Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17 and 25. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, though some develop fewer or none at all. Because the human jaw has gradually become smaller over evolutionary time, these late-arriving molars frequently lack adequate space to erupt properly.
When wisdom teeth cannot fully emerge through the gum line, they become impacted — partially or completely trapped beneath bone and soft tissue. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 85% of wisdom teeth eventually require extraction. Dr. Naylor evaluates wisdom tooth position and development using digital x-rays and recommends removal when the teeth pose a risk to your oral health.
Not every wisdom tooth requires extraction, but several warning signs indicate that removal may be the best course of action. Early evaluation — ideally in the late teens or early twenties — allows Dr. Naylor to identify problems before they cause significant pain or damage to adjacent teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call our Las Vegas office at (702) 395-0366 for a wisdom teeth evaluation.
Consultation and imaging. Dr. Naylor begins with a comprehensive exam and digital panoramic x-ray to map the exact position of each wisdom tooth, its root structure, and proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve and sinuses. This imaging allows him to plan the safest and most efficient extraction approach for your specific anatomy.
Anesthesia and sedation. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area completely. For patients who prefer additional relaxation, we offer sedation options ranging from nitrous oxide to oral sedation. Dr. Naylor discusses your comfort preferences before the procedure and tailors the sedation plan accordingly.
Extraction. Fully erupted wisdom teeth are removed similarly to a standard tooth extraction. Impacted teeth require a small incision in the gum tissue, and in some cases the tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal with minimal bone disturbance. The entire procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes for all four wisdom teeth.
Closure and recovery instructions. Dr. Naylor places sutures if needed and provides gauze packs to control bleeding. You receive detailed aftercare instructions covering pain management, diet, activity restrictions, and signs of complications like dry socket.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 3 to 5 days after wisdom teeth removal, though complete healing of the extraction sites takes several weeks. Following Dr. Naylor’s aftercare instructions closely minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of complications.
First 24 hours: Apply ice packs to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Eat soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup. Avoid using straws, spitting forcefully, or rinsing vigorously, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
Days 2 through 5: Swelling typically peaks on day 2 or 3 and gradually subsides. Begin gentle warm salt water rinses after the first 24 hours to keep extraction sites clean. Gradually reintroduce soft solid foods as comfort allows. Avoid smoking, tobacco, and alcohol during the healing period.
When to call our office: Contact us if you experience increasing pain after day 3, fever above 101°F, persistent bleeding that does not slow with gauze pressure, numbness that does not resolve, or pus or foul taste near the extraction site. These may indicate dry socket or infection that requires prompt treatment.
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on the number of teeth being extracted, whether they are erupted or impacted, the type of sedation used, and the complexity of the surgical approach. During your consultation, our team provides a detailed cost estimate specific to your case so you know exactly what to expect.
Many dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth extraction as a medically necessary procedure, particularly when impaction, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth is documented. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and applies your coverage directly. For out-of-pocket costs, we offer 0% APR financing through CareCredit and Cherry, extended payment plans through Proceed Finance, and an in-house dental membership plan with discounts on oral surgery for uninsured patients.
Early evaluation gives Dr. Naylor the best opportunity to plan a safe extraction before impacted wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, or damage to your other teeth. Whether you are experiencing symptoms now or your dentist has recommended a wisdom teeth evaluation, our Centennial Hills office is equipped to handle simple and complex extractions under one roof.
New patients can take advantage of our $300 special, which includes a cleaning, comprehensive exam, and x-rays — everything needed to assess your wisdom teeth. Contact Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center or call (702) 395-0366 to schedule your consultation.
About 85% of wisdom teeth eventually require extraction due to impaction or lack of space.
Impacted wisdom teeth push against adjacent molars, potentially shifting teeth that took years of orthodontic treatment to straighten. Timely removal eliminates this pressure before damage occurs.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth trap food and bacteria beneath the gum flap, causing recurrent infections and persistent pain. Extraction removes the source of the problem permanently.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cavities, bone loss, and root damage in the second molars directly in front of them. Removal safeguards teeth you depend on for chewing.
Dr. Naylor uses panoramic x-rays to map wisdom tooth position, root structure, and nerve proximity, then recommends whether extraction is needed and which sedation option fits your case.
Under local anesthesia with optional sedation, Dr. Naylor removes all affected wisdom teeth in a single appointment. Most four-tooth extractions take 45 to 90 minutes.
You receive detailed aftercare instructions, prescribed pain management, and a follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing. Most patients return to normal activities within 3 to 5 days.
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Removing all four wisdom teeth typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on whether the teeth are erupted or impacted. You should plan for about 2 hours total including preparation and post-procedure monitoring.
The procedure itself is painless due to local anesthesia and optional sedation. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness for 3 to 5 days afterward, which is managed effectively with prescribed pain medication and ice packs.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site dislodges, exposing bone and nerves. Avoid straws, smoking, spitting, and vigorous rinsing for at least 72 hours after surgery. If you experience increasing pain after day 3, contact our office.
The ideal time is between ages 17 and 25, when roots are not fully formed and bone is less dense, making extraction easier and recovery faster. However, wisdom teeth can be safely removed at any age if they are causing problems.
Costs depend on the number of teeth, impaction level, and sedation type. Many dental insurance plans cover extraction as a medically necessary procedure. We also offer 0% APR financing through CareCredit and Cherry.
Many patients feel well enough to return to desk work or light activity the next day. Jobs requiring physical exertion should wait 3 to 5 days. Dr. Naylor provides personalized recovery guidance based on the complexity of your extraction.
Dr. Brian Naylor earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2017. Unlike corporate dental chains that refer patients to multiple specialists, Dr. Naylor provides comprehensive care—from routine cleanings to dental implants, root canals to cosmetic treatments—all in one convenient location.
His approach is simple: deliver the same quality care he would want for his own family, in a calming and supportive atmosphere where you never feel rushed.
Dr. Brian Naylor earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2017. Unlike corporate dental chains that refer patients to multiple specialists, Dr. Naylor provides comprehensive care—from routine cleanings to dental implants, root canals to cosmetic treatments—all in one convenient location.
His approach is simple: deliver the same quality care he would want for his own family, in a calming and supportive atmosphere where you never feel rushed.
We make quality dental care affordable with flexible payment options.
We’re in-network with several major PPO plans and file claims on your behalf:
We also work with most out-of-network insurance plans to help maximize your benefits.
We offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit, allowing you to break down treatment costs into manageable monthly payments that fit your budget.
Our in-house dental membership plan gives you access to quality preventive care and discounts on treatments—no insurance company involved.
Ask us about enrollment options that fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at 702-395-0366 to discuss your payment options.
Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients throughout Las Vegas are saying about their experience with Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center.
Looking for a family dentist in Centennial Hills, Las Vegas who handles everything from routine cleanings to dental implants? Dr. Brian Naylor and our team at Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center provide comprehensive dental care for patients throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
We serve patients from Kyle Canyon, Copper Crest, Town Center, Lone Mountain, and surrounding communities. Our office schedules most appointments promptly, and we welcome dental emergencies—no referral needed for the comprehensive care you deserve.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Brian Naylor for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs. Contact our Centennial Hills, Las Vegas office for personalized care or dental emergencies.
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