Wisdom Teeth Removal in St. Louis Park, MN

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are commonly removed because they often don’t have enough room to grow in properly. When they erupt at the wrong angle or remain partially or fully trapped under the gums, they can lead to a range of oral health problems.

Common reasons for removal include:

• Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
• Impaction (tooth is stuck beneath the gums or bone)
• Swelling, infection, or inflamed gum tissue
• Damage to neighboring teeth
• Cysts or jawbone damage
• Increased risk of decay due to difficulty cleaning the area

Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing discomfort, our team may recommend proactive removal to avoid future issues, especially if you’re in your late teens or early twenties.

What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth removal may be a simple or surgical procedure, depending on how the teeth are positioned and whether they are impacted.

1. Consultation and Imaging
   We begin with a comprehensive dental exam, including digital x-rays or 3D imaging, to assess the number, location, and angle of the wisdom teeth.
2. Sedation and Anesthesia Options
   We offer multiple sedation dentistry options to help you stay relaxed and comfortable during the procedure:
   
   • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
   • Oral sedation
   • IV sedation for complex surgical extractions
3. The Procedure
   For visible teeth, we may perform a simple extraction using specialized instruments. Impacted teeth may require a small incision in the gum or bone, and in some cases, sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.
4. Aftercare and Recovery
   Once the teeth are removed, we’ll place gauze to control bleeding and provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent dry socket or infection.

Healing and Recovery

Most patients recover from wisdom tooth removal within 5 to 7 days, though some soreness or swelling is normal during the first few days. To support healing:

• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Eat soft foods for the first few days
• Avoid straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing
• Take prescribed or over-the-counter medications as recommended
• Follow up with our team if any unusual symptoms occur

We’ll schedule a check-in if needed and are always available for questions during recovery.

Wisdom Teeth Removal for Teens and Young Adults

At Creekside Dental, we often recommend evaluating wisdom teeth during late adolescence — usually between the ages of 16 and 20. Removing them early, before the roots are fully developed, typically results in a smoother procedure and faster healing.

Our team has extensive experience working with teens and college-age patients. We also offer nitrous oxide or IV sedation to make the experience more comfortable, even for those who feel nervous about oral surgery.

Coordinated Care and Tooth Replacement Options

In some cases, wisdom teeth removal may be part of a larger treatment plan that includes orthodontics, especially when crowding is present. If we determine other teeth may require extraction for braces or bite correction, we’ll coordinate care accordingly.

Although wisdom teeth are typically not replaced, we also offer full restorative dentistry services — including dental implants, bridges, and oral surgery — for patients needing extraction and replacement of other teeth.

Serving Patients Throughout St. Louis Park and Nearby Areas

Creekside Dental provides trusted wisdom teeth removal for patients across St. Louis Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Richfield, and surrounding Minneapolis neighborhoods including Bryn Mawr and Cedar-Isles.

Our dentists, Dr. Gabe De Los Rios and Dr. Robert Laing, have years of experience in both routine and complex extractions. With modern imaging, sedation options, and a calm, supportive environment, we make wisdom teeth removal easier and less stressful — from initial consultation to recovery.

We also offer an in-house Membership Plan to help patients without insurance access affordable preventive and surgical care.