Wisdom teeth are the last molars in the very back of the mouth. For many people, they don’t have enough room to come in properly, which can lead to pain, infections, crowding, or damage to nearby teeth. That’s why wisdom tooth removal is often recommended before problems become more serious.
At Diamond Dental Arts, we evaluate your wisdom teeth with an exam and imaging, explain what we see, and help you choose the safest plan—whether that means monitoring them or removing them.
Call or text: (941) 637-0101
Most adults end up with a full set of teeth that includes an extra set of molars—wisdom teeth—at the very back. The challenge is that many mouths simply don’t have enough space for these teeth to erupt in a straight, cleanable position. When there isn’t room, wisdom teeth may press on nearby teeth, get trapped under the gums, or partially break through the tissue.
Because they sit so far back, wisdom teeth can also be difficult to keep clean. Even when they “come in,” they may collect plaque and food easily, increasing the risk of cavities and gum infections.
Wisdom teeth commonly cause issues because of limited space, awkward angles, and hard-to-reach positioning. This can lead to tenderness, swelling, bad breath, repeated infections, damage to the tooth in front, or crowding pressure.
Wisdom teeth don’t always erupt straight up like other molars. They may tilt toward the tooth in front of them, angle toward the cheek, remain trapped under bone, or only partially erupt through the gum tissue. When a tooth is partially erupted, it can create a small opening where bacteria collect—often leading to infection and inflammation.
• Swelling or tenderness in the back of the jaw
• Stiffness when opening the mouth
• Bad taste, bad breath, or pus near the gumline
• Pain when chewing near the back teeth
• Repeated gum infections around the same area
Removing wisdom teeth before they create major complications can reduce the chance of infection, decay, and damage to nearby teeth. It can also lower the risk of developing cysts or other growths around an impacted tooth. While not everyone needs extraction, many patients benefit from addressing wisdom teeth proactively—especially when imaging shows a high likelihood of future problems.
Early intervention is also often simpler because the roots may be less developed and the surrounding bone may be easier to manage. That can mean a smoother procedure and an easier healing period.
A proper evaluation includes an oral exam and dental imaging (x-rays) to check the position of each wisdom tooth, the amount of space available, and the relationship to nearby structures. With that information, we can predict whether a tooth is likely to erupt safely, remain stable, or become a problem.
We also review your current oral health before planning any extraction. If an extraction is recommended, it’s because it supports your overall oral health and helps prevent bigger issues later.
Wisdom tooth extraction is commonly performed with local anesthesia, and in some cases additional options may be used to help you relax. The goal is always the same: a comfortable experience with a safe plan tailored to you.
Every surgical procedure has potential risks, and we review them with you before treatment. For wisdom teeth, the main considerations can include temporary swelling, soreness, bleeding, and the possibility of complications related to nearby nerves or sinuses—depending on the tooth’s position.
We discuss what applies to your specific case, what is uncommon versus more likely, and what to watch for during healing.
Most patients feel significantly better within a few days, with gradual improvement after that. You may have some swelling and tenderness, especially during the first couple of days. Following post-op instructions—like keeping the area clean, avoiding smoking, and choosing soft foods temporarily—helps healing stay on track.
If you ever feel something doesn’t seem normal, we want you to call us. We’re here to help you heal comfortably and safely.
Questions or ready to schedule, call (941) 637-0101
