Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to arrive — usually between ages 17 and 25 — and for many people in Arlington, they show up without enough room to fit. When that happens, they can push against neighboring teeth, trap food and bacteria under the gumline, or become impacted entirely. The good news: wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common procedures we perform at Madison Square Dental, and for most patients it is far more routine than they fear.
Signs your wisdom teeth may need to come out
Not every wisdom tooth needs removal. Some erupt fully, line up well, and stay easy to clean. But it’s time to have yours evaluated if you notice any of the following:
- Pain or pressure at the back of your jaw, especially when chewing
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums behind your last molars
- Repeated infections or a bad taste coming from one area of your mouth
- Crowding — front teeth that suddenly feel tighter or look more crooked
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Cavities you can’t reach — partially erupted wisdom teeth are notoriously hard to brush and floss
Even without symptoms, a panoramic X-ray can reveal impacted teeth developing at problematic angles. That’s why we assess wisdom teeth at routine exams — catching a problem early usually means a simpler, gentler extraction.
What removal actually involves
The procedure depends on how the tooth is positioned. A fully erupted wisdom tooth often comes out much like any other extraction: the area is thoroughly numbed, the tooth is gently loosened, and it’s removed in minutes. An impacted tooth — one still partially or fully under the gum — requires a small opening in the gum tissue, and sometimes the tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces so it can be removed with minimal disturbance to the surrounding bone.
Our doctors have deep experience with surgical extractions, and Arlington families have trusted our office with this kind of care for more than 40 years. You’ll be numb and comfortable throughout — most patients tell us afterward that the anticipation was worse than the appointment.
What wisdom tooth removal costs in Arlington
At Madison Square Dental, wisdom tooth extraction is $299 per tooth — a transparent, flat price so there are no surprises. For comparison, simple extractions of other teeth are $149 and surgical extractions are $249. If you have dental insurance, extractions of problematic wisdom teeth are commonly covered in part; our front office will verify your benefits before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost up front.
New to our office? Your first visit — a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and cleaning — is $129, and the panoramic imaging from that visit is exactly what we need to evaluate your wisdom teeth and give you a clear recommendation.
Recovery: what the first week looks like
Days 1–2: Expect some swelling and oozing. Bite gently on gauze, use an ice pack in 20-minute intervals, and rest. Stick to cool, soft foods — yogurt, smoothies (no straws!), mashed potatoes.
Days 3–4: Swelling peaks and then starts to fade. Begin warm salt-water rinses after meals. Most patients are back to work or school by now.
Days 5–7: Tenderness fades steadily. Keep the extraction site clean and avoid crunchy foods a few more days.
The one complication worth preventing is dry socket — when the healing blood clot is dislodged. Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for the first 72 hours, and your risk drops dramatically. If pain suddenly worsens on day 3 or 4 instead of improving, call us — it’s easily treated in one visit.
When to act quickly
A wisdom tooth that’s swollen, infected, or keeping you up at night shouldn’t wait for a convenient opening. We reserve time for same-day emergency appointments, so if you’re in pain now, call us at (817) 275-2229 and we’ll get you seen.
Wisdom teeth FAQs
Do all four wisdom teeth have to come out at once? Not necessarily. Some patients remove only the problematic teeth; others prefer to handle all four in one visit to recover once. We’ll walk you through both options with your X-rays in front of you.
How long does the appointment take? A single straightforward extraction can take as little as 20–30 minutes of chair time. Multiple or impacted teeth take longer — we’ll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.
What can I eat afterward? Cool and soft for the first 48 hours: yogurt, smoothies from a spoon, eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta. Work back to normal foods over about a week as tenderness fades.
I’m not in pain — should I still be checked? Yes. Impacted wisdom teeth can quietly damage the tooth next door or form cysts with no symptoms at all. A quick panoramic X-ray at your routine exam settles the question, and if your wisdom teeth are healthy and well-positioned, we’ll tell you exactly that.
Is removal harder as I get older? Generally, yes — roots finish forming and bone becomes denser with age, which is why dentists often recommend evaluating wisdom teeth in the late teens and early twenties, when extraction and recovery tend to be easiest.
Have your wisdom teeth evaluated
Whether you’re feeling pressure at the back of your jaw or a teen in your family is reaching wisdom-tooth age, an evaluation gives you a clear picture and a plan. We also offer free consultations and second opinions — if you’ve been quoted elsewhere and want another set of eyes, we’re happy to help. Book online or call (817) 275-2229. Madison Square Dental, 803 Washington Dr, Arlington, TX 76011.