Wisdom Teeth Removal
When, Why & How It’s Done
If you or your teen needs to have wisdom teeth removed, you may have questions. You might wonder when to do it, what the procedure is like, and what recovery will be like.
At Facial Designs, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Roderick VanSurksum, offers expert care. We ensure a calm and comfortable experience for every patient. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom teeth removal and why fall and winter breaks are ideal times to schedule it.
When do you need to remove wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually between ages 16 and 25. For many people, these teeth don’t have enough space to come in properly, leading to impaction, crowding, or infection.
Common signs it’s time to have wisdom teeth evaluated include:
- Swelling or tenderness in the back of the mouth
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Headaches or earaches
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Even if you aren’t experiencing pain, your oral surgeon may recommend removing them proactively. Impacted wisdom teeth can quietly damage neighboring teeth or bone long before symptoms appear.
Why Early Wisdom Teeth Removal Matters
Timing is everything. Removing wisdom teeth before the roots are fully developed is usually done in the mid to late teens. This often makes the surgery easier. It also helps with faster recovery.
Delaying removal can increase the risk of:
- Tooth misalignment or shifting
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Jaw cysts or infections
- Prolonged recovery due to thicker bone and larger roots
- Increased risk of nerve damage and numbness
That’s why many families choose to schedule surgery during fall or winter breaks. It allows students to rest and recover without missing school or sports.
How a Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure Works
At Facial Designs, we remove wisdom teeth in our state-of-the-art surgical centers in the Twin Cities. These centers provide patients with comfort and safety. Our board-certified oral surgeon uses advanced imaging and precise surgical techniques to ensure the best outcome possible.
Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation: A thorough exam and X-ray image help your surgeon decide if removal is necessary. This X-ray may be accomplished by your general dentist, or right here at Facial Designs.
- Anesthesia Options: From local anesthesia to IV sedation, we offer a range of options so you remain relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Extraction: The surgeon carefully removes the teeth using minimally invasive techniques to reduce trauma to surrounding tissue.
- Recovery & Healing Process: Patients receive detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery at home.
Faster Healing with PRF
At Facial Designs, we use Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), an advanced technique that uses your own blood to promote faster healing and reduce swelling. PRF supports and accelerates tissue regeneration and minimizes swelling and discomfort, helping most patients return to school and normal activities sooner.
Recovering After Surgery
Most patients recover from wisdom teeth removal in a few days. However, mild soreness and swelling can last up to a week. This depends on how complex the extraction was.
In the first 24 hours, it’s important to rest. Avoid any hard activities that could slow down healing. Using ice packs on your cheeks for short times can help reduce swelling. This can make you feel more comfortable as you recover.
Pain and discomfort are typically manageable with over-the-counter medication, but your oral surgeon may prescribe something stronger if needed. Sticking to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies will prevent irritation to the surgical area. Gentle brushing after the first day can also help keep the mouth clean and promote faster healing.
With proper care and our post-operative guidance, most patients are back to feeling like themselves within a few days.
When to Call Your Surgeon
While most recoveries go smoothly, it’s important to know when to reach out for professional care. Contact your oral surgeon right away if you have severe or worsening pain. Also, reach out if you notice excessive bleeding, swelling that lasts more than a week, or signs of infection.
These signs include fever, a bad taste, or pus at the surgery site. Numbness that lingers beyond a few days or difficulty opening your mouth should also be evaluated.
We are committed to ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way. We remain available to answer your questions and address any concerns during your recovery. Your well-being is our priority. If something doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to call.
Your Trusted Twin Cities Oral Surgery Experts
At Facial Designs, we know that wisdom teeth removal can feel intimidating, but with the right team, it doesn’t have to be. As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the Twin Cities, we aim to make your experience as easy as possible. We prioritize safety and comfort.
Our team combines advanced technology with compassionate, patient-focused care. We use 3D imaging to carefully plan your procedure. Our modern anesthesia options keep you relaxed and pain-free. Every detail focuses on your comfort and peace of mind.
We can help you with scheduling surgery. This includes college students on fall break or your own overdue extraction.
You can rely on us for expert guidance from the consultation to recovery. We will guide you on what to expect. We will give clear aftercare instructions. We will use the latest healing methods, like Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), to help you recover faster and reduce swelling.
At Facial Designs, our goal is simple: to help you return to a healthy, pain-free smile with confidence. Trust your Twin Cities experts in oral surgery to provide the care, experience, and results you deserve.
Ready to schedule your consultation?
Contact Facial Designs today. We serve patients throughout the Twin Cities with offices located in Excelsior and Minnetonka.
