Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth, the third molars that typically attempt to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, are among the most frequently extracted teeth in dentistry. The reason is straightforward: the modern human jaw often does not have enough space to accommodate a full set of 32 teeth, and when the wisdom teeth arrive late with insufficient room, the consequences range from pain and infection to damage of the adjacent second molars and significant crowding of the entire dental arch. At Advanced Family Dental Kendall, Dr. Nelcy Triana evaluates wisdom teeth with the practice’s digital 3D radiographic imaging, giving her a precise picture of tooth position, root development, and proximity to critical anatomical structures before any treatment decision is made.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. When a wisdom tooth has fully erupted into proper position, can be cleaned effectively with a toothbrush and floss, and is not causing any structural or alignment problems, Dr. Triana may recommend monitoring rather than extraction. However, this ideal scenario is the exception rather than the rule. Most patients who seek evaluation of their wisdom teeth are experiencing some combination of pain, swelling, difficulty opening their jaw, recurring infections of the gum tissue overlying the erupting tooth, or X-ray evidence that the tooth is positioned in a way that places the neighboring molar at risk.

Impaction refers to a tooth that cannot erupt fully because it is blocked by another tooth, by the angle of the jawbone, or by insufficient space in the arch. Wisdom teeth can be impacted in several ways. A mesially impacted tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth and is pressing against the root of the second molar. A distally impacted tooth is angled toward the back of the jaw. A horizontally impacted tooth lies completely on its side within the bone. A vertically impacted tooth is upright but remains fully or partially submerged because there is not enough vertical space for it to emerge. Each type of impaction presents different challenges, and the 3D radiographic imaging at Advanced Family Dental allows Dr. Triana to assess the exact configuration of the roots, the depth of the tooth within the bone, and the proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve before planning the surgical approach.

Wisdom tooth extractions at Advanced Family Dental are performed under local anesthesia. Patients who experience dental anxiety or who are having multiple teeth removed in one appointment can discuss additional comfort options with Dr. Triana during their consultation. Once the area is fully numb, the procedure begins with a small incision in the gum tissue over the impacted tooth to create access. Any bone covering the crown of the tooth is carefully removed to expose the tooth. Depending on the depth and angle of the impaction, the tooth is often sectioned into two or more pieces to allow each portion to be removed through the smallest possible opening, minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue and bone. The site is then thoroughly irrigated, any sharp bony edges are smoothed, and the incision is closed with sutures that dissolve on their own.

Swelling and discomfort following wisdom tooth extraction are normal and expected, and they are typically most pronounced in the first 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Applying ice packs to the face in the first 24 hours helps control swelling. Pain medication prescribed or recommended by Dr. Triana, along with rest and a soft diet, allows most patients to recover comfortably. Patients should avoid smoking, using straws, and vigorous rinsing during the first 24 hours to protect the blood clots that have formed in the surgical sites, as disturbing these clots can lead to dry socket, a painful but treatable complication.

Most patients feel well enough to return to school or desk work within two to three days, though strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least a week. Sutures are self-dissolving and do not require a removal appointment. A follow-up visit allows Dr. Triana to confirm that healing is progressing normally. The bilingual team at Advanced Family Dental Kendall provides detailed post-operative instructions in English and Spanish and is available to answer any questions that arise during your recovery.