Wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—are the last teeth to erupt, usually making their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25. For some, they emerge without a problem. But for many others, they cause pain, crowding, or infection, making wisdom tooth removal necessary.

At Medford Square Dentistry, located at 30 Main St, Medford, MA 02155, we help patients of all ages manage wisdom teeth with care, precision, and comfort. Whether you're experiencing discomfort or want a proactive evaluation, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step.

Why Wisdom Teeth Often Need to Be Removed

Your mouth was likely never meant to accommodate four extra molars. That’s why most people experience complications when wisdom teeth begin to erupt. These include:

• Impacted teeth (trapped under the gums or bone)
• Crowding that shifts other teeth out of alignment
• Infection or inflammation due to partial eruption
• Decay or gum disease, especially since wisdom teeth are hard to clean
• Jaw pain, cysts, or pressure near the back molars

If your teeth have recently shifted—especially after Invisalign treatment Medford MA or braces—it could be the pressure from erupting wisdom teeth.

Signs You Might Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction

You may need to consider removal if you’re experiencing:

• Pain or pressure at the back of your jaw
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums near your molars
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
• Headaches or earaches that won’t go away

We use advanced digital X-rays at Medford Square Dentistry to evaluate the angle, depth, and health of your wisdom teeth—whether they’ve erupted or are still beneath the surface.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process at Medford Square Dentistry

We know the idea of oral surgery can feel intimidating, but you’re in expert hands. Here’s what to expect:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with a thorough consultation and imaging to determine whether extraction is needed. If the tooth is impacted or causing issues, we’ll recommend timely removal to prevent further damage.

2. Comfort-Focused Treatment: We provide gentle local anesthesia to numb the area. For nervous patients, we also offer sedation options to help you stay calm throughout the procedure.

3. Precise Surgical Removal: Whether your tooth has erupted or is impacted, we carefully remove it with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Want to learn more about anxiety-free dental care? Read our blog: 5 Dental Procedures That Sound Scary But Are Actually Painless.

Aftercare Tips for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovery typically lasts a few days. To ensure quick healing:

• Bite down on gauze to control bleeding
• Apply cold compresses for swelling
• Stick to soft foods for the first few days
• Avoid using straws or smoking
• Brush gently and rinse with warm salt water

If your pain increases after 3–4 days or you notice swelling, contact us immediately to rule out dry socket or infection.

What If You Don’t Remove Them?

Even if you’re not in pain, your wisdom teeth could still pose a threat to nearby structures. Impacted or partially erupted molars can lead to:

• Cavities in adjacent molars
• Gum disease deep in the back of the mouth
• Tooth crowding, especially for patients who’ve had Clear aligners Medford MA or braces
• Bone damage or cyst formation around impacted teeth

By removing wisdom teeth early—often before the roots fully develop—we can help you avoid future complications.

Wisdom Teeth and Oral Health Planning

At Medford Square Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to oral health. Wisdom tooth removal is often coordinated with other treatments such as:

• Gum treatment in Medford MA if inflammation or infection is present
• All-ceramic crowns or dental veneers Medford MA, if damage occurs to neighboring teeth
• Root canal therapy in Medford MA if adjacent molars are compromised
• Kids’ dentistry in Medford MA should start as early as age 16 to monitor for signs of crowding or impacted teeth

Our goal is always to preserve your oral health proactively, not just treat problems after they happen.

Why Choose Medford Square Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Care?

Located conveniently at 30 Main St, Medford, MA, our dental office serves patients across West Medford, Somerville, Malden, and nearby neighborhoods. We offer:

• Advanced digital imaging for accurate diagnostics
• Gentle and safe extractions with minimal downtime
• Honest, pressure-free consultations
• A caring team committed to your comfort and long-term smile health

Have questions about wisdom tooth pain or post-extraction care? We’re here to help—before, during, and after the procedure.

Don’t Wait for the Pain to Start—Book an Evaluation Today

If you’re in your late teens, early 20s, or have never had your wisdom teeth evaluated, now is the time. Catching potential issues early prevents pain, infection, and costly damage.

Let’s keep your smile healthy—from front to back. Schedule your wisdom teeth consultation online today.