Wisdom Teeth: Frequently Asked Questions

Wisdom Teeth FAQ’s

Does everyone have to get his or her wisdom teeth removed?

No, but most people do. From time to time, Dr. Collins sees a patient whose wisdom teeth appear to have fit nicely in the mouth and thus don’t need removal, but they are still prone to disease and must be monitored for life.

When is the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?

In general, wisdom teeth removal is easier when patients are younger. The ideal age range tends to be between 15-22 years of age. If it is determined you do not have enough room for your wisdom teeth to come into the mouth and be cleansable, removing them during this younger age range is typically best in the long run.

Do all four teeth have to be pulled?

Most patients choose to have all four removed in the same surgical setting. We will assess your case thoroughly at your consultation to determine the best course of action for you.

Is it true that the surgery takes less than an hour?

Most wisdom teeth removal cases done under IV sedation can be performed in less than an hour. As always, there are exceptions. Our surgical team prides itself on doing meticulous surgery in a very efficient manner. Patients that have a difficult surgery with no sacrifice in quality tend to do better and have less post-operative pain.

How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?

On the first day of your recovery, you will probably be too sleepy to do much, but most patients are back to their normal activities within 3-5 days.

Does it hurt to have your wisdom teeth removed?

During the procedure, you won’t feel a thing. However, you may have soreness and inflammation for a few days following the surgery as the anesthesia wears off. We will discuss pain control methods and prescribe post-op medications the day before your surgery so that you remain comfortable at home as well.

Will I be awake for the wisdom tooth extraction?

We use IV sedation administered by our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in our office surgical setting. You are continually monitored during and after your surgery.

What does “impacted” mean?

Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are not able to fully erupt through the gums. It is a very common condition, and the number one reason that wisdom teeth end up needing removal. In fact, 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.

What is a “dry socket”?

Dry socket is a temporary complication that arises when a blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site. The condition can be painful, but luckily most cases can be avoided by following home-care instructions. We will review these instructions at your consultation. If a dry socket occurs, we have a treatment that takes away the pain usually within 15-30 minutes.

Are you or your loved one suffering from wisdom tooth pain?

Call our Conway AR office (501) 336-8888 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Collins or