At Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH, we look carefully at each wisdom tooth before recommending anything. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out, and we only advise removal when it protects your health. Extractions, especially wisdom teeth removal, may require more advanced oral surgery techniques, and our team plans each case with detailed imaging and gentle technology designed to protect the tissue around the tooth. We explain every step so you feel informed and comfortable.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth ConsultationWhy Wisdom Teeth Often Cause Problems
The human jaw has often become smaller than it was for our ancestors, which leaves little space for the last set of molars. When a wisdom tooth cannot come in properly, several things can happen. Understanding the possibilities helps explain why we monitor these teeth so closely. Wisdom teeth commonly cause problems in the following ways.
- Impaction. The tooth stays trapped in the gum or jawbone and cannot fully come in.
- Partial eruption. The tooth breaks through only partly, leaving a flap of gum where food and bacteria collect and cause infection.
- Crowding. The tooth pushes against nearby teeth and can affect their position.
- Damage to the neighboring tooth. A wisdom tooth at an angle can trap plaque against the second molar and lead to decay or gum disease.
- Cysts or other growths. In rare cases, a cyst can form around an impacted tooth and affect the bone.
- Difficulty cleaning. The back of the mouth is hard to reach, so wisdom teeth are prone to cavities and gum problems.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need Attention
Some wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all, while others make themselves known. Regular exams and digital images let us catch problems early, sometimes before you feel anything. Please schedule a visit if you notice any of the following.
- Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth or jaw
- Red, swollen, or tender gums around a back tooth
- A bad taste or odor that does not go away
- Stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Cavities or gum problems in the teeth next to your wisdom teeth
- Swelling in the jaw or glands
- Headaches or earaches that seem to come from the back of the mouth
If you have severe pain, facial swelling, or a fever, our emergency dentistry page explains what to do right away.
Your Wisdom Tooth Removal, from Exam to Aftercare
Every wisdom tooth is different, and the right approach depends on its position, its roots, and its relationship to nearby structures. Careful planning is the key to a smooth experience. Here is what you can expect.
01
Consultation and 3D Imaging
We examine the area and take digital X-rays or cone beam 3D images, which show the roots, the surrounding bone, and the position of nerves and sinuses.
02
Your Personalized Plan
We explain what we found, discuss timing and comfort options, review your health history, and give you clear instructions to prepare for your visit.
03
Numbing and Comfort
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area so you stay comfortable throughout treatment.
04
Careful Removal
The tooth is gently removed. If it is impacted, a small opening may be made in the gum, and some bone may be removed or the tooth sectioned so it can come out in smaller pieces. We use advanced ultrasonic bone surgery technology to protect the surrounding tissue.
05
Controlling Bleeding and Closing
Gauze pads are placed over the area for you to bite down on, which applies pressure and helps stop bleeding. Stitches may be placed, and they may dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow up visit.
06
Recovery Instructions and Follow Up
We give you written instructions for healing and schedule a follow up visit when needed, so you know exactly what to do and who to call.
Technology That Makes Wisdom Tooth Removal Gentler
Modern tools help us see clearly and work gently, which supports a more comfortable recovery. We use technology designed to protect the tissue around your tooth. These tools make a difference for wisdom teeth in particular.
- Cone beam 3D imaging. This provides better quality and more detailed images than traditional X-rays, with less radiation, so we can plan around roots, nerves, and sinuses. Learn more about our dental technology.
- Piezotome CUBE. This ultrasonic bone surgery device allows bone work to be done faster, with less overall trauma to the surrounding tissues and increased patient safety. It can help reduce pain and post operative swelling.
- Digital X-rays. These give instant, high quality images with less radiation than film.
Planning for the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Many patients want to understand costs before they begin, and we are happy to explain. The cost depends on how many teeth need to come out and how complex each one is. Dental plans often cover wisdom teeth removal as an oral surgery benefit, though coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. Our team will review your benefits, give you a clear estimate, and discuss your options before treatment begins. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Take Care of Wisdom Tooth Problems Before They Grow
Wisdom tooth problems tend to get worse the longer they wait, and early care is usually simpler and more comfortable. Whether you have pain now or want to know what your teeth are doing, a quick exam and imaging can give you answers. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to guide you with gentle, clear care. Schedule your wisdom teeth consultation today.
Book Your Wisdom Teeth ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last four adult teeth to come in, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Many people do not have enough room in the jaw for them, so they may come in crooked, only partly break through the gum, or stay trapped under the surface. When this happens, they can cause pain, infection, and crowding. A dental exam and X-rays show whether your wisdom teeth are growing in properly.
No, not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. A tooth that is healthy, fully in position, and easy to clean can sometimes stay in place. We recommend removal when a tooth is impacted, infected, causing damage to nearby teeth, or likely to cause problems in the future. Regular exams and digital images help us monitor your teeth and decide on the right timing.
Common signs include pain or pressure at the back of the jaw, swollen or tender gums, a bad taste in the mouth, stiffness opening the jaw, and cavities or gum problems in the teeth beside your wisdom teeth. Some problem wisdom teeth cause no symptoms, which is why regular X-rays matter. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an exam so we can see what is going on. Severe pain or facial swelling should be seen right away.
Wisdom teeth are most often removed in the late teens and early twenties, when the roots are not fully formed and the bone is more flexible. Removal at this age is often easier, and recovery is often quicker. That said, adults of any age may need treatment if a wisdom tooth begins to cause problems. We will recommend the right timing based on your exam and images.
We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, though you may feel pressure. Afterward, some soreness, swelling, and stiffness are normal and usually peak within the first few days before easing. Our team will give you clear aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable. If you are nervous, tell us so we can talk through your options.
Most patients return to their normal routines within a few days, and soreness and swelling typically ease over the first week. The socket continues to heal inside the mouth for several weeks. Resting, eating soft foods, using ice, and avoiding straws, forceful spitting, and smoking help the clot stay in place and heal properly. Recovery can take a little longer for impacted teeth or if several teeth are removed together.
Problem wisdom teeth can lead to repeated infections, damage to the neighboring tooth, gum disease, crowding, and, in rare cases, cysts that affect the bone. Pain may come and go, which makes it tempting to wait, but the underlying problem usually does not go away on its own. Removing the tooth earlier is often simpler and more comfortable than waiting until it becomes severe. An exam with imaging can tell you how urgent it is.
Many dental plans cover wisdom teeth removal as an oral surgery benefit, though coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. In some cases, a portion may be covered by medical insurance. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your costs before treatment. You can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
