Wisdom Teeth Removal Washington DC & Alexandria VA

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to develop, typically emerging in your late teens or early 20s. Many patients need them removed because there is not enough room for them to erupt properly. Removing wisdom teeth early prevents crowding of other teeth, chronic infection, cyst formation, and damage to adjacent molars. At Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry we perform wisdom tooth extractions at all three offices with IV sedation or local anesthesia.

When Wisdom Teeth Should Come Out

• Impacted teeth: stuck under the gum or bone, unable to erupt normally
• Recurring pericoronitis: repeated gum infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth
• Crowding other teeth: displacing already-corrected orthodontic work
• Decay or gum disease: wisdom teeth are hard to clean and often develop problems first
• Cyst or tumor formation: rare but serious complications of retained impacted teeth
• Damage to the adjacent second molar: pressure or decay from wisdom teeth

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they erupt fully, are cleanable, and are not causing problems, keeping them is fine.

How the Extraction Works

Simple erupted wisdom teeth come out much like other teeth. Impacted teeth require a small gum incision, sometimes bone removal, and sectioning the tooth for easier extraction. The procedure typically takes 20 to 45 minutes per tooth depending on complexity. Anesthesia options include local anesthesia only, oral sedation, IV sedation, or (rarely) general anesthesia.

Recovery Timeline

• Days 1 to 3: peak swelling and tenderness. Ice compresses, prescribed pain medication, soft cool foods
• Days 3 to 7: gradual improvement. Sutures dissolve or are removed at 7 to 10 days
• Weeks 2 to 4: full soft-tissue healing
• Months 3 to 6: full bone remodeling

Sockets need to be kept clean but not disturbed. Salt-water rinses starting day 2 help. See our tooth extraction page for general cost and post-op guidance.

What to Avoid

• Straws for 5 to 7 days (risk of dry socket)
• Smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours (7 days is safer)
• Vigorous rinsing or spitting for 24 hours
• Hot foods and drinks for 3 days
• Vigorous exercise for 3 to 5 days

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I vape after wisdom teeth removal?

Wait at least 72 hours, ideally a full week. Vaping creates negative pressure and heat that can dislodge the blood clot in the socket, causing dry socket. Dry socket is one of the most painful post-op complications and is entirely preventable by avoiding vaping and smoking during healing.

Are all four wisdom teeth removed at once?

Usually yes, if all four need removal. Doing them together consolidates the healing period and anesthesia visits, especially with sedation.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?

Erupted wisdom teeth typically cost $200 to $400 per tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth run $300 to $800 per tooth depending on complexity. Sedation adds $250 to $600. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion.

Consult in DC, Alexandria, or Reston

If your dentist has told you your wisdom teeth need to come out, or you are experiencing pain or swelling around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, request a consult at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office.