Wisdom Tooth Removal

Updated Sept. 2026

Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. It's surprisingly routine, yet it still makes people nervous. Here's what to expect before, during and after having one or more wisdom teeth extracted.

When is it necessary to remove a wisdom tooth?

Your wisdom teeth, also referred to as your third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, these teeth grow in just fine. For others, they come in impacted—they're angled toward the second molar, trapped in the jawbone or growing in sideways. 

Your dentist can spot an impacted tooth on an X-ray even without symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include: 

• Discomfort or pain in the jaw
• Gum sensitivity near the back of the mouth
• Food debris trapped around the tooth
• Plaque and tooth decay near the affected area

Because wisdom teeth sit so far back in the mouth, they're hard to keep clean even when they erupt normally, which can itself be a reason for removal. 

For wisdom teeth that aren't causing problems, opinions vary: some dentists recommend leaving them, others recommend preventive removal to avoid future issues. Removing them at a younger age may lower the risk of complications, which is why a second opinion can help if your case is asymptomatic.

What should you expect before a wisdom tooth extraction?

Your dentist or an oral surgeon can perform the extraction. When prepping for a wisdom tooth extraction, discuss any health conditions and medications you're currently taking with your provider. Also, ask about anesthesia options, complication risks and recovery expectations. If a sedative is used, plan for someone to drive you home and expect to fast for six to eight hours beforehand.

If you have severely impacted teeth, you're more likely to see an oral surgeon than a general dentist.

What’s the procedure like?

Depending on how difficult the extraction will be, your provider will choose the appropriate anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free. 

• Local anesthesia numbs the area, similar to a filling.
• Sedation (laughing gas or IV sedation) can help you relax. 
• General anesthesia is used when it's best for you to be fully asleep.

During the procedure, the provider may make an incision in the gum, remove any bone that's blocking access to the tooth's root and divide the tooth to remove it in sections. Then, the site is then cleaned, stitched if needed and packed with gauze to encourage clotting and control any bleeding.

Is the recovery long?

Most people feel relief once the procedure is over, though full healing of the socket can take a few weeks. Your dentist will provide instructions for how to help you heal: 

• Use an ice pack for swelling and moist heat for jaw soreness.
• Drink plenty of fluids and stick to soft foods.
• Avoid brushing over the extraction site or rinsing vigorously for the first day or two.

• Take prescribed pain medication as directed.

Discomfort and swelling can last a few days, and it could take weeks for your mouth to fully heal. However, if your condition isn't improving, or it's getting worse, call your dentist right away. 

What about complications?

Long-term complications are uncommon. When they occur, they may include damage to the jawbone, nerves, sinuses or nearby teeth, infection or dry socket. 

How much does wisdom tooth remove cost and does insurance cover it?

Costs vary widely based on impaction severity, anesthesia type and location. You can expect to pay $137 to $335 for a simple extraction and $281 to $702 for a single impacted tooth that requires surgical extraction.

Dental insurance typically treats wisdom tooth extraction as a major dental care service, and coverage depends on your specific plan's benefit structure and annual maximum. Reviewing your dental plan's major services coverage before scheduling can help you budget for out-of-pocket costs.

Get coverage for wisdom tooth extractions with no waiting period

Any dental procedure can feel intimidating, but wisdom tooth extraction is done on patients every day, and an experienced provider will walk you through exactly what to expect.

If cost is a concern, the right dental insurance plan can help cover major services like this one. Spirit Dental gives you immediate coverage with no waiting periods, so you use your benefits as soon as the next day. 

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268  
• https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult#1
• https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/wisdom-teeth/smoking-after-wisdom-teeth-extraction
• https://www.self.com/story/wisdom-teeth-removal-facts
• https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/tooth-extraction-cost-financing/