Wisdom Tooth Removal

There are a few very lucky people who never have to deal with wisdom teeth. But for most of us, they become a reality sometime in adolescence or early adulthood. If someone in your home needs to see our dentists for wisdom teeth removal in Silver Spring, Maryland, contact Smile Loft Dental at Hillandale at 301-445-5821. Dr. Kashyap Patel or Dr. Priya Patel can help your smile get back to normal.

Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaw. They are usually the last teeth to come in or erupt, usually between ages 16 and 20. Since they are the last of your permanent teeth to come in, there may not be enough room for them to grow in properly without becoming impacted or disturbing other teeth. Wisdom teeth that do not erupt properly can cause dental problems such as:

  • Disturbance to the alignment of your teeth
  • Damage to surrounding teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Damage to the jawbone
  • Tenderness, swelling and infection in the gums and other tissues in the mouth
  • Cysts

We recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent these and more complications that can significantly affect your oral health. During your regular visits to our office, our dentists will evaluate your smile, check for signs of wisdom teeth eruption and determine whether you would benefit from wisdom teeth removal. During the procedure, our dentists and team will do everything we can to make your wisdom teeth removal as painless and pleasant as possible. We are dedicated to you and your oral health, and we want you to feel comfortable and confident in our care. If you want to learn more about wisdom teeth removal, please contact our office today to schedule an appointment with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are wisdom teeth and why might they need removal?

Wisdom teeth are your last set of molars that usually erupt in late teens or early adulthood. They often don’t have enough room to grow in properly, which can cause pain, crowding, or infection, so removal is recommended to prevent these issues.

Q. Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?

No – the procedure is done under anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during surgery. Afterward, mild discomfort and swelling are common but can be managed with prescribed pain relief.

Q. How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?

Most patients feel significantly better within a few days, but full recovery can take up to a week or more. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions helps speed healing and prevent complications.

Q. Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?

Yes — depending on your case, your dentist may recommend removing multiple wisdom teeth in one visit to minimize overall treatment time and visits.

Q. What should I eat after my wisdom tooth extraction?

Stick to soft, cool, or lukewarm foods like yogurt, soups, and smoothies for the first few days. Avoid hard, spicy, or crunchy foods to prevent irritation and protect healing tissues.