness that make it difficult to open and close your mouth.

Sinus Issues

You may begin to feel pressure on your sinuses or experience headaches when wisdom teeth sprout and grow roots in your upper jaw.

Need Wisdom Tooth Removal? You're Not Alone

85% of adults need to have their wisdom teeth extracted during their lifetime.

*According to Crest

Safe, Efficient Wisdom Teeth Removal in Saratoga Springs and Orem, UT

Are your wisdom teeth causing problems? Do you suffer from unexplained pain or swelling in your jaw? Whether or not you can see it, a troublesome wisdom tooth may be the culprit.

If you need your wisdom teeth removed, know that you have nothing to feel nervous about when you turn to our oral surgeons, Christopher Burton and Jared Rasmussen. We have the training, equipment, and monitoring capabilities to ensure the procedure is successful and comfortable.

For more information about tooth removal, dental implants, or any other procedure available at our Saratoga Springs and Orem, UT, offices, contact us online at any time.

(801) 224-1200

Image of the lobby at Utah Valley Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — We'll do everything we can to ensure your comfort while you're in our care.

Ready to request your wisdom tooth removal consultation? We look forward to working with you.

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"We couldn't have asked for a better first time experience!" 5-Star Reviews From Our Happy Patients

We had a consultation (Orem) and had the actual surgery the next day in Saratoga Springs. We couldn’t have asked for a better first time experience! Dr. Burton explained everything thoroughly in the consult. The next day (surgery day) he was on time, personable, and made us feel right at home.

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I had my wisdom teeth removed here a couple weeks ago, and I couldn’t have had a better experience. I was so incredibly nervous as this is the first surgical procedure I’ve ever had done, and dr Rasmussen and his team made me feel at ease and they did an amazing job.

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Sedation Methods to Keep You Comfortable

Our oral surgeons understand that you may feel nervous about getting a tooth or teeth removed. We offer sedation options that can ensure you don’t have to deal with discomfort or anxiety during your visit. When you work with our team, we’ll make sure you understand your options and help you choose the best method for you.

Dentist working on a patient under anesthesia

General Anesthesia

If you have severely impacted wisdom teeth or experience dental phobia, general anesthesia may be a good option for you. This type of anesthesia ensures you are completely asleep during your oral surgery, meaning you won’t feel any sensation or pain. General anesthesia can take several hours to completely wear off, so you'll need someone to take you home from your appointment.

IV Sedation

Sometimes referred to as twilight sedation, IV sedation involves a small injection of anesthesia into an arm vein, resulting in a drowsy, relaxed feeling. This type of sedation is recommended if you don’t want to be entirely unconscious during your procedure. As it does not deliver pain relief, IV sedation is typically combined with local anesthesia. Like general anesthesia, IV sedation takes time to wear off, so a friend or loved one will need to pick you up from your appointment.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Timeline What to Expect From the Procedure

This procedure usually takes under an hour to complete, and you can return home to begin recovery as soon as it's done.

If you're feeling nervous about the procedure, you can choose to receive calming sedation that will help it fly by without worry.

Diagnostics & Planning

During your consultation, we'll take digital scans of your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if oral surgery is needed. We'll use these scans to design a precise surgical plan.

Anaesthesia & Sedation

Before beginning your oral surgery, we can administer general anesthesia or sedate you to ensure you don’t experience pain.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

We may need to make a small incision in your gums to expose the tooth and its root structure. The tooth may be extracted in one piece or need to be broken into smaller pieces.

Sutures

After the tooth has been removed, the incision along your gums will be closed with sutures. These will dissolve on their own during the healing process.

Packing With Gauze

The tooth extraction areas will then be packed with cotton gauze, which applies pressure on the gumline and helps prevent excessive bleeding after surgery.

Questions About the Process? Message Us

How Long Does It Take to Heal After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Any discomfort you experience after your wisdom tooth surgery will likely fade in less than a week. However, the full healing process can take a couple of weeks, especially if your teeth were impacted. We'll make sure you fully understand what to expect after your extraction, as well as what you can do to minimize discomfort and speed up your recovery. We can also answer any questions you may have about the other oral surgery procedures we offer, like bone grafting and dental implants.