Wisdom Teeth Removal in Midlothian, VA

When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Recommended?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure that involves removing one or more of the third molars. These are the last adult molars to emerge, usually between ages 17 and 25, and they often don’t have enough space to grow in.

Extraction of the third molars may be recommended when they:

Are impacted (trapped beneath the gum or bone)
Erupt at an angle that threatens the alignment of teeth
Cause crowding or pain
Develop cavities or infections that are hard to treat
Interfere with orthodontic treatment
Lead to cysts or damage to nearby facial bones

Removal can prevent more serious oral health issues, like the spread of infection, damage to healthy teeth, and advanced gum disease.

Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Not all wisdom teeth cause immediate problems, but here are some signs that they may need to come out:

Ongoing pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth
Swelling or redness around your gums
Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth fully
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Repeated infections or swelling near the molars
Shifting of nearby teeth or crowding

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation to determine whether wisdom tooth removal is the right choice.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

Not everyone requires removal, but delaying when there are signs of trouble can lead to serious oral health issues.

If left untreated, problematic teeth may cause:

Impaction: When there isn’t enough room for the teeth to fully emerge, they may stay trapped beneath the gum or grow at an angle, putting pressure on nearby molars and bone.
Crowding: A lack of space can cause your surrounding teeth to shift, leading to bite issues or undoing previous orthodontic work.
Infection and decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can collect, leading to infections or cavities that are hard to reach and treat.
Pain and discomfort: Jaw stiffness, swelling, and soreness are common when the third molars don’t erupt properly.

Each patient’s situation is different. In some cases, we may recommend proactive removal before symptoms appear. In others, we will take a conservative approach and monitor the teeth over time.

Either way, we always prioritize your comfort, health, and long-term care.

     
 
 
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      bonehead one 
 
 
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      Jean Bowman 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have to admit I was not relishing the thought of having Two crowns that were in need of repair done at the same time , but then again it would be done with. I can’t really explain how stunned I was that it was all done in Two hours with the most professional and comforting care. Technology has come a long way in being able to have a real crown made and put on in this amount of time. I can’t thank Dr Rebecca Angus and her staff for their care, concern and professionalism.
  
 
      Gene Wilson 
 
 
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Love them!  They're the best!
  
 
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I cannot express enough how incredibly grateful I am to Dr. Reitano, Jennifer and Jenny, for everything they did for me and for the excellent care they provided. I have complete confidence in Dr. Reitano, and cannot thank her enough for catching the infection I had and for finding a solution to fix the issue.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great cleaning of my teeth and a very thorough exam to check on the health of my teeth and gums.
  
 
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What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal

Our surgical team uses advanced imaging to assess your bone structure and facial anatomy, then create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Here’s what the oral surgery procedure usually involves:

Comprehensive evaluation: Digital X-rays and/or 3D imaging help us determine if the extraction will be simple or surgical.
Sedation: Depending on the complexity of your case and your comfort level, we offer a range of dental sedation options, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. These methods help you stay calm and relaxed throughout the procedure.
Surgical extraction: For impacted or partially erupted teeth, a small incision may be made in the gum tissue. We may also remove a bit of bone to access the tooth safely.
Tooth removal: The tooth is gently loosened and removed using advanced techniques designed to minimize trauma and surgical risk.
Closure: Gauze is placed to encourage a healthy blood clot, and dissolvable stitches may be used to help the area close and heal properly.

Your comfort and safety are always our priority, and we walk you through every step of your treatment plan in advance.

Dos and Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Following the right steps after surgery can help reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and support proper healing. Here are some of the most important dos and don’ts to keep in mind during your recovery.

Do:

Get plenty of rest during the first 24–48 hours
Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and eggs
Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
Gently rinse with saltwater after the first 24 hours to keep the site clean
Take all medications as prescribed for pain or to prevent infection

Don’t:

Smoke, use straws, or drink alcohol for at least 72 hours
Brush directly over the surgical site in the first few days
Eat crunchy, spicy, or hard foods that could irritate the area
Participate in strenuous activity while you’re healing

Following these guidelines after wisdom tooth extraction will support a smoother healing process and help lower your risk of complications like dry socket or infection.

If you notice increased pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth, reach out to our office. These may be signs of an infected extraction site or a dislodged blood clot.

When Is the Worst Day of Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
For most patients, day two or three after surgery tends to be the most uncomfortable. Swelling often peaks around this time. With proper rest, medication, and hydration, symptoms usually improve steadily after that.
If your pain worsens after day three, contact our office to rule out any complications.

Wisdom Teeth and Orthodontic Treatment

If you are planning or currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth to preserve the natural alignment of your smile. This is especially common for teen or young adult patients with smaller jaws.

We coordinate closely with your orthodontist to determine the best timing for removal based on your treatment plan.

We participate with Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier and can help you make the most of your benefits, and we accept payment from all major dental insurance companies. As an in-network provider, we help patients maximize their benefits while receiving expert, personalized care that fits their coverage.We proudly serve Midlothian and Richmond and the Greater Richmond area with personalized, high-quality dental care.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Midlothian, VA

Dr. Rebecca Angus provides personalized wisdom tooth evaluations and removal to help prevent pain, infection, and other complications. Whether your wisdom teeth are already causing problems or need to be monitored, you’ll receive thoughtful care and guidance every step of the way.

To book an appointment at our dentist office in Midlothian, VA, call (804) 794-6893 or visit us at 2400 Pagehurst Dr, Midlothian, VA 23113.

FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Removal

How long does wisdom tooth extraction take to heal?

Most patients feel better within a week. Complete healing of the surgical site can take up to two to four weeks.

How long do I keep gauze in after wisdom tooth extraction?

Keep gauze in place for 30 to 60 minutes, changing it as needed. Once bleeding slows, gauze may no longer be necessary.

When can I drink alcohol after wisdom tooth extraction?

Wait at least 72 hours. Alcohol can interfere with healing and increase the risk of dry socket.

When can I smoke after wisdom tooth extraction?

Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot and delaying recovery.

When can I drink soda after wisdom tooth extraction?

Wait at least three to four days. The carbonation and acidity from soda can irritate the healing site.

When can I use mouthwash after wisdom tooth extraction?

Avoid commercial mouthwashes for the first 48 hours. Use a saltwater rinse instead, as recommended.

Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?

We use effective anesthesia techniques to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal and manageable with proper care.

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

If your teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and don’t interfere with surrounding structures, we may recommend leaving them in place.

Can wisdom teeth cause problems later in life?

Yes, even teeth that seem fine at first can develop problems like decay, infections, or shifting teeth later on.

Do I need all four wisdom teeth removed at once?

In many cases, removing all four at once supports a more efficient recovery. We’ll help you decide what makes the most sense for your case.

Where can I go for wisdom tooth removal in Midlothian?

Angus Dentistry in Midlothian, VA provides wisdom teeth removal with a focus on comfort, safety, and personalized care. Whether your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing crowding, our team will guide you through the process and recovery. Call (804) 794-6893 to schedule a consultation.