Expert Wisdom Teeth Removal from Experienced Oral Surgeons
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the final set of teeth to develop and emerge in the mouth. Because they often do not have enough room to grow properly, wisdom teeth can become impacted, cause pain, contribute to infection, or damage nearby teeth.
At Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our experienced oral surgeons provide comprehensive wisdom teeth removal for patients in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and throughout Hampton Roads. We use advanced imaging, surgical techniques, and individualized anesthesia and sedation options to provide safe and comfortable care.
Whether your wisdom teeth are causing symptoms or your dentist has recommended evaluation before problems develop, our team can determine whether extraction is appropriate and develop a treatment plan based on your needs.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to develop. Most people have four wisdom teeth, with one located in each corner of the mouth.
These teeth typically develop and emerge during the late teenage years or early adulthood. Because they are the last teeth to develop, there may not be enough room in the jaw for them to erupt normally.
When there is insufficient space, wisdom teeth may become impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth may remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gums or within the jawbone.
Even wisdom teeth that partially erupt or appear to come in normally can sometimes create areas that are difficult to keep clean.
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Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Not every wisdom tooth necessarily needs to be removed. Your oral surgeon will evaluate your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures to determine whether extraction is recommended.
- Impacted beneath the gum or jawbone
- Growing at an abnormal angle
- Causing pain or pressure
- Associated with infection or inflammation
- Difficult to keep clean
- Causing damage to neighboring teeth
- Contributing to decay or gum problems
- Associated with cysts or other oral pathology
- Impacted beneath the gum or jawbone
- Growing at an abnormal angle
- Causing pain or pressure
- Associated with infection or inflammation
- Difficult to keep clean
- Causing damage to neighboring teeth
- Contributing to decay or gum problems
- Associated with cysts or other oral pathology
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that cannot fully erupt into its normal position because it is blocked by another tooth, bone, or surrounding tissue.
There are several ways a wisdom tooth can become impacted. It may grow toward the neighboring tooth, remain upright but trapped beneath the gum, or develop in another abnormal position.
Some impacted wisdom teeth cause obvious symptoms, while others may not cause noticeable problems at first. Dental X-rays or advanced 3D imaging can help your oral surgeon determine the position of your wisdom teeth and whether removal is appropriate.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth do not always cause symptoms before complications develop. However, certain symptoms can indicate that you should have your third molars evaluated.
Common signs include:
- Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
- Swelling around the gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Food becoming trapped around the tooth
- Jaw discomfort
- Repeated infections around a partially erupted tooth
If you experience significant pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, an oral surgeon can evaluate the cause and determine whether wisdom teeth removal is appropriate.
Wisdom Teeth Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Your first step is a consultation with an experienced oral surgeon. During your evaluation, your surgeon will examine your mouth and review diagnostic images to determine the position and development of your wisdom teeth.
Imaging may show:
- Whether the wisdom teeth are impacted
- The angle and position of each tooth
- Available space for eruption
- The relationship between the wisdom teeth and neighboring teeth
- The surrounding bone and anatomical structures
Based on your evaluation, your oral surgeon will explain whether wisdom teeth removal is recommended and what to expect from the procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Removal for Teens and Young Adults
Wisdom teeth are often evaluated during the teenage years because their development and position can be monitored before they fully erupt.
For some patients, removing wisdom teeth before they become impacted or develop complications may result in a simpler procedure and recovery. However, the timing of treatment should always be determined by an oral surgeon based on the patient’s individual development and anatomy.
Parents and patients can discuss the benefits, risks, timing, and sedation options during a wisdom teeth consultation.
Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure, particularly when teeth are impacted or positioned close to important anatomical structures.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized surgical and anesthesia training to diagnose and treat conditions involving the teeth, jaws, mouth, and surrounding facial structures.
At Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our surgeons provide specialized wisdom teeth removal using advanced imaging, surgical techniques, and individualized anesthesia and sedation options.
Our team serves patients from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and communities throughout Hampton Roads.
Schedule a Wisdom
Teeth Consultation
If you or your child has impacted, painful, or problematic wisdom teeth, Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can evaluate your teeth and explain your treatment options.
Our oral surgeons provide comprehensive wisdom teeth removal in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, including evaluation, surgical extraction, anesthesia and sedation options, and post-operative care.
Contact Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today to schedule a wisdom teeth consultation and find out whether removal is right for you.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are often evaluated during the teenage years or early adulthood. However, adults may also need wisdom teeth removal if their teeth become impacted, painful, infected, or otherwise problematic.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your oral surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom tooth using the appropriate surgical technique. Impacted teeth may require removing a small amount of gum tissue or bone before the tooth can be extracted.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Like?
Some swelling, tenderness, and discomfort are normal after wisdom teeth removal. Following your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help support proper healing and recovery.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, dental implants can provide long-lasting results. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your oral health and discuss whether dental implants are an appropriate option for you.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
The length of the procedure depends on how many teeth are being removed and whether they are impacted. Your oral surgeon will explain what to expect during your consultation.
Schedule A Wisdom Teeth Consultation
If you or your child has impacted, painful, or problematic wisdom teeth, Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can evaluate your teeth and explain your treatment options.
Our oral surgeons provide comprehensive wisdom teeth removal in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, including evaluation, surgical extraction, anesthesia and sedation options, and post-operative care.
Contact Eastern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today to schedule a wisdom teeth consultation and find out whether removal is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are often evaluated during the teenage years or early adulthood. However, adults may also need wisdom teeth removal if their teeth become impacted, painful, infected, or otherwise problematic.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your oral surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom tooth using the appropriate surgical technique. Impacted teeth may require removing a small amount of gum tissue or bone before the tooth can be extracted.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Like?
Some swelling, tenderness, and discomfort are normal after wisdom teeth removal. Following your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help support proper healing and recovery.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, dental implants can provide long-lasting results. Your oral surgeon can evaluate your oral health and discuss whether dental implants are an appropriate option for you.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
The length of the procedure depends on how many teeth are being removed and whether they are impacted. Your oral surgeon will explain what to expect during your consultation.
