Wisdom Teeth Removal

The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on factors like how many teeth are removed, whether they’re impacted, and the type of anesthesia used. Insurance may cover part of the procedure if it’s medically necessary, though coverage varies by plan. At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, we accept many insurance providers—view our accepted insurance list here.

To prepare for wisdom teeth removal, follow any pre-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon. This may include fasting for several hours before the procedure if you're receiving sedation. Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, and plan to rest for at least 1 - 2 days. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and avoid wearing makeup, jewelry, or contact lenses on the day of surgery. Stock up on soft foods, ice packs, gauze, and any prescribed medications to prepare for your recovery at home.

Wisdom teeth removal usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. However, the exact time will vary depending on factors like the number of teeth being extracted, their position, and the complexity of the impaction.

At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, your wisdom teeth removal is designed to be comfortable and pain-free. Thanks to anesthesia and targeted numbing, you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Any discomfort during recovery is typically manageable with prescribed medications and decreases quickly.

We want you to be fully informed and confident about your decision regarding wisdom teeth removal. While many choose to delay or avoid removal, it’s important to know that if extraction becomes medically necessary later in life, the surgery and recovery may be more complex compared to having it done as a young adult. Our recommendations are always based on what’s best for your oral health and overall well-being, but we respect and support your personal choices. Here are the main reasons to get your wisdom teeth removed.

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Most swelling and discomfort improve significantly within the first few days, and many patients return to work or school after 3 to 5 days off to prioritize healing and recovery. However, complete healing of the gums and bone can take several weeks. Recovery time can vary based on the complexity of the extraction and your individual healing process. Here is more information about the recovery timeline.

After wisdom teeth removal, it’s crucial to rest for the first 24 to 48 hours and avoid strenuous activity. Use ice packs on the outside of your face to reduce swelling, and bite down on gauze as instructed to help control bleeding. Take any prescribed medications as directed to manage pain and inflammation. Stick to soft foods and avoid using straws, smoking, or spitting, as these can disrupt the healing process. After the first day, begin gently rinsing with warm salt water and carefully brush your teeth, avoiding the extraction sites. Following your surgeon’s instructions closely will help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. You can learn more here about wisdom teeth removal tips and information.

You can usually start eating soft foods once the anesthesia wears off and you feel comfortable, which is often a few hours after surgery. It’s best to begin with small amounts and avoid eating too soon to prevent irritation or bleeding. Gradually, as healing progresses over the first week, you can slowly reintroduce more solid foods based on your comfort level.

After wisdom teeth removal, stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and soup (lukewarm, not hot). Avoid crunchy, spicy, or chewy foods, as well as straws and smoking, to protect the healing site and reduce the risk of complications. Here is a detailed list of foods to eat and avoid after wisdom teeth removal.

You can start brushing your teeth the day after surgery, but do so gently and avoid the extraction sites. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and skip mouthwash or vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. After that, you can begin rinsing gently with warm salt water to help keep the area clean and promote healing.