Oral Surgery & Extractions
Wisdom Teeth Removal: When and Why
· 3 min read · Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team
Quick answer
Wisdom Teeth Removal: When and Why
Wisdom teeth are often removed when they are impacted, cause pain, crowd other teeth or are hard to clean. Recovery typically takes a few days, and late teens to early twenties is an ideal time.
Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team · Updated October 12, 2026
Signs to remove
Pain, swelling, infection or damage to nearby teeth.
The procedure
Local anesthetic with optional sedation.
Recovery
Soft foods and rest for a few days.
This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — book an exam for advice specific to you.
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