5 Signs It’s Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

Your Neighborhood Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to appear, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For some, these teeth come in smoothly and never cause trouble. But for many others, wisdom teeth can create discomfort, crowding, or even infection. So how do you know when it’s time to have them removed?

At Neighborhood Dental, our goal is to help every patient experience comfortable, stress-free dentistry, even when oral surgery is involved. If you’ve been putting off wisdom teeth removal, knowing what signs to look for (and the options available to keep you relaxed) can make the decision easier. Here are five signs it might be time to remove your wisdom teeth:

1. You’re Feeling Pain or Pressure in the Back of Your Mouth

A dull ache, soreness, or swelling in the back of your mouth is often the first clue that your wisdom teeth are causing trouble. As they erupt, they can press on neighboring teeth, nerves, or bone, creating pressure that persists without treatment.

2. Your Gums Are Red, Swollen, or Bleeding

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria beneath the gumline, leading to inflammation or infection known as pericoronitis. If your gums near the back of your mouth are tender, red, or bleeding, schedule a visit before the condition worsens and becomes more painful or difficult to clean. A common dental condition, pericoronitis can affect anyone with wisdom teeth.

3. You’re Experiencing Jaw Pain or Headaches

When wisdom teeth grow in at awkward angles, they can place tension on your jaw or surrounding teeth. This can lead to jaw stiffness or even recurring headaches. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can help relieve that built-up pressure.

4. Your Teeth Are Becoming Crowded or Shifting

Wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift out of place as they erupt, especially if you’ve had orthodontic treatment (metal braces or clear aligners) in the past. Removing them early helps preserve your alignment and keeps your smile looking its best.

5. You Have Repeated Infections or Bad Breath

If you’ve noticed a persistent bad taste, unpleasant odor, or recurring swelling near your molars, it could be from trapped bacteria around partially erupted wisdom teeth. Extraction can help prevent ongoing infections and protect your overall oral health.

Experience Comfortable, Relaxed Wisdom Teeth Removal

We understand that the thought of oral surgery can cause anxiety for some patients; that’s why Neighborhood Dental now offers expanded sedation dentistry services to make every visit calm, comfortable, and pain-free. Whether you need mild relaxation with nitrous oxide or a deeper sedation option for your procedure, our team will tailor your experience to fit your comfort level.

If you’re someone who has avoided treatment due to fear, Dr. Andrew Johnson at our West 26th Street location in Sioux Falls now offers IV sedation dentistry for wisdom teeth removal and other procedures, helping you rest easy from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?

Thanks to our comfort menu, therapy dogs, modern technology, and sedation options, wisdom teeth removal is much more comfortable than most people expect. Patients often feel relaxed or even sleep through the procedure and experience minimal discomfort afterward.

How long will it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

Most patients recover within 3–5 days, though it may take up to a week for swelling to subside completely. Following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions, such as eating soft foods and avoiding straws, can help you heal more quickly.

Is everyone required to remove their wisdom teeth?

Not necessarily. If your wisdom teeth grow in straight and don’t cause pain or crowding, they may not need to be removed. However, regular exams and x-rays help your dentist monitor them closely.

Will my face shape change after wisdom teeth removal?

No, any facial swelling you notice after surgery is temporary and usually subsides within a few days. Once healing is complete, your natural face shape will return to its normal state. In some cases, removing impacted wisdom teeth can actually reduce puffiness or tension in the jaw area, resulting in a more comfortable overall appearance.

What type of sedation is available for extractions?

Neighborhood Dental offers multiple levels of sedation—ranging from mild nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to deeper sedation options available at our West 26 location for patients who prefer to be fully relaxed during treatment.

Your Neighborhood Dental Team Is Here to Help

No matter which of our locations you visit, our dentists are committed to helping you make confident decisions about your oral health. From gentle extractions to sedation-assisted care, we’re here to ensure your experience is as easy and stress-free as possible.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait for pain to worsen. Let’s protect your smile and keep your oral health on track.

📞 Call your nearest participating Neighborhood Dental location or request an appointment online to schedule a wisdom teeth removal consultation today.

📍 Neighborhood Dental East 26 | Dr. Andrew Boyd, Dr. Ashton Fjeldheim, and Dr. Anne Steffen

📍Neighborhood Dental West 26 | Dr. Kathleen Bartuenk & Dr. Andrew Johnson

📍Neighborhood Dental 41st Street | Dr. Ridgway & Dr. Swenson

📍Neighborhood Dental Brandon | Dr. Alex Woods

📍Neighborhood Dental Harrisburg | Dr. Sean Rasmusson & Dr. Dr. Garret Fraser

📍Neighborhood Dental Beresford | Dr. Amanda Schwaderer & Dr. Karisa Vogt

📍Neighborhood Dental Yankton | Dr. Troy Larsen & Dr. Ryan Bakke