Time to say goodbye to those wisdom teeth.
Wisdom tooth pain is no fun. Dr. Griffeth makes the process clear, comfortable, and honestly priced at our West Jordan and Syracuse locations. Most patients are back to normal in 3–5 days, often less.
- Board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon
- All four teeth removed in one visit
- Written estimate before anything is scheduled
Wisdom teeth—your third molars—are the last to arrive, usually between ages 17 and 25. Most jaws simply don't have room for them. That's when problems start: crowding, infections, cysts, and quiet damage to the teeth right next door.
Not everyone needs them out. But if your dentist has recommended an evaluation—or you're already feeling pressure or pain at the back of your mouth—getting a clear answer sooner is almost always the right move. These problems don't resolve on their own.
"Removing wisdom teeth before the roots are fully developed—typically in the mid-to-late teens—leads to faster recovery and fewer complications. Earlier is almost always easier."
Common reasons for removal
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Impaction
The tooth is stuck below the gumline or growing at an angle, pressing into neighboring roots, often without obvious pain at first.
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Crowding
Emerging wisdom teeth push existing teeth out of alignment, often undoing years of orthodontic work.
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Infection
A partially erupted tooth creates a pocket where bacteria thrive, causing painful, recurring infections called pericoronitis.
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Cysts & silent damage
Impacted teeth can develop fluid-filled cysts that damage surrounding bone and neighboring roots, usually with no obvious symptoms until the damage is done.
No mystery, no surprises. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you arrive to the moment you head home.
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Step 01
Arrival & anesthesia
We review your health history and confirm your anesthesia choice. Most patients choose IV sedation—you fall asleep, wake up done, and remember none of it.
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Step 02
Procedure (45–90 min)
Dr. Griffeth removes your wisdom teeth through small, precise incisions. The whole thing typically takes under 90 minutes—even for all four.
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Step 03
Recovery room
You rest in our care until stable. You'll need a driver—please arrange a ride in advance. We'll send you home with written aftercare instructions and any prescribed medications.
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Step 04
Home recovery
Days 1–2 are the hardest—plan to rest. By day 4–5, most patients feel significantly better. We schedule a follow-up around day 7 and stay available for questions throughout. See the full recovery timeline →
Anesthesia options—your choice
We'll walk through these together. All options are administered by Dr. Griffeth himself.
Local anesthesia
Numbs the area completely. You're awake and aware, but feel no pain. Good for straightforward single extractions.
Nitrous oxide
Added on top of local anesthesia. You stay awake but feel calm and relaxed. Wears off quickly—you may be able to drive home.
Most popularIV sedation
Deep relaxation—you're asleep for the procedure and wake up with little to no memory of it. Requires a driver, but most patients strongly prefer it.
Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery is when they know what to expect going in.
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Day 1
Rest and ice
Go home and take it easy. Apply ice packs in 20-minute cycles. Take your medications as prescribed. Eat soft, cold foods—yogurt, ice cream, smoothies.
No straws. Suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful dry socket.
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Days 2–3
Peak swelling
Swelling typically peaks around day 2–3. Your cheeks may look more swollen than yesterday. This is normal. Keep icing, resting, and taking your medications on schedule.
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Days 4–7
Turning the corner
Swelling starts going down noticeably. Most patients feel significantly better and can return to school or a desk job. Soft solid foods are fine. Light activity is okay.
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Week 2+
Back to normal
Most patients feel fully normal within 7–14 days. Full bone healing takes a few months, but you won't notice it. Life is back to normal long before then.
What to eat
- Smoothies and shakes (no straw)
- Ice cream and yogurt
- Mashed potatoes and soft rice
- Scrambled eggs
- Lukewarm soup
- Applesauce and pudding
Avoid crunchy, chewy, or hard foods for at least a week. Nothing hot for the first 24 hours. Absolutely no straws.
Call us if you notice:
- Pain that worsens after day 3 (possible dry socket)
- Fever above 101°F
- Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding
- Swelling spreading toward your neck
- Numbness or tingling that isn't improving
When in doubt, call. We'd rather hear from you than have you wonder.
The fastest path to a real number is your panoramic X-ray. Every case is a little different—how many teeth, how impacted they are, which anesthesia you choose. But we'll give you a clear, itemized estimate before anything is scheduled.
Most patients pay $200–$600 per tooth before insurance, depending on complexity and anesthesia. Removing all four in one visit is almost always more cost-effective than splitting the procedures.
Insurance & financing
Most dental and medical insurance plans cover a portion of wisdom tooth removal when it's medically necessary. We verify your benefits before procedure day and apply them to your estimate, so the out-of-pocket number you see is the number you'll pay.
We also offer financing through CareCredit—monthly payments that can make the cost fit any budget. Learn more about financing →
Get your personalized estimate
Send us your panoramic X-ray and we'll review it and respond with a written quote, usually within one business day.
No pano yet? No problem—we can take one at your appointment.
Does it hurt?
During the procedure: no. Anesthesia ensures you feel nothing at all. Afterward, most patients describe it as uncomfortable but very manageable with the medications we prescribe. Days 1–2 are the worst, and it improves quickly from there. Over-the-counter ibuprofen handles it well for most people.
Will I be asleep for it?
That's up to you. With IV sedation—the most popular option—most patients have little to no memory of the procedure. You can also choose local anesthesia only (awake but numb) or add nitrous oxide for a calmer experience. We'll walk through the options together and help you decide what's right.
Can all four be removed in one visit?
Yes—and it's almost always the better choice. One surgery, one recovery, one round of anesthesia. The total cost is also lower than splitting the procedure into two visits. Dr. Griffeth routinely removes all four in a single appointment.
When is the right time for my teen to have this done?
Late high school through early college is the most common—and usually optimal—window. Once roots are partly formed but before they fully anchor into the jaw, recovery is faster and complications are less likely. A panoramic X-ray will show us whether the timing is right, or whether waiting another year makes more sense.
How long until I'm back to school or work?
Most students and desk workers take 2–4 days off. If your job or activities are physically demanding, plan for 5–7 days. We'll write you a note for school or work—just let us know you need one.
Do I really need them out if they're not bothering me?
Not necessarily. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly aligned, and easy to clean, monitoring them may be the right call. But "not bothering me yet" isn't the same as "fine"—impacted teeth can cause serious damage silently. A consultation and X-ray gives you an honest answer. We only recommend surgery when it's genuinely warranted.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Utah?
It depends on how many teeth, how impacted they are, and which anesthesia you choose. Most patients in Utah pay $200–$600 per tooth before insurance. Send us your panoramic X-ray and we'll give you an itemized written estimate—usually within one business day. No commitment required to get a quote.
Ready to get a clear answer and a real price?
Dr. Rod Griffeth, DDS
Board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon. Reviews every case personally and responds to estimate requests within one business day.
Questions? We're easy to reach.
Mon – Fri · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat – Sun · Closed
5682 S 3500 W, Suite 200
Roy, UT 84067