Wisdom Teeth Removal in Littleton, CO

What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is a procedure to extract the third molars at the back of your mouth, usually because they are impacted, infected, decayed, or crowding nearby teeth. Wisdom teeth typically begin to come in between the late teens and early twenties, and many mouths simply do not have enough room for them. At Carlson Family Dentistry & Implants in Littleton, CO, we evaluate your wisdom teeth with x-rays and build a treatment plan around what your mouth actually needs.

How Do I Know If I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Some wisdom teeth cause no trouble at all, and not every patient needs them removed. Common signs that a wisdom tooth may be a problem include:

Pain, pressure, or aching at the back of your jaw
Red, swollen, or tender gums around a partially erupted tooth
A bad taste or persistent bad breath
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Decay or gum infection around a wisdom tooth, which can be hard to clean
Crowding or shifting of the teeth in front of it

The most reliable way to know is an exam with a dental x-ray, which shows whether a wisdom tooth is impacted and how it is positioned. For more complex cases, a cone beam CBCT scan can give us a detailed 3D view.

Why Remove Problem Wisdom Teeth Early?

An impacted wisdom tooth that stays in place can become infected, decay, and push against neighboring teeth. Over time, this can damage the teeth next to it and contribute to crowding. Addressing a problem wisdom tooth sooner rather than later helps protect your healthy teeth and can prevent a small issue from turning into an urgent one.

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Consultation and x-rays: We examine your mouth, take x-rays, and determine whether removal is necessary and how best to approach each tooth.
Planning and comfort options: Dr. Grant Coleman, who provides oral surgery and extractions, will explain your treatment plan and your options for staying comfortable. You can learn more about him on our About page. Depending on your needs, options may include nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation.
The removal: Once the area is numb, we make an incision in the gum if needed, remove the wisdom tooth, and close the gum with sutures. We repeat the process for any other wisdom teeth that need to come out.
Aftercare instructions: Before you leave, we explain how to care for the area, what to expect over the next few days, and when to call us.

Wisdom teeth removal is a type of tooth extraction, and our team handles everything from simple extractions to impacted teeth.

What Is Recovery Like After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

You can expect some soreness and swelling for the first few days, and everyone heals at their own pace. A few habits help your mouth recover smoothly:

Bite gently on gauze as directed to control bleeding in the first hours.
Use a cold pack on your cheek to limit swelling.
Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and lukewarm soup, and avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods at first.
Skip straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing early on so the blood clot can protect the healing site.
Take medications exactly as directed and keep the area clean following our instructions.

Call us if your pain gets worse instead of better after the first few days, if bleeding does not stop, or if you develop a fever.

Wisdom Teeth Care for Patients Near Littleton

Our Littleton office welcomes patients from Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl, Columbine, and Englewood. If a wisdom tooth starts causing sudden, severe pain or swelling, learn more about how we handle dental emergencies and call us so we can help you get relief.

Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs

At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?

There is no single age. Wisdom teeth are commonly evaluated in the late teens and early twenties, but adults can have problems with them at any age. If an x-ray shows that a wisdom tooth is impacted or causing trouble, it is best to address it when the problem is found.

Do all wisdom teeth have to come out?

No. A wisdom tooth that is healthy, fully erupted, and easy to keep clean may be able to stay. We use your exam and x-rays to recommend what is best for you.

Will I be comfortable during the procedure?

Yes. We numb the area and talk with you about sedation options so you can choose what feels right. We will review these choices during your consultation.

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery varies from person to person. Many patients are back to their normal routines within several days to a week, though the extraction site takes longer to heal fully. We will give you clear instructions to follow at home.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Start with soft, cool or lukewarm foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup. Avoid hot, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods until your mouth has healed enough to handle them.

What if my wisdom tooth hurts right now?

Call our office. Pain, swelling, or a bad taste around a wisdom tooth can be a sign of infection, and our team can arrange for you to be seen as soon as possible.

Are there payment options for wisdom teeth removal?

Our team can review your coverage and discuss payment choices with you. You can also read about financing options on our Patient Info page.

Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation

If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or you are not sure whether they need to come out, we can take a look. Call Carlson Family Dentistry & Implants at 303-932-6018, or request an appointment online. We are located at 9859 W Coal Mine Ave, Littleton, CO 80123.

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