Wisdom Teeth Removal — Presidio Dental

Expert Wisdom Tooth Extraction for a Healthier Smile

Wisdom teeth — your third molars — are the last teeth to develop, usually appearing between ages 17 and 25. For most people, there simply isn't enough room in the jaw for these teeth, leading to impaction, crowding, pain, or infection. Removing them early prevents these problems before they start.

Our team has extensive experience with wisdom tooth extractions, from simple removals to fully impacted teeth. We use digital panoramic X-rays to map the exact position of your wisdom teeth and plan the safest, most efficient approach for removal.

Schedule a consultation at our office.

What to Expect

Detailed Planning

We take panoramic X-rays to see the exact position, angle, and root development of each wisdom tooth. This helps us plan the best extraction approach and anticipate any complications.

Sedation Options

We offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and oral sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable. Many patients don't remember the procedure at all — they just wake up and it's done.

Smooth Recovery

Most patients feel significantly better within 3 to 5 days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, prescriptions as needed, and follow-up care to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out?

Most jaws simply don't have room for a third set of molars. When wisdom teeth don't have space to emerge properly, they become impacted — trapped beneath the gum, growing sideways, or pressing against neighboring teeth. This can cause pain, swelling, infection, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth.

Even wisdom teeth that partially emerge create problems. The flap of gum tissue over a partially erupted tooth traps food and bacteria, leading to repeated infections called pericoronitis. Removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems is almost always easier and heals faster than waiting until complications arise.

What Happens During the Procedure?

After administering your chosen form of anesthesia or sedation, we access the wisdom tooth through the gum tissue. If the tooth is impacted, a small amount of bone covering the tooth may need to be removed. The tooth is then carefully loosened and extracted — sometimes in sections to minimize the amount of bone removal needed.

The entire procedure typically takes 45 minutes to an hour for all four wisdom teeth. Dissolvable stitches close the extraction sites, and gauze pads help control initial bleeding. You'll rest in our office until you're ready to go home — make sure to arrange a ride, as you won't be able to drive after sedation.

Recovery Tips for a Faster Heal

The first 48 hours are the most important. Keep your head elevated, apply ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 off) to manage swelling, and stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straws), and lukewarm soup. Avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or acidic until you're fully healed.

Don't smoke, use straws, or spit forcefully for at least 72 hours — these actions create suction that can dislodge the blood clots and cause dry socket. Gently rinse with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery. Most patients return to normal activities within 3 to 5 days, with complete healing over the following weeks.

Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

The earlier we address them, the easier the recovery. Let's take a look.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?

The ideal time is typically between ages 17 and 21, when the roots aren't fully formed and the bone is less dense — making removal easier and recovery faster. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if they're causing problems.

Do all four wisdom teeth need to come out at once?

Not necessarily, but removing all four at the same time is usually recommended if they all need to come out. This means one recovery period instead of multiple, and one round of sedation. We'll evaluate each tooth individually and recommend what's best for your situation.

Will I be put to sleep for the procedure?

We offer several sedation options. Local anesthesia numbs the area while you stay fully awake. Nitrous oxide helps you relax while remaining conscious. Oral sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed state where you may not remember the procedure. We'll discuss which option is best for you.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients feel significantly better within 3 to 5 days and can return to normal activities. Swelling typically peaks at 48 hours and then subsides. Complete healing of the extraction sites takes several weeks, but you'll be back to eating normally well before then.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days: yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straws), ice cream, and lukewarm soup. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods until your follow-up appointment confirms you're healing well.

What if I keep my wisdom teeth?

If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly aligned, healthy, and you can clean them effectively, they may not need removal. However, they should be monitored at every dental visit with X-rays since problems can develop later in life.