What are Wisdom Teeth and When Do They Need Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most adults develop. They typically appear in the late teens or early twenties, and in many cases, they need to be removed.
In some situations, there is enough space in the mouth for these teeth to grow in properly aligned. When this happens, extraction may not be necessary. Some individuals may also have fewer than four wisdom teeth—or none at all.
For many patients, however, wisdom teeth grow in at an angle, remain trapped beneath the gums, or become impacted. This can lead to crowding, pressure on nearby teeth, or damage to surrounding structures.
In other cases, partial eruption creates an opening where bacteria can enter, increasing the risk of infection, swelling, and discomfort. When these issues occur, oral surgery in Southlake may be recommended to protect your oral health.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure Overview
If we determine that you need wisdom tooth extractions, we will first take a CT scan of your jaw. The scan helps us plan your extraction and keep the procedure as minimally invasive as possible. To help you feel comfortable, we provide sedation dentistry options to help you stay relaxed throughout the procedure.
It’s important to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment because the sedation inhibits your ability to drive.
Or Call (817) 587-4414










Signs You Need
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Patients who don’t visit the dentist regularly may not realize when wisdom teeth begin to grow in. Dental x-rays can reveal their position, alignment, and development.
Without recent dental visits, certain symptoms may begin to appear as wisdom teeth emerge and create pressure in the back of the mouth.
When teeth are not impacted, you may simply notice a new tooth coming in behind your molars.


Noticing any of these signs is a good reason to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Van Tassell at StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery.
- Jaw pain
- Bad breath
- Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening mouth
- A stiff or swollen jaw
These are common signs of impacted wisdom teeth. If your teeth are not impacted, you might notice a new tooth growing in at the back of your mouth. If you notice any signs that your wisdom teeth might be growing in, it’s important to visit Dr. Van Tassell at StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery to find out if you need a wisdom tooth extraction. If you don’t get an extraction soon enough when you require one, it can result in an infection, serious pain, or damage to the rest of your teeth.

Personalized Treatment
Each case involves a slightly different process. For example, if a tooth is impacted, we may need to gently access it through the gums. In all cases, we will extract each tooth in several pieces to prevent the destruction of adjacent tissue and nerves. This makes the procedure less traumatic and influences a faster recovery time. Some patients may only require a coronectomy (removal of the crown) if the molar is fully developed.
Following your wisdom tooth extraction, you will need to take at least a few days off work to recover. Most patients require prescription pain medications to make their recovery more comfortable. We also recommend applying ice to your face and eating soft foods during recovery. We will provide you with a complete list of aftercare instructions before and after your procedure.
Or Call (817) 587-4414
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Wisdom teeth don’t have to disrupt your comfort or your daily life. Whether you’re experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or you’ve simply reached the age where wisdom teeth start to appear, our team is here to help. At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, Dr. Van Tassell provides advanced care and a comfortable experience for every patient.
Don’t wait until wisdom teeth cause lasting damage. Learn how expert oral surgery in Southlake, TX, can restore your comfort and protect your oral health.
Or Call (817) 587-4414
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom Teeth Removal
FAQs
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
Wisdom teeth often emerge during the late teens or early twenties and can create pain, crowding, or infection if they don’t grow in properly. Understanding when removal is necessary and what to expect from the procedure can help you feel prepared and confident about protecting your oral health.


