They can, especially if a tooth is pushing on its neighbor. That's one of the things we keep an eye on at your regular checkups so we can step in before it becomes a bigger problem.

It depends on how many teeth are removed, how complex they are, and your insurance coverage. The most accurate way to get a number is a quick exam—we'll review the cost and your options with you up front, before anything is scheduled.

The procedure itself isn't, because the area is fully numbed, and comfort options like nitrous oxide are available if you're nervous. You can expect some soreness and swelling afterward, which is easily managed with ice and the pain relievers we recommend.

The discomfort can ease for a while, but the root cause—like impaction or infection—usually doesn't disappear by itself. Getting evaluated is the only way to know whether it's truly resolved.

A flare-up from gum irritation might calm down in a few days, but it tends to return if the underlying cause isn't treated. If your pain lasts more than three or four days or keeps coming back, it's time to be seen.