Wisdom Teeth Removal in Bellingham, WA

Wisdom teeth are the last molars that grow in the back of the mouth.

They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Sometimes there is not enough space for these teeth to grow properly, which can lead to problems.

At Northside Dental Care in Bellingham, Washington, our dentists evaluate wisdom teeth and remove them when necessary to protect your oral health.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

A wisdom tooth is called impacted when it cannot fully come through the gums.

This often happens when there is not enough room in the jaw.

In many cases, the tooth may grow at an angle instead of straight up. One common type of impaction occurs when the tooth is angled forward toward the front of the mouth.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause:

• Gum tenderness
• Swelling around the tooth
• Pain in the back of the mouth
• Difficulty cleaning the area

Because these teeth are hard to reach, they can also lead to tooth decay, infections, and gum disease.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Every patient is different, so our dentists will evaluate your wisdom teeth carefully.

This usually includes a panoramic X-ray to see the position of the teeth and the surrounding bone.

If removal is recommended, it is often best to remove wisdom teeth sooner rather than later.

Wisdom teeth are commonly removed in the late teens or early twenties because:

• The roots may not be fully formed yet
• The surrounding bone is softer
• Healing is often faster and easier

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure.

The process usually includes:

– Numbing the Area –

The dentist will numb the area around the tooth using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

Sedation options may also be available for patients who feel nervous about the procedure.

– Removing the Tooth –

If the wisdom tooth is under the gums or partially in the bone, the dentist may need to:

• Remove a small amount of bone
• Divide the tooth into smaller pieces

This allows the tooth to be removed more easily through a small opening.

– Beginning the Healing Process –

Once the tooth is removed, the area will begin to heal.

Healing time depends on the position of the tooth and the difficulty of the extraction.

Our team will provide instructions to help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluation

If you are experiencing pain in the back of your mouth or believe your wisdom teeth may need attention, we are here to help.

Call Northside Dental Care in Bellingham, WA at 360-676-1138 to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online.

Our dentists will evaluate your wisdom teeth and recommend the best treatment to protect your oral health.