wisdom tooth removal

If wisdom teeth grow in properly, they are no different from any other teeth in your mouth. However, if they become impacted, or erupt in a strange angle or location, they may need to be removed.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

wisdom teeth removal in Washington, DC

Wisdom teeth are another name for third molars. Most people have three permanent molars in each quadrant of their mouth. First molars typically erupt around age 6, while second molars emerge around age 12. The third molars are the last to erupt. They are referred to as wisdom teeth because they tend to develop later in life than other teeth, between the ages of 17 and 21.

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Why Do Some Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Some wisdom teeth may become impacted (prevented from erupting properly). Many dentists recommend the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth because of the problems they may cause, including infection, decay of adjacent teeth, gum disease, cysts and tumors. Wisdom teeth that have already erupted also may need to be removed if they are nonfunctional, badly decayed, interfering with your bite, involved with or at risk of gum disease, or causing problems with adjacent teeth or restorations. Some dentists also may recommend removing wisdom teeth before they’re fully erupted in order to prevent such problems from developing.

Signs Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed

If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including pain, infection, and swelling of the face or gum line. Your dentist can determine whether you need your wisdom teeth removed by taking X-rays and examining your mouth. Wisdom teeth that are not removed should be monitored, as they may cause problems later in life. Extraction is usually an outpatient procedure, performed by a dentist or oral surgeon, using a local sedation or general anesthetic.

Possible Complications With Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The most common complication associated with wisdom tooth extractions is dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site does not form correctly or is lost prematurely. Because this blood clot serves as the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop, dry socket delays the normal healing process.


To prevent dry socket, do not smoke, consume carbonated beverages or drink through a straw after a wisdom tooth extraction. Rinsing with salt water can help keep your mouth clean after the procedure. However, you should avoid excessive rinsing or spitting while your mouth heals. Before tooth extraction, be sure to tell your dentist about any medications or dietary supplements that you are taking because they could interfere with the healing process. To avoid complications after the procedure, follow your dentist’s instructions regarding eating and drinking, pain management and keeping the extraction site clean.

Contact DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry For Wisdom Tooth Relief

If you think you may need your wisdom teeth removed, or if you have any other questions about the procedure, please contact the DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry team today. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you schedule an appointment at our Washington, DC office. With over 10 years of experience and a passion for providing patients with the best possible care, we'll make your wisdom tooth removal as easy as possible.

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For more information on wisdom tooth extraction or to schedule an appointment, call us at (202) 363-2810 or visit our contact page.

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At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer comprehensive and personalized dental care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. We are committed to providing safe, effective treatments that will help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. 

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DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry provides patients with exceptional dental care. Our experienced dentists and staff strive to ensure that each visit is a pleasant experience. We are proud of the relationships we have established with our patients over the years and thank them for their loyalty and trust. To see what our current patients have to say about our comprehensive dental services, check out our reviews! 

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