What Is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come in, and for many people, they create more problems than they solve. These third molars usually appear in the late teens or early twenties, often when there is not enough room in the mouth to support them. As a result, they may grow in at an angle, press against neighboring teeth, stay partially trapped under the gums, or fail to erupt altogether, leading to pain, infection, crowding, or damage to nearby teeth and bone. Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery procedure and one we perform regularly at The Oral Surgery Center for Greensboro, NC teens, young adults, and older patients who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. Using our office's advanced 3D dental imaging tools and his years of experience, Dr. Justin L. Drab can help you find relief and avoid long-term complications with your oral health. If you've been referred for wisdom tooth removal or are struggling with symptoms of an ingrown wisdom tooth, schedule a consultation and exam to learn how we can help.
How Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Work?
We'll start with a full exam and digital imaging at our Greensboro, NC office to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the best approach for removal. In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed under sedation or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. If the tooth is visible and has erupted normally, Dr. Drab may remove it through a simple extraction by gently loosening it first before removal. Impacted or partially erupted teeth may require a small incision in the gum or the removal of surrounding bone to fully access the tooth. Once the tooth is removed, Dr. Drab will clean and suture the area.
Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction typically takes 1 – 2 weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities after a few days. During the first 24 – 48 hours, you'll likely notice some swelling, soreness, and mild bleeding. Before you leave our office, we'll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage discomfort and ensure a smoother recovery. For at least the first few days, you should only eat softer foods (like yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, or scrambled eggs) that won't aggravate the surgery site. As the stitches dissolve and your mouth heals, you can gradually start incorporating more of your normal diet.
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal is recommended when the teeth are causing problems or are likely to in the future. The earlier wisdom teeth are removed, the simpler the procedure and recovery tend to be. The benefits of wisdom tooth extraction at our Greensboro, NC office include:
- Prevents future crowding or shifting of other teeth
- Reduces the risk of infection, cysts, or damage to surrounding bone
- Relieves pressure, pain, or swelling caused by impacted teeth
- Helps maintain long-term oral health and tooth alignment
- Shortens recovery time when done before roots are fully formed
- Eliminates a common source of decay and inflammation in hard-to-clean areas
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Reviews
I had my four wisdom teeth removed. I was extremely nervous but the staff was so sweet and reassuring I was going to be ok. Dr Drab was amazing! Highly recommended this office for anyone needing oral surgery.
Friendly well prepared staff.1/2 day down for 5 extractions.Would go again with no reservations.
I highly recommend Dr Justin Drab and his team. They are very friendly and and professional. A while back, Dr Drab extracted our daughter's wisdom teeth. He and his team put our her concerns at ease and provided exceptional care, making sure she was comfortable throughout the entire process. Following the surgery, she had very little swelling and needed nothing more than ibuprofen and Tylenol for discomfort. Dr Drab personally called that evening to check on her, which we appreciated. Now, it's our son's turn to have his wisdom teeth removed and I wouldn't go anywhere else. I highly recommend Dr Drab to everyone I encounter who needs an oral surgeon.
As an Orthodontist in Greensboro, we love sending patients to Dr Drab's office. His chair side manner puts patients at ease, his staff is wonderful to work with and his skill as a surgeon is second to none! This is my third son Dr. Drab has helped out with for wisdom teeth and we couldn't be happier. Would absolutely recommend to anyone! Thank you!!
My second child to have wisdom teeth removal here. So fast and efficient… I refer them to all our friends. We love Dr. Drab.
37
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Address Problematic Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth start to shift, swell, or press against other teeth, the best approach is one that is timely, planned, and handled by someone who will prioritize your comfort and safety. Dr. Drab performs surgical extractions at The Oral Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC with a focus on minimizing complications and guiding each patient through recovery with practical, steady care. If the time has come to have your wisdom teeth extracted, our team will make sure the process is clear from your first consultation.