Wisdom Teeth Removal in
Wausau & Stratford, WI
Not all wisdom teeth need to come out — but when they do, timing matters. Dr. Bublik offers expert evaluation and pain-free extraction with full anesthesia options.
Book an EvaluationKnow Before They Become a Problem
Wisdom teeth — your third molars — typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. For some patients, they erupt without issue. For others, they become impacted, push against adjacent teeth, or create pockets that trap bacteria and lead to infection.
Our office uses CBCT 3D imaging and digital X-rays to evaluate your wisdom teeth precisely — so you get clear answers, not guesswork. If removal is recommended, we schedule it at a time that works for you, including around school breaks and holidays.
Signs It's Time to Come In
- Pain or tenderness behind your back molars
- Swelling or redness in surrounding gum tissue
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth
- Recurring infections in the back of the mouth
- Jaw stiffness or pressure along the lower jaw
Comfortable. Precise. Efficient.
Advanced Imaging
CBCT cone-beam CT and digital X-rays map the exact position, angle, and root structure of your wisdom teeth before a single instrument is used.
Anesthesia Options
From local anesthetic to full IV sedation with a nurse anesthesiologist — we match the level of anesthesia to your procedure and comfort level.
Experienced Hands
Dr. Shepard completed oral and maxillofacial surgery training and just like Dr. Bublik has performed thousands of extractions. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the procedure is.
Post-Op Care
Detailed take-home instructions and direct access to our team if you have questions after your procedure. We're here through recovery, not just the appointment.
Recovery Is Usually Faster Than You Think
Most patients are comfortable within a few days and back to normal activities within a week. Complete healing of the extraction sites takes approximately two weeks.
We'll send you home with clear instructions — what to eat, what to avoid, and how to manage any discomfort. Most patients manage well with over-the-counter medication.
Rest, ice packs on the jaw, soft foods. Some swelling and bleeding is normal.
Swelling peaks then begins to subside. Most people return to desk work by day 3–4.
Soft tissue heals. Avoid hard or crunchy foods until cleared by Dr. Bublik.
Full healing. Bone remodels over the following months.
Let's Take a Look
If you or your teenager has wisdom teeth coming in — or you've been told to "watch them" by another dentist — book an evaluation with Dr. Bublik. We'll give you a clear picture of what's happening and what, if anything, needs to be done.
Book an EvaluationWisdom Teeth Removal FAQ
Wisdom teeth should be evaluated in the mid-to-late teens and removed when they are impacted, causing crowding, recurring infection, pain, or cyst formation. Earlier removal (ages 17–25) is generally safer, with faster healing and fewer complications than waiting.
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, with IV sedation available. Most patients feel pressure but no sharp pain during surgery. Post-operative soreness typically peaks at 24–48 hours and resolves within 5–7 days with medication.
In most cases, yes. Removing all four in one appointment means one recovery period, one set of anesthesia risks, and one time off work or school. Dr. Bublik will advise if staged removal is medically preferable in your case.
Most patients return to normal activity in 3–5 days. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours and resolves by day 5–7. A soft-food diet is recommended for the first week. Dry socket is the most common complication and is easily treated if it occurs.
Not always. Some fully erupted, properly positioned wisdom teeth can be maintained with good hygiene. However, most partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth cause problems over time and are best addressed before complications develop. Dr. Bublik evaluates each case individually.
Most dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth extractions, particularly for impacted teeth. Medical insurance may also apply when the extraction is medically necessary. We verify your benefits before your appointment.