Wisdom teeth don't always need to come out — but when they're impacted or crowding other teeth, waiting usually makes it worse. Smile Center Dentistry assesses impaction type before recommending removal.
Impaction type changes both the procedure and the recovery, so we explain which applies to you. We'd rather assess honestly than recommend a standard four-tooth removal regardless of your actual case.
We don't rely on a single small X-ray for a decision this significant. This single image gives us a complete picture of all four wisdom teeth at once.
We don't push the most expensive sedation option by default — we recommend based on your actual case. We'll tell you honestly if your case would benefit from a higher sedation level.
A soft-tissue impaction is a very different procedure than a full bony impaction, and we explain the difference. Classification happens per tooth, since it's common for one side to differ from the other.
We give written aftercare covering diet, swelling, and warning signs to watch for. We'd rather set an accurate expectation than have you surprised by how you feel on day two.
We explain your specific case classification before recommending a removal plan.
This imaging alone often answers whether removal is even necessary right now. We review the image with you directly, pointing out what we're seeing.
When a tooth has erupted but gum tissue partially covers it, removal is usually more straightforward. We explain why your case falls into this category if it does.
When a tooth is angled or fully encased in bone, removal requires a more involved surgical approach. Recovery expectations are set honestly for these more involved cases.
Local anesthesia, oral sedation, or IV sedation are all discussed based on your anxiety level and case complexity. Pre-procedure instructions for sedation are given clearly in advance.
Written aftercare covers swelling management, diet restrictions, and signs of dry socket to watch for. We're reachable directly if recovery doesn't feel right.
When a wisdom tooth is fully erupted and functional, we may recommend monitoring rather than removal. If circumstances change, we revisit the removal conversation honestly.
We ask about symptoms — pain, swelling, crowding — to prioritize scheduling appropriately.
We image all four wisdom teeth and classify impaction type for each one individually.
Simple cases may take under an hour; complex bony impactions take longer.
Written aftercare and a follow-up check ensure healing stays on track.
"Only needed two of the four removed — they explained the other two weren't causing problems instead of pulling all four by default."
"Full bony impaction on one side, and they were upfront it would take longer than the others. Recovery matched what they told me."
"Swelling peaked around day two exactly like they said it would. No surprises during recovery."
"Soft-tissue impaction turned out to be a quicker procedure than I braced myself for."
"They checked nerve proximity on the X-ray before recommending removal on my lower molar. Made me feel like they were actually being careful."
Some patients keep one or two wisdom teeth that are fully erupted and functional with no issues. We'll show you the panoramic X-ray and explain our reasoning for each tooth.
We discuss the trade-offs of each option at your consult rather than defaulting to the most involved one. Cost and recovery from sedation itself factor into which option makes sense for you.
We give a realistic timeline specific to your impaction type, not a generic estimate. Swelling typically peaks around day two regardless of impaction type.
Some patients need evaluation later if problems develop, regardless of age. We'll tell you honestly if waiting is reasonable for your specific case.
Pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or crowding of nearby teeth are all signs worth getting imaged soon. Bad breath or a persistent bad taste near the back of your mouth can also signal a problem.
We break down cost per tooth so you understand what's driving the total. Sedation level chosen also affects total cost, which we discuss upfront.
Our team serves Kenly and the surrounding zip codes with the same impaction-specific assessment at every visit. Whether it's one tooth or all four, our Kenly team handles assessment and most procedures in-house.
Licensed, imaging-equipped, and local to Kenly — call and get a real assessment.
Call +1-866-227-2801