Extractions

Wisdom Teeth Extractions in St. George, Utah

Comfortable, Safe, and Professional Removal at Apple A Day Family Dentistry

At Apple A Day Family Dentistry, we provide gentle, effective wisdom teeth extractions for teens and adults throughout St. George, Utah, and the surrounding Southern Utah communities. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures performed today, and for many patients, it is an important step in preventing pain, infection, and long-term oral health problems.

Our experienced dental team is committed to making your extraction process as smooth and comfortable as possible—from diagnosis to recovery.

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. For some individuals, these teeth grow in normally without complications. However, many patients do not have enough room in their jaw for these additional molars to emerge properly. As a result, wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they grow at an angle or fail to fully erupt through the gums.

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, several issues may occur:

  • Pain and pressure around the gums and jaw

  • Uneven eruption, causing discomfort or shifting of other teeth

  • Partial eruption, where only a portion of the tooth breaks through the gum

A partially erupted tooth may create a flap of gum tissue—called an operculum—that traps food particles and bacteria. This often leads to an infection known as pericoronitis, a painful condition that causes swelling, tenderness, and irritation. While pericoronitis sometimes resolves on its own, it frequently returns and can worsen without treatment.

Because of these potential complications, impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth usually need to be removed to protect your overall oral health.

When Wisdom Teeth Extractions Are Recommended

At Apple A Day Family Dentistry, we use digital X-rays and a comprehensive exam to determine whether your wisdom teeth should be extracted. Removal is often recommended when:

  • Teeth are impacted or positioned at an angle

  • An infection or operculum is present

  • Pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing occurs

  • The wisdom teeth are damaging nearby teeth

  • Decay is present and cannot be restored due to limited access

  • You want to prevent future issues before they begin

We provide options for removing a single wisdom tooth or all four wisdom teeth at one time, depending on your needs and comfort level.

Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Your comfort is our priority. Depending on patient preference and the dentist’s recommendation, your extraction may be completed using:

  • Local anesthetic to numb the area

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for relaxation

  • General anesthesia or sedation for patients who prefer to sleep through the procedure

Once you are fully numb or sedated, the procedure begins. The gum tissue around the wisdom tooth is gently opened to expose the tooth. Your dentist will loosen the tooth by carefully rocking it back and forth until it lifts out of the socket.

If a tooth is tightly impacted or cannot be removed in one piece, it may be sectioned into smaller parts to ensure a safe and controlled extraction. After the tooth is removed, dissolvable sutures may be placed to help the area heal properly.

Most procedures are completed quickly and comfortably thanks to modern techniques and careful attention to patient care.

Recovery After Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

Following your surgery, you will rest in our office until you are ready to go home. Because of the anesthesia, you’ll need a family member or friend to drive you.

Some bleeding after surgery is normal. We will place gauze over the extraction site and provide instructions for changing it. If bleeding persists longer than 24 hours, you should contact our office.

To support healing:

  • Rest with your head elevated—do not lie flat.

  • Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed.

  • Use ice packs to manage swelling.

  • Avoid smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw, as suction can dislodge the healing clot.

You will also be instructed on how to gently clean the area with a mouth rinse or solution provided by the dentist.

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods for the first few days, including:

  • Yogurt

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Gelatin

  • Pudding

  • Ice cream

  • Thin or blended soups

  • Applesauce

Avoid crunchy, spicy, or chewy foods until you are fully healed.

If you experience prolonged pain, swelling, bleeding, or delayed healing, call our St. George dental office for a follow-up visit.

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation in St. George, Utah

If you or your child is experiencing pain or swelling, or if your dentist has recommended evaluating wisdom teeth, Apple A Day Family Dentistry is here to help. Our caring, skilled team provides safe, comfortable wisdom teeth extractions right here in St. George, UT.

Call today to schedule your consultation and protect your long-term oral health.