Wisdom Teeth Removal in Summerville, SC
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, there simply isn’t enough room in the jaw for these teeth to grow in properly, and problems follow. Crowding, infection, pain, and damage to neighboring teeth are all common outcomes when wisdom teeth are left unaddressed. Fortunately, removal is a routine procedure that resolves these issues and protects your long-term oral health.
At Old Trolley Dental Associates, Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira handle wisdom tooth removal in-house as part of our comprehensive general dentistry services in Summerville, SC. One of the key advantages of our two-doctor private practice is that Dr. Skovira, who completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, manages the majority of our surgical cases directly, meaning you don’t need a separate referral to an oral surgeon for most wisdom tooth extractions.
Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
Most adults don’t have adequate space for their wisdom teeth to erupt fully and in proper alignment. When a tooth cannot break through the gumline completely, it becomes impacted — remaining fully or partially trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted wisdom teeth are associated with a range of complications, including infection, cyst formation, damage to the roots of adjacent teeth, and crowding of teeth that have already been straightened.
A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Dental Medicine found that an estimated 50% of privately insured US patients had at least one wisdom tooth extracted by age 25, making third molar removal among the most common surgical procedures performed on young adults in the country. Even wisdom teeth that partially erupt can be difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease in that area of the mouth.
Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Not everyone experiences dramatic symptoms when wisdom teeth begin to cause problems. Some patients feel significant pain or pressure at the back of the jaw, while others have no discomfort at all despite active crowding or infection developing beneath the surface. This is why routine dental X-rays are so important: problems can be identified and addressed before they escalate.
Common warning signs include jaw soreness or stiffness, swelling or tenderness near the back teeth, difficulty fully opening the mouth, and repeated infections or swelling in the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth. Our 3D cone beam imaging technology gives us a precise view of how wisdom teeth are positioned relative to the surrounding bone, nerves, and roots, which is critical for planning a safe and efficient procedure.
What the Removal Process Involves
Wisdom tooth removal is classified as either a simple or surgical extraction depending on whether the tooth has fully erupted and how deeply it is embedded in the jawbone. Fully erupted wisdom teeth can often be removed much like a standard tooth extraction, while impacted teeth require a small incision in the gum tissue and, in some cases, removal of a small amount of surrounding bone to access and section the tooth.
Before the procedure begins, the area is fully numbed with local anesthesia. For patients who feel anxious about dental surgery, our sedation dentistry options make the experience far more manageable. Oral sedation allows you to remain relaxed and comfortable throughout, and many patients report remembering very little of the procedure afterward.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Most patients recover from wisdom tooth removal within a few days to a week. Swelling and mild soreness in the jaw are expected during the first 48 to 72 hours, and over-the-counter pain relief is typically sufficient to manage discomfort. We provide detailed post-operative instructions at discharge covering diet, activity restrictions, wound care, and what signs to watch for during healing.
Following these instructions closely is important. The most common complication after extraction is dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot protecting the socket is dislodged before healing is complete. Avoiding straws, smoking, and hard foods in the days after surgery significantly reduces this risk. Our team is available throughout your recovery to address any questions or concerns.
Here are a few guidelines we share with patients following wisdom tooth removal:
- Soft diet: Stick to foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes for the first several days to avoid disrupting the healing site.
- Ice application: Apply ice to the outside of the jaw in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to manage swelling.
- Oral hygiene: Brush carefully around the extraction sites and rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after surgery.
- Activity limits: Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours to reduce bleeding and swelling.
- Follow-up: Attend any scheduled post-operative appointments so we can confirm the sites are healing properly.
Following this guidance consistently gives you the best chance of a smooth, uncomplicated recovery.
Wisdom Tooth Pain Does Not Have to Wait at Old Trolley Dental Associates
Most dental practices refer surgical cases out, which means more appointments, more coordination, and more time before you get relief. At Old Trolley, Dr. Skovira handles the majority of wisdom tooth extractions in-house, including impacted cases, because of his Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency training at MUSC and his ongoing role as a clinical instructor in oral surgery at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine. You get the same level of surgical expertise without leaving the practice you already know. Dr. Kibler has been practicing in Summerville since 2006, and together they lead a two-doctor office where your full history is known from day one.
If your wisdom teeth have been causing pain or your dentist has recommended monitoring them, we are ready to take a look and walk you through your options. Contact our office to schedule a wisdom tooth consultation at Old Trolley Dental Associates in Summerville, SC.