CarolinasDentist Blog

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Drawing of gums with an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to be removed due to overcrowding

Wisdom teeth image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Many patients end up needing one or more of their wisdom teeth removed. The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically grow in during a patient’s late teens or early twenties.

While wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery, wisdom teeth do not always have to be removed. Some lucky patients end up with wisdom teeth that grow in correctly and have plenty of room on the jawbone. There are other cases in which patients do not have any wisdom teeth at all!

How to Know If You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

The best way to determine if or when you will need your wisdom teeth extracted is by visiting our office regularly. Our team will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine what your unique smile needs. X-rays are particularly helpful when it comes to wisdom teeth because we can observe how they are moving and predict where they will likely end up. This means that we may recommend scheduling a wisdom tooth procedure before these teeth even have a chance to erupt out of your gums.

If you start to feel pain in the gums in the back of your mouth, that could mean that one or more of your wisdom teeth are growing in. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while or the pain is moderate to severe and interfering with your daily life, we recommend contacting our office to schedule an appointment. In addition to causing patients pain, wisdom teeth can also cause crowding, which can shift or damage nearby teeth. They can also be impacted, which means there is not enough room for the tooth to erupt from the gums, which can be painful and cause infections and cysts.

Gentle Wisdom Teeth Removal at CarolinasDentist

Because extraction of your wisdom teeth can occur before or after they grow in, many of our patients are teenagers or young adults upon removal. But no matter your age, we can help you decide if wisdom teeth removal is the right choice for you. We can also help you have as pain-free and stress-free recovery as possible. Contact one of our locations today for more information about this procedure!

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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