Wisdom Teeth Removal in Tukwila

Overview & Who This Is For

What are wisdom teeth (third molars)?

Wisdom teeth are the last adult molars to come in usually between ages 15 and 25. Many mouths don’t have enough space for these teeth to grow straight. That’s why they can get stuck (impacted), tilt toward other teeth, or only partly break through the gums.

Why removal is sometimes recommended

We recommend removal when wisdom teeth are causing problems now or are very likely to in the near future. Common reasons include pain, swelling, pressure on nearby teeth, repeated gum infections (pericoronitis), and tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas. Removing them before repeated infections or damage can make healing easier and protect the rest of your smile.

Signs you may need extraction (pain, swelling, infections, crowding)

Call us if you notice jaw pain, swollen gums near the back teeth, a bad taste, trouble opening wide, or shifting/crowding of other teeth. These can be signs of impacted wisdom teeth or infection. If symptoms are severe, ask for emergency wisdom tooth extraction Tukwila availability.

When Wisdom Teeth Become a Problem

Impacted wisdom teeth (soft tissue vs. bony impaction)

An impacted tooth is stuck under gum or bone.

• Soft-tissue impaction: the tooth is covered by gum only.
  
  
• Partial bony or full bony impaction: part or all of the tooth is trapped in the jawbone.
  Impactions can trap food and bacteria, cause cysts, or push on nearby teeth. We commonly see impacted wisdom teeth Tukwila patients who benefit from early, planned removal.

Common issues: pericoronitis, cysts, damage to adjacent teeth

Pericoronitis is a gum infection around a partially erupted tooth. It can bring swelling, pain, and a bad taste. Untreated impactions may also form cysts in the jaw, wear grooves into the second molars, or create areas that are hard to brush leading to decay.

Teens vs. adults: timing and healing considerations

For most people, late teens and early twenties are the easiest time for removal. Roots are shorter, bone is softer, and healing is faster. Adults can still have excellent results, but surgery may be slightly more complex and recovery may take a bit longer.

Your Consultation in Tukwila

Digital X-rays/3D imaging to map roots and nerves



We start with digital X-rays and, when needed, a 3D CBCT scan. This shows the tooth’s position, root shape, and nearby structures like nerves and sinuses. Precise imaging helps us plan a safer, smoother procedure.

Personalized treatment plan and consent

You’ll get a clear diagnosis, your options, and straightforward recommendations. We’ll review benefits, risks, and alternatives so you can choose confidently. You’ll see the plan in writing, including how many teeth to remove and what type of anesthesia is best.

Pre-op instructions (medications, fasting, transportation)

We'll go over any prescriptions, fasting rules for sedation, and ride arrangements if you choose oral or IV sedation. Wear comfy clothes, remove jewelry, and tie back long hair on the day of surgery.

How the Procedure Works

Step-by-step: numbing, tissue access, sectioning, removal, sutures

1. We numb the area (and provide your chosen sedation).
   
   
2. A small opening in the gum lets us access the tooth.
   
   
3. If needed, we section the tooth into smaller pieces for easy removal.
   
   
4. We clean the site, place sutures (stitches) if needed, and apply gauze to start a healthy blood clot.
   
   

Simple vs. surgical extraction

• Simple extraction: the tooth is visible and comes out in one piece.
  
  
• Surgical extraction: used for impacted or broken teeth and may involve sectioning and sutures. Both are common and routinely performed here as part of our oral surgery services.
  
  

Average appointment length and what you’ll feel

Most wisdom tooth visits take 45–90 minutes. With local anesthesia, you’ll feel pressure but not pain. With sedation, most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure.

Recovery & Aftercare

First 24 hours: gauze, clot protection, icing, rest

Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes to help form a clot. Keep your head elevated and apply ice 20 minutes on/20 minutes off for the first day. Avoid spitting, smoking, or using a straw, no straw after extraction to protect the clot and prevent dry socket.

Diet timeline: liquids → soft foods → normal diet

Start with cool liquids and smoothies (no straws). Move to soft foods like yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, and soups (not too hot). Return to a normal diet over several days as comfort allows this supports healing and energy.

Oral hygiene: gentle rinses, brushing guidance

Don't brush the extraction sites on day one. Starting day two, gently brush other teeth and rinse with warm salt water after meals. Avoid vigorous swishing. We'll advise when it's OK to use a syringe rinse if needed. Learn more about proper oral hygiene during recovery with our dental cleanings and exams guidance.

Managing discomfort and swelling (medications, elevation)

Take the recommended pain relief on schedule for the first 24–48 hours. Keep your head propped up when resting. Mild bruising can happen and usually fades in a few days.

What’s normal vs. when to call us

Normal: mild oozing, swelling, tightness when opening, and tenderness.
Call us: fever, increasing pain after day three, bad taste or odor, or continued heavy bleeding. We provide urgent support and emergency wisdom tooth extraction Tukwila appointments when available.

Risks & How We Reduce Them

Dry socket: prevention and treatment

Dry socket happens if the blood clot is lost. We help prevent it with clear instructions, clot-protecting dressings when needed, and gentle technique. If it occurs, we can soothe the area and speed relief in a quick visit.

Nerve sensitivity, sinus exposure, infection

We plan around the nerve and sinus using 3D imaging. While these risks are uncommon, we’ll explain your personal risk level and steps we take to reduce it, including careful surgical access and sterile technique.

Follow-up visit and suture removal

Most stitches dissolve on their own. If we use non-dissolving sutures, we’ll schedule a quick removal. A follow-up lets us check healing and answer any questions.

Costs, Insurance & Payment Options

What affects cost (impaction type, sedation choice, number of teeth)

Fees depend on how many teeth are removed, whether they’re impacted (soft-tissue vs. bony), and your anesthesia choice. We’ll outline your exact estimate before treatment so there are no surprises.

Insurance estimates and pre-authorization

Our team verifies benefits, provides a written estimate, and can help with pre-authorization for covered services. We'll explain what's typically covered under basic vs. major services. Learn more about our insurance and financing options.

Payment plans and financing



We accept major payment methods and offer financing options to make care accessible. Ask us about monthly payments that fit your budget.

Why Choose Our Tukwila Team

Experienced clinicians in wisdom tooth surgery

Our dentists have advanced training in third molar surgery and perform these procedures routinely, from simple extractions to complex impactions.

On-site imaging & sedation capability

Digital X-rays and 3D scans are in-house, and we offer local anesthesia, nitrous, oral sedation, and IV sedation wisdom teeth Tukwila all monitored by trained staff.



Same-day emergency appointments when available

In pain today? Call. If our schedule allows, we’ll see you the same day for evaluation and treatment.

Patient reviews and comfort-first approach

Patients choose us for clear explanations, gentle care, and practical aftercare guidance. We focus on what matters: getting you comfortable and back to normal fast.

Serving Tukwila & Nearby Communities

Convenient location near Southcenter

Our office is close to Southcenter, making it easy to reach from Tukwila, SeaTac, Renton, Kent, and surrounding neighborhoods. Learn more about the areas we serve.

Directions, parking, and hours

Free parking on site. We offer early morning and some evening appointments. When you schedule, we’ll share the best route and entrance details.

Ready to Schedule?

Book your wisdom tooth consultation in Tukwila

If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or crowding or you’re planning ahead for impacted wisdom teeth Tukwila, we’re here to help with straight answers and a clear plan.

Phone, online scheduling, and contact form

Call our Tukwila office, book online, or send a quick message through our contact form. Let's make wisdom tooth removal simple, safe, and as comfortable as possible.