Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Burien, WA

Wisdom Teeth and Why They Cause Problems

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop in your mouth. They typically begin emerging in the late teens or early twenties, a time historically associated with gaining wisdom and maturity – hence their common name. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth behind the second molars. However, some people develop fewer than four, and occasionally, some lucky individuals develop none at all.

The fundamental problem with wisdom teeth stems from human evolutionary changes. Our ancestors had larger jaws that easily accommodated these additional molars, which helped grind down the tough, fibrous foods that comprised much of the prehistoric diet. Modern humans have smaller jaws due to dietary and evolutionary changes, yet we still develop the same number of teeth. This mismatch between jaw size and tooth number means there’s often insufficient space for wisdom teeth to emerge properly.

When wisdom teeth attempt to erupt without adequate space, various problems can develop. The teeth may become impacted – trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone, unable to emerge fully or correctly. They might erupt at odd angles, pushing against other teeth and threatening proper alignment. Even wisdom teeth that manage to emerge fully often sit so far back in the mouth that they’re nearly impossible to clean properly, making them highly vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.

The timing of wisdom teeth emergence during late adolescence and early adulthood means that many young people experience their first significant dental problems precisely when they’re transitioning to independence – starting college, beginning careers, or moving away from home. Understanding the signs that wisdom teeth are causing problems helps you address issues promptly before they escalate into more serious complications.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Most adults develop four wisdom teeth (third molars) that typically emerge between ages 17-25. However, many mouths don’t have sufficient space for these additional teeth, leading to several problems that require extraction.

Common reasons for wisdom teeth removal include:

Impaction: When there isn’t enough room for teeth to emerge properly, they become impacted – trapped beneath gum tissue or within the bone surrounding them. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, swelling, and infection. The impacted tooth may press against roots of nearby teeth, potentially causing damage or pain that extends beyond the wisdom tooth itself. Some impacted wisdom teeth remain completely buried and asymptomatic for years, while others cause immediate problems that demand prompt attention.

Crowding: Wisdom teeth pushing against existing teeth can cause misalignment throughout your mouth. Even if your teeth were previously straight – whether naturally or through orthodontic treatment – the pressure from emerging wisdom teeth can undo that alignment. The force of erupting wisdom teeth can create a domino effect, pushing second molars forward, which push the first molars, which ultimately affect your front teeth. Many orthodontists recommend wisdom teeth removal to protect the results of braces or clear aligner treatment.

Decay: Hard-to-reach wisdom teeth are extremely prone to cavities and gum disease because their location makes proper brushing and flossing nearly impossible. Even people with otherwise excellent oral hygiene often struggle to keep wisdom teeth clean. Food particles and bacteria accumulate around partially erupted wisdom teeth, creating an environment where tooth decay and periodontal disease flourish. Once decay develops in wisdom teeth, the challenge of accessing them for treatment often makes extraction a more practical solution than attempting restoration.

Pain and Discomfort: Pressure from emerging or impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain that radiates through your jaw, ear, and even down your neck. Some people experience intermittent discomfort that comes and goes as the tooth attempts to erupt, while others suffer constant severe pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, and daily activities. This pain shouldn’t be ignored or managed indefinitely with over-the-counter medications – it signals a problem requiring professional evaluation and treatment.

Cysts or Infections: Impacted teeth can develop fluid-filled sacs called cysts that form around the crown of the trapped tooth. These cysts can damage the surrounding bone, nearby teeth, and nerves if left untreated. In severe cases, cysts can grow quite large and require more extensive surgical intervention than simple tooth extraction. Infections around wisdom teeth, called pericoronitis, occur when bacteria invade the gum tissue covering a partially erupted tooth, causing painful swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, and sometimes fever and swelling of lymph nodes.

The American Dental Association recommends that wisdom teeth causing problems should be removed promptly to prevent complications. During your consultation, Dr. Kim will take digital X-rays to evaluate your wisdom teeth positioning and discuss whether extraction is necessary. Even wisdom teeth that aren’t currently causing symptoms may require removal if Dr. Kim identifies positioning or development patterns that indicate future problems are likely.

How Many Wisdom Teeth Will Be Removed?

The number of wisdom teeth requiring extraction varies by individual. Some people need all four removed, while others may need only one, two, or three extracted, depending on their specific situation. Not everyone develops four wisdom teeth – some people naturally develop fewer, and occasionally, some don’t develop any wisdom teeth at all.

Dr. Kim evaluates each wisdom tooth individually during your consultation. Just because one wisdom tooth is causing problems doesn’t automatically mean all four need removal. However, many dental professionals recommend removing all wisdom teeth during a single procedure, even if only some are currently problematic, particularly when patients are young. This approach prevents future problems with the remaining wisdom teeth and eliminates the need for multiple surgical procedures and recovery periods.

The decision about how many wisdom teeth to remove considers factors like your age, the positioning of each tooth, current symptoms, future risk of problems, and your personal preferences. Younger patients typically experience easier extractions and faster healing because wisdom tooth roots aren’t fully formed and the surrounding bone is less dense. Dr. Kim discusses these considerations with you, explaining his recommendations while respecting your input in the decision-making process.

Our Comfortable Extraction Process

At Burien Signature Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort throughout the wisdom teeth removal process. Dr. Kim begins each procedure with a thorough examination and discusses sedation options that best suit your needs.

Before Your Procedure

Your wisdom tooth extraction begins with a comprehensive consultation where we review your medical history and take detailed X-rays. We’ll explain the procedure, answer your questions, and discuss sedation options. Our team provides pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for surgery day.

This preparation phase ensures you understand what to expect and feel confident proceeding with treatment. Dr. Kim reviews your X-rays with you, showing you the positioning of your wisdom teeth and explaining why removal is recommended. You’ll learn about the surgical procedure itself, what type of anesthesia or sedation will be used, and what your recovery will involve. This is your opportunity to ask any questions – no concern is too small or trivial to address.

Pre-operative instructions typically include fasting requirements if you’re having IV sedation, arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and preparing your recovery space at home with soft foods, ice packs, and prescribed medications. Following these instructions carefully helps ensure your procedure goes smoothly and your recovery proceeds without complications.

During the Extraction

We offer multiple sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation, administered by our visiting anesthesiologist for more complex cases. Local anesthesia ensures you feel no pain during the procedure. Dr. Kim uses gentle extraction techniques and may need to section teeth for easier removal.

The surgical procedure itself varies depending on whether your wisdom teeth are fully erupted or impacted. For teeth that have emerged completely through the gum tissue, extraction resembles removing any other tooth – the area is numbed, the tooth is gently loosened, and then removed. For impacted wisdom teeth, the process is more involved. Dr. Kim makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth, may remove some bone surrounding the tooth to expose it fully, and sometimes sections the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

This sectioning technique might sound concerning, but it’s actually beneficial – removing an impacted tooth in sections requires less bone removal and creates less trauma to surrounding tissues than attempting to remove the entire tooth intact. The result is typically faster healing and less post-operative discomfort. Throughout the procedure, your comfort remains the priority, and the sedation and anesthesia ensure you experience no pain during the extraction.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following your extraction, we provide detailed post-operative instructions and prescription medications as needed. Our team schedules follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, with complete healing occurring over several weeks.

The initial recovery period – the first 24-72 hours after surgery – is when you’ll experience the most discomfort and when following your dentist’s instructions is most critical. You’ll need to rest, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, eat only soft foods, and avoid activities that could dislodge the blood clot forming in the extraction site. This blood clot is crucial for proper healing, and protecting it prevents a painful complication called dry socket.

The healing process continues for several weeks as the extraction sites gradually fill with new tissue and the gum tissue closes over the wound. Most people feel well enough to return to work or school within 3-5 days, though this varies based on the complexity of your extraction and your body’s healing response. Dr. Kim provides specific guidance tailored to your situation, ensuring you know what’s normal during recovery and when to contact the office if concerns arise.

Understanding Dry Socket and How to Prevent It

One of the most common complications following wisdom teeth extraction is dry socket, a condition where the blood clot that normally protects the extraction site becomes dislodged or fails to form properly. When this happens, the exposed bone in the socket becomes extremely painful and healing is delayed. Understanding how to prevent dry socket is crucial for comfortable recovery.

Dry socket typically develops 2-4 days after extraction and causes severe pain that may radiate to your ear. The extraction site might have a visible empty-looking socket with exposed bone rather than the dark blood clot that should be present. Sometimes an unpleasant taste or odor accompanies the condition.

Prevention focuses on protecting the blood clot during those critical first few days. Don’t use straws – the suction can dislodge clots. Avoid smoking and tobacco use, which significantly increases dry socket risk. Don’t rinse your mouth vigorously or spit forcefully. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction sites. Follow all post-operative instructions carefully, and if you develop symptoms of dry socket, contact Burien Signature Dentistry immediately for treatment that relieves pain and promotes healing.

Sedation Options for Anxious Patients

We understand that wisdom teeth removal can cause significant anxiety. That’s why Burien Signature Dentistry offers comprehensive sedation dentistry options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Our sedation options include:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)

Mild sedation that helps you relax while remaining conscious and able to respond to instructions. Nitrous oxide takes effect quickly and wears off rapidly after the procedure, allowing most patients to drive themselves home. This option works well for patients with mild anxiety or for relatively straightforward extractions.

Oral Sedation

Pills taken before your appointment to reduce anxiety and help you feel deeply relaxed during the procedure. You’ll remain conscious but may have little memory of the procedure afterward. Because oral sedation affects your alertness and coordination, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. This option provides a moderate level of sedation without requiring IV placement.

IV Sedation

Deeper sedation is administered by our visiting anesthesiologist for complex extractions or patients with significant dental anxiety. IV sedation allows precise control over your sedation level and creates a state where you’re barely aware of the procedure. Many patients report feeling like they “slept through” their extraction with no memory of the surgical procedure. This option requires the most preparation and monitoring but provides the highest level of comfort for anxious patients or complex cases.

The American Dental Association notes that sedation dentistry is safe and effective when administered by trained professionals. Our team monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. During your consultation, Dr. Kim discusses which sedation option best suits your needs based on the complexity of your extraction, your anxiety level, your medical history, and your personal preferences.

Working with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

While Dr. Kim performs many wisdom teeth extractions in our office, some complex cases benefit from the specialized expertise of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These specialists complete additional years of training focused specifically on oral surgery, including complex extractions, jaw surgery, and treatment of oral diseases and injuries.

Dr. Kim may recommend referral to an oral surgeon when wisdom teeth are severely impacted, positioned near nerves or sinuses in ways that increase surgical complexity, or when other factors make extraction particularly challenging. This collaborative approach ensures you receive the most appropriate care for your specific situation. Even when referral is necessary, Dr. Kim remains involved in your care, coordinating with the specialist and providing follow-up care after your extraction.

For most routine wisdom teeth extractions, however, Dr. Kim’s extensive experience in oral surgery allows treatment to be completed comfortably right here at Burien Signature Dentistry. The advantage of having your extraction performed in a familiar office by a dentist who knows your complete oral health history creates continuity of care that many patients appreciate.

Potential Surgical Complications and How We Minimize Risk

While wisdom teeth extraction is generally safe and complications are uncommon, understanding potential risks helps you make informed decisions and recognize situations that require prompt attention. Dr. Kim’s careful surgical technique and thorough pre-operative planning minimize these risks significantly.

Potential surgical complications include infection, excessive bleeding, damage to nearby teeth or dental restorations, temporary or rarely permanent numbness if nerves are affected, and sinus complications if upper wisdom teeth roots are close to the sinus cavity. Jaw stiffness and difficulty opening your mouth widely are common temporary effects rather than complications, typically resolving within days or weeks.

Dr. Kim’s approach to minimizing surgical complications includes thorough evaluation with detailed imaging before surgery, precise surgical technique that respects surrounding tissues and structures, appropriate use of sedation and anesthesia for your safety and comfort, comprehensive post-operative instructions to prevent problems during healing, and accessible follow-up care if concerns arise during recovery.

The vast majority of patients experience straightforward healing without complications. When issues do arise, early intervention typically resolves them quickly and completely. Don’t hesitate to contact the office if you experience symptoms that concern you during recovery – we’d rather evaluate and reassure you than have you worry unnecessarily or delay treatment of a developing problem.

Why Choose Burien Signature Dentistry for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Dr. Andy Kim brings years of experience in oral surgery to every wisdom teeth extraction. Our modern Burien practice features advanced digital imaging technology that allows for precise treatment planning and minimally invasive techniques.

We offer several advantages for your wisdom teeth removal:

Same-Day Emergency Appointments: For urgent wisdom tooth pain, we make every effort to see you quickly. Severe pain, swelling, or infection shouldn’t be endured longer than necessary. Our team understands that wisdom tooth problems often develop rapidly and require prompt attention.

Multiple Sedation Options: We match sedation to your comfort level and the complexity of your extraction. Whether you need just local anesthesia, prefer nitrous oxide’s mild relaxation, or want the deeper sedation that IV medication provides, we accommodate your needs and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Modern Surgical Techniques: Dr. Kim uses current best practices in oral surgery that promote faster healing, minimize post-operative discomfort, and reduce the risk of complications. Advanced imaging helps plan the most conservative surgical approach, and gentle tissue handling respects the structures that need to heal after extraction.

Comprehensive Aftercare Instructions: You’ll leave with clear, detailed instructions about what to expect during recovery and how to care for extraction sites properly. We provide prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics when appropriate, and we’re available to answer questions that arise during your recovery period.

Convenient Burien Location: Serving Normandy Park, Seahurst, Des Moines, and surrounding communities with accessible, high-quality oral surgery. You don’t need to travel far from home for wisdom teeth extraction, which is particularly valuable during the recovery period when you’re not feeling your best.

Our practice also provides preventive care like oral cancer screenings and fluoride treatments to help maintain your oral health after your extraction heals. This comprehensive approach to dental care means you can address all your oral health needs in one familiar, comfortable location with a team that knows your complete dental history.

Life After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many patients feel apprehensive about wisdom teeth extraction, but most are pleasantly surprised by how manageable recovery is and how much better they feel once problematic wisdom teeth are gone. The temporary discomfort of extraction and healing is far outweighed by the relief from chronic pain, the prevention of future complications, and the protection of your other teeth from damage.

Once healing is complete, you’ll likely forget you ever had wisdom teeth. Your mouth will feel normal, your remaining teeth will have adequate space, and you’ll no longer face the cleaning challenges and decay risks that wisdom teeth present. For many people, wisdom teeth removal represents the end of years of intermittent discomfort, worry about future problems, or difficulty keeping those hard-to-reach teeth clean.

The investment of time and temporary discomfort required for wisdom teeth extraction protects your long-term oral health in ways that extend far beyond the immediate relief of current symptoms. Removing problematic wisdom teeth before they damage nearby teeth, create severe infections, or cause jaw problems represents proactive care that serves you well throughout your life.

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation

Don’t let wisdom tooth pain interfere with your daily life. Dr. Kim and our experienced team at Burien Signature Dentistry are ready to help you achieve relief through comfortable wisdom teeth extraction. We accept most major PPO insurance plans and offer Cherry financing to make your treatment affordable.

Contact our Burien office today to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation. Dr. Andy Kim will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best treatment approach for your needs. During this consultation, you’ll receive a thorough examination, detailed X-rays to assess your wisdom teeth positioning, a clear explanation of whether extraction is necessary and why, discussion of sedation options that suit your comfort needs and the complexity of your case, and transparent information about costs and payment options.

Contact our Burien office today to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation. Dr. Andy Kim will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best treatment approach for your needs. Call (206) 984-2309 or contact us online to book your appointment.