6005 Century Oaks Dr. Suite 100 Chattanooga, TN 37416
423.344.3884

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth often require removal due to impaction, crowding, or pain. In our office, we perform most wisdom tooth extractions, including sedation, without needing a surgeon referral, using advanced techniques for comfort and quick recovery.

Routine Extractions & Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Harrison Family Dentistry we always aim to save teeth but sometimes when a tooth cannot be restored we have to extract, or remove, it. A special case of tooth extraction concerns wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that many patients need at some point in life. While not all wisdom teeth cause problems, they can often lead to pain, crowding, or infection if left untreated. At our office, we are equipped to handle most wisdom tooth extractions right here, saving you the need for a referral in many cases. For your comfort, we provide both local anesthesia and comprehensive conscious IV sedation, allowing us to tailor your care to your needs. Our goal is to make your experience as safe, gentle, and stress-free as possible.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed and, therefore, the decision to keep them or remove them must be made on an individual basis. However, when they are not properly aligned, they may grow in sideways, tilt toward or away from neighboring molars, or angle inward or outward within the mouth. Misaligned wisdom teeth can cause crowding or harm to nearby teeth, the jawbone, or nerves.
Wisdom teeth might stay fully encased in soft tissue or the jawbone, or they may only partially break through the gums. When teeth only partially emerge, they can create an entry point for bacteria, leading to infections that cause pain, swelling, jaw rigidity, and overall discomfort. These partially erupted teeth are also more susceptible to decay and gum issues due to their hard-to-reach position, which complicates brushing and flossing.
You may need to have an impacted wisdom tooth removed if you experience:

• Persistent pain
• Food particles or debris getting stuck behind the tooth
• Gum or tooth infections
• Decay in a partially emerged wisdom tooth
• Harm to adjacent teeth or bone
• Formation of a fluid-filled cyst near the tooth
• Interference with orthodontic treatments aimed at aligning other teeth

Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Preventively?

Every smile is unique, and it isn’t always possible to know how wisdom teeth will affect you in the future. That’s why we may sometimes suggest removing them before problems arise. Preventive removal can offer peace of mind for a few important reasons:

• Even healthy-looking teeth can cause trouble later. Wisdom teeth without symptoms may still hide decay, infection, or gum concerns.
• Tight spaces are harder to keep clean. When there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth to fully come in, they can trap food and bacteria.
• Younger patients usually recover more easily. Complications are less common and healing tends to be smoother at a younger age.
• Surgery can be harder as we get older. Extraction is often more complex in adulthood, and recovery can take longer.
At Harrison Family Dentistry, we will take the time to discuss your specific situation and guide you toward the choice that’s best for your long-term oral health.

What Should I Expect After Having My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Don’t worry—we will guide you through every step of the healing process. Recovery looks a little different for everyone, depending on how involved the extraction was, but most people find that with proper care, healing goes smoothly. Here’s what you can typically expect in the first day and beyond:

• Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal. Your dentist will provide gauze and clear instructions to help manage it.

• Swelling or bruising: Ice packs, gentle heat after the first day, and over-the-counter pain relief can ease discomfort.

• Rest: Take it easy on the day of surgery. You can usually return to light activities the following day, but avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for about a week to protect the healing site.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, soda, caffeine, or hot beverages during the first 24 hours.

• Skip the straw: Wait at least a week before using a straw, since suction can disrupt the blood clot needed for healing.

• Soft foods only: Start with soft foods, and add in semi-soft options as you begin to feel more comfortable.

• Gentle oral care: Avoid brushing, rinsing, or using mouthwash for the first 24 hours. When you resume brushing, be very gentle around the extraction areas.

• No tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco can slow down healing and increase the risk of infection.

Although complete healing may take several weeks to a few months, most patients feel much better within one to two weeks. Your care team is always available to answer questions and help you recover as comfortably as possible.

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Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

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Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.

Contact Us

Would you like to have one of our welcoming team members reach out to you?

Please provide your contact information in the form below, and we will contact you at your convenience. Whether you have inquiries about our services, need assistance with scheduling an appointment, or require additional details, our team is here to assist you. We value your time and are committed to responding promptly to your request. We look forward to connecting with you and addressing your dental needs.

Uh-oh! There was an error. Please check the form.

Success! Thanks for reaching out! We will contact you ASAP during our regular business hours.

By submitting this form, you hereby provide your express consent to be contacted by telephone, electronic mail, or text message, and you acknowledge and agreeto the Privacy Policy that any such telephone communications may be recorded for purposes of quality control and training. This form, as well as any subsequent electronic mail or text message communications, shall not be utilized for the transmission of protected health information, unless said transmission is HIPAA secured. We expressly disclaim any and all warranties, whether express or implied, regarding the privacy, security, or confidentiality of any information submitted through this form.