Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If they emerge completely straight and you can keep them clean, they can stay. However, most modern human jaws are too small. This causes the wisdom tooth to erupt sideways, pushing into the adjacent molar, destroying its root, or creating a deep gum pocket (pericoronitis) that constantly traps food and becomes infected. In these cases, surgical removal prevents the loss of the healthy teeth next to it.
No. You will feel pressure, but absolutely no sharp pain. MDS Oral Surgeons are masters of regional anesthesia. They use advanced nerve blocks to completely numb the entire quadrant of your jaw. If you are highly anxious, conscious sedation or pre-operative anti-anxiety medications can be arranged.
A dry socket (Alveolar Osteitis) happens when the protective blood clot that forms in the hole after an extraction is accidentally dislodged before the gums have healed. This exposes the raw bone and nerves to air and food, causing severe, throbbing pain. To prevent it: do NOT spit forcefully, do NOT use a drinking straw, and strictly DO NOT smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery.