Wisdom teeth—also called third molars—usually develop during the teen years. Because they often don’t erupt on schedule (or at all), wisdom teeth frequently become impacted. Even when you can’t see them above the gums, they can still create problems below the surface.
As wisdom teeth grow, they may come in at an angle, press against neighboring molars, and damage surrounding teeth. They can also contribute to jaw pain and bite changes as they crowd the back of the mouth. In addition, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to a cyst or infection that harms bone, gum tissue, and nearby teeth. For these reasons, a timely evaluation matters. A dentist experienced in wisdom teeth removal can review X-rays and recommend the right timing—whether that means monitoring or scheduling extraction. For parents, this guidance makes the decision clearer and helps protect a child’s long-term oral health and comfort.
The Mistake
Some parents delay the removal of wisdom teeth, thinking that as long as they aren’t causing immediate pain, they aren’t an issue.
The Danger
Wisdom teeth developing under the gums are often too cramped to move into a usable position and frequently grow at an angle. As the roots develop, they extend deeper, closer to the nerve. This impinges the nerve that supplies feeling to the front lip. Once these teeth are fully formed, they often cause problems such as crowding, decay, periodontal disease, form cysts, or damage to adjacent teeth. Removing these teeth at the point they become a problem, and once they have fully formed, the chance of the nerve being damaged increases.
What to Do Instead
Ensure an early examination by a dentist experienced with wisdom teeth removal to monitor their development. Even if the teeth aren’t causing pain, they can still lead to complications.
The Mistake
Take the advice of a dentist not experienced with wisdom tooth removal. Not all dentists are experienced with the complications of removal or delayed treatment.
The Danger
Without an examination by an experienced dentist, your child is exposed to the possibility of those complications later. Some wisdom teeth can be managed without surgery if they aren’t causing problems. However, in most instances, delaying treatment increases the chances of complications.
What to Do Instead
Seek a second opinion from an experienced dentist, which includes an advanced radiographic evaluation with a 3D image, such as a CBCT, to determine your child’s risk and explore all available options.
The Mistake
Parents might delay having their child’s wisdom teeth examined because of their child’s young age, waiting until a child is a young adult or has developed symptoms.
The Danger
Unfortunately, this often puts their child at risk. Waiting until the teeth are fully developed increases the chances of sinus perforation and nerve damage. Getting an evaluation when kids are in their early teens can lower risks.
What to Do Instead
Timing is crucial. It’s often best to remove wisdom teeth during the early to late teens when the roots are not fully developed, reducing the risk of complications and improving recovery. Timing should be based on individual evaluation by an experienced dental professional. Some children require their wisdom teeth removed as early as 12 years, and others are well into their adult years before wisdom teeth removal is appropriate.
The Mistake
Parents focus only on the benefits of removing wisdom teeth and skip the conversation about reducing complications.
The Danger
When a surgeon recommends wisdom teeth removal, you can often prevent common issues. One concern is alveolar osteitis (dry socket). Some studies report higher dry-socket rates after removing impacted lower wisdom teeth. To lower that risk, many providers use platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Research links PRF to fewer dry sockets, less pain and swelling, and faster healing—yet many surgeons still don’t offer it.
What to Do Instead
Ask your dental surgeon how they reduce complications, especially with PRF. We create PRF from a small blood sample, spin it in a centrifuge to form a healing clot, and place it in the extraction site. At New Smiles, our doctors have used PRF in 1,000+ cases. Dr. Doyel also collects PRF during IV placement for sedation, so patients typically need only one venous access. We’ll review these options during your child’s consultation.
The Mistake
You are failing to follow through with all the proper recommended post-operative care.
The Danger
This can lead to more complications, such as infections, increased swelling, or prolonged pain.
What to Do Instead
Ensure you understand and follow all post-operative care instructions the dental team provides. This includes but is not limited to managing pain, taking prescribed medications, applying ice as directed, attending follow-up appointments, avoiding overexertion, getting the recommended rest, maintaining proper oral hygiene, avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, avoiding suction, such as sucking through straws or vigorous rinsing.
Most people feel some anxiety about wisdom teeth removal—and that’s completely normal. At New Smiles, we focus on comfort, so we often recommend Moderate IV Sedation for a calm, stress-free visit.
We deliver IV sedation through a small IV so you can relax in a “twilight sleep” state during treatment. If needed, we may also give an in-office oral medication beforehand to ease nerves. Prefer a lighter option? We offer Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), too.
With IV sedation, many patients remember little—or nothing—thanks to its amnesic effects. Your doctor and a dedicated assistant stay with you the entire time to monitor your safety and comfort.
Sedation can last beyond your appointment, so you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you afterward. We’ll review post-op instructions with you and your caregiver and answer all questions before you leave.
Click HERE to learn more about our Sedation options.
We understand that wisdom teeth extractions, or 3rd molars, can be the first surgery our patients ever receive. As a result, we do everything possible to make you feel at ease from a welcoming and friendly environment to calming anesthesia services. Before we determine if your wisdom teeth need removal, we capture precise, 3D scans of your mouth in order to assess the location and angle of your wisdom teeth. Using this imaging, we precisely plan your treatment so on the day of surgery, treatment will be efficient and minimally invasive.
Before surgery begins, we’ll provide one or a combination of anesthesia services to ensure you’re relaxed and pain-free throughout your stay. You’ll be able to return home the same day and typically only need over-the-counter medication to control any swelling or discomfort during your recovery. We’ll review post-operative instructions with you and encourage you to follow them closely for a shortened recovery time.
If you have any questions as you heal, please reach out to our surgical team in Sherwood, OR for the answers you need. With specialized surgical and medical training, we offer worry-free and confident care for any wisdom tooth extraction. Find out if it’s time for yours.
