Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures, often recommended when third molars become impacted, painful, infected, or pose a risk to surrounding teeth.
At R. Anthony Murray, DDS, PA, we provide surgical extractions designed to protect your oral health while keeping patients as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth require extraction. Dr. Murray carefully evaluates each case to determine whether removal is necessary.
Wisdom teeth are typically recommended for removal when they:
- Are impacted or unable to fully erupt
- Cause pain, swelling, or infection
- Contribute to crowding or misalignment
- Damage or threaten adjacent teeth
- Develop decay that cannot be properly restored
- Create cysts or other pathological changes
In some cases, wisdom teeth may be monitored over time if they are healthy, fully erupted, and not causing problems.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom tooth extraction is performed in our office using local anesthesia, with sedation options available for patients who need additional comfort.
Once the area is fully numb, Dr. Murray accesses the tooth and removes it. If the tooth is impacted or difficult to remove, it may be gently divided into sections to minimize disruption to surrounding bone and tissue.
After removal, the site is cleaned thoroughly, and sutures may be placed to support healing. Patients are then given detailed instructions to guide recovery.
What Happens After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Healing begins immediately after the procedure. Patients may experience mild swelling, tenderness, or limited jaw movement for a few days. Following post-operative instructions carefully helps reduce complications and supports smooth healing.
Proper care during recovery includes rest, soft foods, avoiding straws, and maintaining gentle oral hygiene as directed.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Prevents future pain and infection
- Reduces risk of crowding and misalignment
- Protects adjacent healthy teeth
- Eliminates problematic impacted teeth
- Supports long-term oral health stability
