Wisdom teeth - also known as third molars - are the last teeth to emerge, typically between ages 17 and 25. While some people never develop problems with their wisdom teeth, the majority of patients in the Indianapolis area benefit from having them removed before complications arise.
Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
The human jaw has evolved to be smaller than our ancient ancestors' jaws, yet we still develop the same number of teeth. This mismatch frequently causes wisdom teeth to become impacted - meaning they don't have enough room to emerge properly.
Impacted wisdom teeth can:
- Grow at an angle toward the adjacent molar
- Grow at a right angle, lying horizontally within the jaw
- Remain trapped below the gum line entirely
- Partially emerge, creating a flap of gum tissue that traps bacteria
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth is one of the most common signs. This can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain that makes it difficult to eat or open your mouth fully.
Swelling and inflammation around the gum tissue covering a partially erupted wisdom tooth (a condition called pericoronitis) can become infected and extremely painful.
Crowding of adjacent teeth occurs when wisdom teeth push against neighboring molars. This can undo years of orthodontic work.
Cysts or tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth in rare cases, potentially damaging surrounding teeth, nerves, and bone.
Tooth decay is more common in wisdom teeth because their position makes them difficult to clean properly, even with diligent brushing and flossing.
When Is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) generally recommends evaluation by an oral surgeon in the mid-teen years - even before wisdom teeth cause obvious symptoms. Here's why:
- Roots are not fully formed in younger patients, making extraction easier and recovery faster
- Bone is less dense, allowing the teeth to be removed more easily
- The risk of complications such as nerve involvement is lower before roots fully develop
- Recovery is faster for younger patients
That said, wisdom tooth removal is commonly performed in adults of all ages. It's never too late to address problematic wisdom teeth.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Surgery
At Oral Surgeons of Indiana, wisdom teeth are removed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your preferences and the complexity of your case. The procedure typically takes 45-90 minutes.
After surgery, most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for 3-5 days. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and are always available to answer questions during your recovery.
Should You Wait to See If They Cause Problems?
Many patients ask if it's okay to "watch and wait." While monitoring is appropriate in some cases - particularly for older adults where the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits - proactive removal often leads to better outcomes for younger patients.
If you or your child is approaching the wisdom teeth years, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We'll take a cone beam CT scan, evaluate the position of the teeth, and give you an honest recommendation tailored to your specific situation.
Preparing for Your Procedure
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth experience. If you choose IV sedation, you will need to fast for several hours beforehand and arrange for an adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Stock your kitchen ahead of time with soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, and broth so you are not scrambling on the day of surgery. We will review your full list of instructions during your consultation, and you can always ask about our IV sedation options if you are anxious about the procedure.
On surgery day, the extraction itself is usually quicker than patients expect. Afterward, plan to rest with your head elevated, use ice packs on the cheeks in the first 24 hours, and avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing, all of which can dislodge the protective blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients take it easy for the first two to three days and return to school or a desk job within a few days, depending on how they feel. Mild bruising and stiffness in the jaw are normal and resolve on their own. Stick to soft foods, keep the surgical sites clean with gentle salt-water rinses after the first day, and take medications as directed. If you notice worsening pain after day three, a fever, or persistent bad taste, call us promptly so we can check for infection or dry socket.
We care for wisdom teeth patients from across Central Indiana, including Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and Greenwood. If you have questions before scheduling, our team is happy to walk you through the process when you contact us.