Services
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Falls Church, VA
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common procedures we perform at Merrifield Oral Surgery, and it is often the first time a patient has ever had oral surgery. Our board-certified oral surgeons welcome new patients, accept insurance, and take the time to walk you through every step before anything happens. If you have been referred by your dentist or you are searching on your own, you are in the right place.
Call (703) 639-0027Why Choose a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Not every tooth removal is the same. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, often sit deep in the jaw, grow at an angle, or become trapped beneath the gum. Removing them safely takes surgical training that goes well beyond a general dental extraction.
All three surgeons at our practice hold board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. That credential reflects a rigorous examination of surgical knowledge and skill, and it is one reason referring dentists throughout the Falls Church area trust us with their patients.
A few things that set this practice apart:
- 3D/CBCT imaging for a precise view of tooth position and root anatomy before surgery
- Multiple sedation and anesthesia options to keep you comfortable throughout
- Insurance accepted, with a team ready to walk you through your benefits
- New patients welcome, including referrals from general dentists
- Proactive post-operative follow-up so you are never left wondering how recovery is going
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need to Be Removed
Some patients come to us with obvious pain. Others come because their dentist spotted a problem on an X-ray before any symptoms appeared. Either way, early evaluation gives you more options.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What They Mean for Your Oral Health
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it cannot fully erupt through the gum. It may be blocked by the neighboring molar, angled sideways, or sitting completely beneath the bone. Impacted teeth can cause persistent pressure, swelling, and recurring infections in the surrounding gum tissue. They can also be harder to clean, which raises the risk of decay in both the wisdom tooth and the molar next to it.
What Happens If You Delay Wisdom Tooth Removal
Waiting rarely makes things easier. A wisdom tooth that is causing problems tends to cause bigger problems over time. Infection can spread to adjacent teeth or into the jaw. Pressure from a trapped tooth can shift neighboring teeth out of alignment. Cysts can form around an impacted tooth, damaging nearby bone. And the longer a tooth remains in place, the more developed its roots become, which can make removal more complex. Catching a problem early, before symptoms escalate, is almost always the better path.
What to Expect During Your Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Your Consultation and 3D Imaging Evaluation
Your first visit is a conversation. Your surgeon reviews your dental history, takes a 3D CBCT scan to see exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned, and explains what the images show in plain language. By the end of the consultation, you will know whether removal is recommended, what the procedure involves, and what your recovery is likely to look like.
Sedation and Anesthesia Options for a Comfortable Experience
Feeling nervous before oral surgery is completely normal, especially if this is your first time. Our sedation and anesthesia options are designed to keep you relaxed and free of discomfort from start to finish. Your surgeon will review the choices with you and recommend the approach that fits your situation. Many patients are surprised by how little they remember of the procedure itself.
The Removal Procedure, Step by Step
Once you are comfortable and the anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon makes a small opening in the gum tissue if needed, carefully removes the tooth (sometimes in sections, depending on its position), and closes the site. The procedure typically takes less than an hour for most patients. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home if sedation is used.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Post-Op Instructions and What Is Normal
Some swelling, mild bleeding, and soreness in the first 24 to 48 hours are expected. Keeping your head elevated, applying ice, and sticking to soft foods helps manage these effects. Your surgeon will send you home with clear written instructions, and our full post-op instructions are also available online any time you need to reference them. Signs like increasing pain after the third day, fever, or difficulty swallowing are worth a call to our office.
Our Team Checks In: Proactive Follow-Up Care
One thing patients consistently tell us they appreciate: we call after surgery. Our team reaches out to check on how you are feeling, answer questions, and make sure recovery is going the way it should. You are not on your own once you leave the office.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal in Falls Church
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to come out?
Common signs include pain or pressure at the back of the jaw, swelling or tenderness around the gum, crowding of nearby teeth, or a tooth that is partially erupted and trapping food. A consultation with a board-certified oral surgeon, including a 3D imaging evaluation, gives you a clear answer based on your specific anatomy.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Most patients describe post-operative discomfort as mild to moderate and manageable with the medications provided. Our team follows up with you after the procedure to make sure your recovery is on track.
Do you accept insurance for wisdom teeth extraction?
Yes. Merrifield Oral Surgery accepts dental insurance for wisdom tooth removal. Visit our Insurance and Financing page for details, or call our office and a team member will walk you through your coverage before your appointment.
How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients feel significantly better within three to four days and return to normal activity within a week. Full healing of the gum tissue takes a few weeks longer. Following your post-op instructions closely helps keep recovery smooth and on track.
Can I be sedated for wisdom tooth removal?
Yes. We offer sedation and anesthesia options so that you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Your surgeon will review the options with you at your consultation and recommend the approach that fits your needs. If you have questions about other tooth extractions or whether bone grafting may be needed after removal, our team is glad to discuss that with you at your consultation.
Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Falls Church
A brief consultation is all it takes to know exactly where things stand. Our board-certified surgeons will give you a clear picture, a gentle experience, and attentive care from your first visit through your last follow-up call.