Oftentimes, wisdom teeth become trapped, or impacted, in the jawbone and cause crowding, displacement, decay, infection or gum disease. Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in many different directions - horizontally, vertically, or at an angle. 

In most cases, it is recommended that impacted wisdom teeth be extracted. Wisdom tooth surgery is performed, usually under local anesthesia, in your dentist's office, an out patient surgical facility, or a hospital. Make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day. 

To ease any discomfort and promote healing: 

• Use ice packs on the cheek for swelling, alternating on and off every thirty minutes.

• Apply biting pressure with sterile gauze to stop bleeding for thirty to forty-five minutes.

• Don't rinse your mouth, drink through a straw , spit forcefully or smoke the day of the surgery. These actions may restart the bleeding, impede healing and encourage formation of a dry socket.

• Eat soft foods and drink extra liquids.

• Avoid hard or crunchy foods in the tender area.

• Begin rinsing, as directed, the day after the surgery. It is very important to keep food particles from collecting at the surgical site. 

• Brush carefully the day after surgery.

• Take prescribed medications and follow all instructions as directed.