Gentle, Expert Care for a Common Procedure

“Wisdom teeth” are the third set of molars, and they are typically the last teeth to develop and erupt—usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, these molars can lead to crowding, discomfort, or other complications that affect overall oral health. Because they often lack enough space to emerge properly, wisdom teeth frequently become impacted or grow in at an angle, putting pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums.

At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers provide wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions with the same high level of care and expertise we bring to all surgical procedures. Our goal is to make this common procedure as smooth and comfortable as possible—both during and after treatment.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Evaluated?

We typically recommend having wisdom teeth evaluated around age 16. At this age, the teeth are usually developed enough for imaging to provide a clear view, but the roots are often not fully formed—making removal easier and recovery faster.

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, but early evaluation allows us to monitor their development and recommend the right course of action based on your specific needs. Acting proactively during the late teens or early twenties can prevent more complicated procedures later in life.

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Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

In a perfect world, your wisdom teeth would grow in straight and have plenty of room to fit alongside your other molars. Unfortunately, that is not the case for most people. Because the modern jaw is typically too small to accommodate these additional molars, wisdom teeth often:

  • Erupt at an angle, pressing against nearby teeth
  • Remain partially or fully impacted beneath the gumline
  • Crowd adjacent teeth, leading to unwanted shifting
  • Create tight, hard-to-clean spaces, increasing the risk of cavities or infection
  • Cause swelling, pain, or damage to nearby bone and tissues

Even if your wisdom teeth are not currently causing pain, they can still pose long-term risks—especially to your second molars, which are more difficult to keep healthy when adjacent to problematic third molars.

Comfortable Extractions with IV Sedation

Your comfort is our top priority. Most of our patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed under IV moderate/conscious sedation, allowing them to sleep comfortably through the procedure. In addition to sedation, we use local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the area, so you wake up with minimal discomfort.

We also provide medications to reduce swelling and pain after the procedure, helping you recover smoothly. Most patients are surprised by how quick and easy their recovery is—especially when the procedure is done at a younger age.

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Why See a Periodontist for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

While general dentists can remove wisdom teeth, periodontists have specialized training in surgical procedures involving the bone, gums, and other supporting structures of the teeth. Our board-certified periodontists approach every extraction with precision, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and planning carefully to support your long-term oral health.

This makes us particularly well-equipped to handle more complex cases, such as:

  • Impacted or partially erupted teeth
  • Teeth located near nerves, sinuses, or other sensitive areas
  • Cases involving infection or bone loss

 

Let us Plan the Best Path Forward

If you or your child is approaching the age when wisdom teeth are developing, or you think your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. With advanced imaging, expert evaluation, and a customized care plan, we will help you understand whether extraction is necessary—and ensure the process is as safe and stress-free as possible.

Have questions or want to book a consultation?

Call 214-522-9700 or contact us online. We are here to guide you every step of the way.