What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Your third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last set of four teeth to emerge — usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Located at the very back of your upper and lower jaws, these teeth often surface when the mouth has limited space to accommodate them.

Because of this, wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or jawbone, or emerge at awkward angles. When this happens, they can cause pain, crowding, infection, and even damage to nearby teeth.

At Peak Dental Utah, we use modern imaging and gentle extraction techniques to safely remove problematic wisdom teeth and protect your overall oral health.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

There are three main types of impaction, depending on how much of the tooth is visible and how deep it sits within the jawbone:

Soft Tissue Impaction – The top of the tooth has emerged through the bone, but the gum still partially covers it. Food and bacteria can get trapped beneath the gum, leading to infection and swelling.

Partial Bony Impaction – Part of the tooth remains embedded in the bone and gum tissue, making it difficult to clean and prone to infection.

Complete Bony Impaction – The tooth is completely encased in bone and has not erupted at all. This type of impaction often requires a more complex surgical extraction.

Why Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Removed

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted, but removal is recommended when they cause pain, infection, or potential damage to surrounding teeth and bone.

Common reasons for extraction include:
• Pain, swelling, or infection around the wisdom teeth
• Damage or decay in nearby molars
• Cysts or tumors forming near impacted teeth
• Gum disease or bone loss caused by trapped bacteria
• Difficulty cleaning and maintaining the area
• Preventing potential crowding or misalignment

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing discomfort, preventive removal during your late teens or early twenties can reduce future complications.

Wisdom Teeth Examination

A thorough dental evaluation is essential before planning any extraction. Using digital X-rays or panoramic imaging, our dentists can determine:

• The exact position and angle of your wisdom teeth

• Whether impaction or infection is present

• Potential risk factors for surrounding teeth

Early evaluation — typically in the mid-teen years — allows for easier removal and faster recovery, as the teeth’s roots are not yet fully developed.

The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure that can often be completed in a single visit.

Step 1: Preparation & Anesthesia
Depending on your needs, local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia will be administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Step 2: Tooth Removal
The dentist or oral surgeon will gently open the gum tissue and remove any bone blocking the tooth. The tooth is then carefully extracted, sometimes in sections for easier removal.

Step 3: Cleaning & Closure
Once removed, the area is cleaned to eliminate debris or bacteria. The incision is sutured (if needed), and gauze is applied to control bleeding.

Step 4: Recovery
You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions and, if necessary, medication to manage swelling or discomfort. Most patients recover within a few days.

Aftercare Tips

• Apply ice packs for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.

• Eat soft foods such as yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes.

• Avoid using straws or smoking, as suction can dislodge the healing clot.

• Keep the extraction site clean with gentle rinsing after the first 24 hours.

• Follow all instructions provided by your dentist to promote smooth healing.

Comfortable, Expert Wisdom Teeth Removal

Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or simply want to prevent future dental issues, Peak Dental Utah provides gentle, precise wisdom teeth extractions in a relaxing environment.

Our experienced team ensures every patient feels informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the process — from evaluation to recovery.

Schedule your consultation today and protect your smile for the future.