Safe and Gentle Wisdom Teeth Removal at Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery
Studies suggest that 90% of Americans have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, and 20% of impacted wisdom teeth require removal. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, cyst formation, damage to adjacent teeth, and gum disease, making removal necessary in many cases. Wisdom teeth removal in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, and Wenatchee WA helps prevent pain, crowding, and infections caused by teeth that don't have enough room to grow. Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery focuses on safe, gentle care to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If your wisdom teeth are already causing discomfort or you're just being proactive, our team is here to help every step of the way. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation!
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Often Need Removal
Wisdom teeth are those last molars in the very back of your mouth. They usually show up between the ages of 17 and 25, just when you think your mouth is done growing. If these teeth had enough room to grow straight, we'd leave them alone. But most of the time, they don't. They come in crooked, get stuck under the gums, or push up against other teeth. And that causes all sorts of trouble—pain, swelling, infections, even crowded smiles. So, why remove them early? Because it's easier. Younger roots are shorter, and healing is quicker; you don't have to wait until they hurt. Getting ahead of problems is always better than fixing them after they start.
Signs and Symptoms That Indicate You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
You might not notice your wisdom teeth initially, but when they start causing problems. We help you catch the signs early before things get worse.
Look out for these clues:
- A dull ache or sharp pain near the back of your mouth
- Puffy or red gums behind your last molars
- A stiff jaw or trouble opening wide
- Bad breath that won't go away
- Teeth shifting or pressing against each other
Sometimes, the signs are more muted; you might feel fine, but an X-ray tells a different story. Impacted teeth, such as one stuck under the surface, can cause damage without you noticing.
How Impacted Wisdom Teeth Can Affect Your Oral Health
An impacted wisdom tooth is pretty standard, meaning it got stuck. Maybe it's tilted or never broke through the gums; it didn't come in right either way. And here's the thing: impacted teeth might not hurt at first, but they can cause issues over time.
Impacted teeth can:
- Push on nearby teeth, making them shift
- Traps food and bacteria, leading to infections
- Causes swelling or even cysts in your jaw
- Undo years of braces or other dental work
That's why we like to catch these teeth early; a quick X-ray tells us what's happening, even if everything feels fine. We've seen how these teeth can cause hidden damage. So we keep a close eye on them and let you know if it's time to take them out.
What to Expect During a Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you'll come in, get settled, and we'll numb the area—or give you something stronger if you'd rather snooze through it. Then, we make a tiny opening in your gums and remove the tooth. Sometimes, we take it out in small pieces, which helps things go faster and cleaner. The whole thing usually takes under an hour, and most people are surprised by how quick it is. And afterward, we'll go over how to care for the area so you can heal comfortably at home.
Recovery Timeline and Aftercare Tips Following Wisdom Teeth Removal
Recovery might sound like a big thing, but most patients bounce back quickly. Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery has a few helpful tips to get you through it.
Here are some aftercare tips following wisdom teeth removal:
- Rest up the first two days.
- Use ice packs to fight off swelling.
- Eat soft, cool foods—think yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes.
- Don't use straws or rinse hard (no dry socket).
- Start gentle saltwater rinses after the first day to keep things clean.
Most people start feeling better in three to four days, and full healing happens in a few weeks. But the first few days make the biggest difference, so take care of yourself. And, of course, we're just a call away if something doesn't feel right.
When Is the Right Time to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
This question often arises: When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth? At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we typically recommend extraction in your late teens or early twenties. Younger patients heal faster, as their roots are shorter and bones are softer, resulting in less swelling and discomfort. Early removal also helps prevent issues like infections or crowded teeth.
As we age, roots grow deeper, and teeth can move closer to nerves or sinuses. Even without pain, wisdom teeth can still affect other teeth, so it's best to get them checked before problems develop.
Wisdom Teeth Removal for Teens and Young Adults
If you're a teenager or in your early twenties, this is likely the ideal time to address your wisdom teeth. We see many young patients during this period because these teeth usually begin to emerge.
Often, wisdom teeth are crowded, crooked, or completely impacted. Having them removed early simplifies the process. The teeth haven't fully developed at this age, and your body heals more quickly compared to ten years from now. Additionally, removing your wisdom teeth can help maintain a straight smile if you've had braces.
Many teens schedule their surgery during school breaks to relax at home with soft foods and their favorite shows. We ensure that the entire process is smooth and stress-free, allowing you to quickly return to your normal activities. It's a wise decision now that will pay off in the future.
Anesthesia Options for Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedures
We offer different types of anesthesia to keep you relaxed and comfortable.
You've got options:
- Local anesthesia – just numbs your mouth. You'll be awake, but you won't feel pain.
- Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) – helps you relax, and you'll still be awake.
- IV sedation – you'll feel sleepy and maybe even forget the whole thing.
- General anesthesia – you'll be fully asleep, and we'll wake you when it's over.
If you are unsure which one is best, we'll discuss it with you before the procedure. It depends on how nervous you are, how complicated your case is, and what makes you feel safest.
Potential Risks and Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal
No surgery is risk-free, but we do everything possible to keep your wisdom teeth removal smooth and safe. That said, it helps to know what to watch for.
Here are a few things that can happen, though they're not common:
- Dry socket – painful but treatable. It occurs if the blood clot gets knocked loose.
- Infection – look for swelling that doesn't go away, a fever, or funky-tasting drainage.
- Nerve tingling – sometimes your lip, chin, or tongue can feel numb. It usually fades with time.
- Sinus issues – upper teeth can mess with your sinuses if they're close.
Most of the time, everything heals up just fine. But if something feels off, we want to hear from you. We'd rather check it out early than let you stress about it.
How to Prepare for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Appointment
Prepping for surgery doesn't have to be stressful. A little planning goes a long way; we walk you through everything, but here are some quick tips:
- Have a friend lined up to drive you home
- Skip food and drinks if you're getting sedation
- Leave your makeup and contacts at home
- Wear cozy clothes
What Happens If You Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?
Keeping your wisdom teeth might seem easier, but those back molars can cause slow and silent problems. They are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, leading to food getting stuck in that area. This can result in cavities, gum infections, or persistent bad breath. Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not fully emerge and remain partially hidden beneath the gums. This is when bacteria can enter, causing pain or swelling. Additionally, suppose the teeth grow sideways or crooked. In that case, they can create pressure on your other teeth, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work.
Moreover, some people do not have enough space in their jaws. As a result, wisdom teeth can push and shift, making everything feel tight and sore. We always consider the entire situation. While it may be acceptable to keep the teeth in some cases, it is often better to take action if they are likely to cause problems in the future.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Johnson
Dr. Johnson grew up just north of Seattle, Washington. His father was an ear, nose, and throat doctor, so Dr. Johnson got interested in medicine early on. Dr. Johnson is part of many professional groups, like the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Dental Association. He graduated from Seattle Pacific University and earned his dental degree at the University of California, San Francisco. After that, he completed a general practice residency at the University of Washington. He then attended medical school at Oregon Health Sciences University, where he trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He finished a special jaw and reconstructive surgery fellowship in Melbourne, Australia.
Dr. McDonald
Dr. McDonald is from the Tri-Cities area, and during a church mission trip to Guatemala, he helped a visiting dentist and decided he wanted to become a dentist, too. Dr. McDonald enjoys giving each patient personal care and is happy to bring his skills to Central Washington. He helps lead the North Central Washington Dental Society. Dr. McDonald studied biology at Brigham Young University. He finished dental school at the University of Washington in 2012. His love for anatomy and surgery led him to train in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Washington, where he worked with children's and veterans' hospitals.
Dr. Olsen
Dr. Olsen is dedicated to providing each patient with exceptional care in a calm and unhurried environment. He attended Brigham Young University, where he met his wife, Lindsey. After completing his undergraduate studies, he attended dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Following dental school, he specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Boston University, where he learned from some of the nation's leading surgeons and educators.
Financial Options
At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we do our best to make payment simple and clear. Payment is due on your visit unless we set up something beforehand. Some treatments may need a deposit to hold your spot, but you'll get it back if you cancel with 48 hours notice. We accept many insurance plans and will bill them for you. Just know that your insurance might not cover everything. We take cards, cash, and checks and offer CareCredit if you need a payment plan. Have questions? Just give us a call!
