Wisdom Tooth Removal in Broomfield and Northglenn, Colorado
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that typically erupt in your late teens or early twenties. Many people do not have enough space in their jaw for these teeth to come in properly. When wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or causing problems for adjacent teeth, removal is usually recommended.
Colorado Gum Care performs wisdom tooth extractions at our Broomfield and Northglenn offices. Our periodontists are specialists in oral surgery and perform both simple and complex surgical extractions with sedation available.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Your dentist or periodontist evaluates your wisdom teeth with X-rays and clinical examination to determine whether removal is needed.
Removal is typically recommended when:
- The wisdom tooth is impacted: A fully or partially impacted wisdom tooth cannot erupt normally. It is stuck beneath the bone or gum tissue. Impacted teeth are more prone to infection, cysts, and pressure on adjacent teeth.
- There is infection or gum disease around the tooth: A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a flap of gum tissue where bacteria accumulate. This leads to a condition called pericoronitis — pain, swelling, and infection in the gum tissue around the tooth.
- Adjacent teeth are being damaged: When a wisdom tooth pushes against the tooth in front of it (the second molar), it can cause decay, root damage, or bone loss on that tooth.
- A cyst has formed: Impacted wisdom teeth can develop fluid-filled sacs (cysts) in the jaw. Left untreated, cysts can damage surrounding bone and teeth.
- The tooth cannot be maintained: Wisdom teeth in the far back of the mouth are difficult to clean properly. If the tooth is prone to decay and cannot be kept clean, removal may be the better long-term choice.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
Evaluation:
We review your X-rays (or take them if you do not have recent imaging) to assess the position of your wisdom teeth, the roots, and the surrounding anatomy. This guides the surgical plan.
Anesthesia
The area is numbed with local anesthesia. If you prefer sedation, we discuss your options at this point — oral sedation or IV sedation are both available.
Extraction
For simple erupted wisdom teeth, extraction is straightforward. For impacted teeth, a small incision in the gum allows access to the tooth. The tooth may be sectioned into pieces to remove it with minimal bone removal.
Closure & Instructions
The site is cleaned and stitched. We provide gauze to control initial bleeding. Before you leave, we go over post-extraction care in detail. Following these instructions reduces the risk of complications.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Day 1: Bite on gauze for the first hour to control bleeding. Apply ice to the face to reduce swelling. Rest. Eat very soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs). Take prescribed medication as directed.
Day 2-3: Swelling is typically at its peak on day 2-3 and then begins to improve. Continue soft diet. Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing — these activities can dislodge the blood clot from the socket (causing dry socket, which is significantly more painful).
Day 4-7: Most patients feel significantly better. Gradually return to normal foods as tolerated. If sutures were placed, they are removed or dissolve on their own within 7-10 days.
Weeks 2-6: The socket continues to fill in with bone and tissue. Avoid chewing directly on the extraction site during this period.
Most patients return to normal activities (non-physical work) within 3-5 days. Physical exertion should wait 5-7 days.
Why Choose a Periodontist for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
General dentists remove wisdom teeth. Oral surgeons remove wisdom teeth. Periodontists remove wisdom teeth. Each specialty trains for oral surgery.
The advantage of having your wisdom teeth removed at Colorado Gum Care:
Surgical Expertise: Periodontists complete a three-year specialty residency that includes oral surgery training. Our doctors have performed complex extractions throughout their careers.
Continuity of care: If you are also managing gum disease or considering dental implants, having your wisdom tooth removal with the same specialist simplifies your care.
Sedation options: We offer oral and IV sedation for patients who want a more comfortable experience.
Two locations: Broomfield or Northglenn — you choose what is convenient.
Sedation for Wisdom Tooth Removal
If the idea of oral surgery makes you anxious, sedation can make the experience significantly more comfortable.
Oral sedation is a pill taken before the procedure. You remain awake but feel relaxed. Many patients have little memory of the procedure afterward.
IV sedation produces a deeper level of sedation. You are unaware during the procedure. A driver is required. This is a good option for patients with significant anxiety or for complex extractions.
Need Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluated?
If you are having wisdom tooth pain or your dentist has recommended evaluation, call us or book online.
Book a Consultation Today.