Wisdom Teeth Removal
Surgical removal of third molars (wisdom teeth) that are impacted, partially erupted, crowding other teeth, or causing pain, infection, or cyst formation.
A CBCT 3D scan precisely locates each tooth relative to nerves and sinuses. Under local anesthesia or IV sedation, the surgeon makes a small opening in the gum, removes any bone covering the tooth, and sections the tooth if needed for gentle removal. PRF may be placed in the socket to speed healing.
Teens and young adults with impacted or problem-predicted wisdom teeth, and adults of any age with pain, swelling, recurring infection, cysts, or crowding.
- Relief from pain, pressure, and recurring infection
- Prevents damage to adjacent molars
- Reduces cyst/pathology risk
- Sedation makes it calm and comfortable.
CBCT 3D scanning shows the exact relationship between wisdom tooth roots and the inferior alveolar nerve, dramatically reducing surgical risk; IV sedation keeps patients relaxed.
What to Expect on the Day
Before anything is scheduled, a CBCT scan shows exactly where each wisdom tooth sits relative to the inferior alveolar nerve, the sinus and the adjacent second molar. That imaging determines the surgical approach and, importantly, whether a tooth is better left alone and monitored.
On the day of surgery you arrive having followed fasting instructions if sedation is planned. Anesthesia is administered — local alone, oral sedation, or IV sedation — and the teeth are removed one at a time. Impacted teeth are usually sectioned into pieces so they can be lifted out through a small opening rather than levered against surrounding bone, which reduces trauma. Sites are irrigated, and PRF from your own blood can be placed in the sockets to support healing.
Removing four wisdom teeth typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. You rest briefly, then leave with gauze in place, written aftercare instructions and any prescriptions. If you were sedated, an adult drives you home.
A Realistic Recovery Timeline
The first 24 hours are about clot protection: bite on gauze, use ice in intervals, avoid straws, rinsing and smoking entirely, and eat cool soft foods. Swelling peaks on day two or three and is normal, not a sign of infection.
Days three to five bring steady improvement — swelling recedes, jaw stiffness eases with gentle opening, and gentle warm salt-water rinses begin. Most patients return to work or school within two to four days, and lower impacted teeth generally take longer than upper ones.
By week one to two the sockets have closed over and discomfort is minor. Full bone fill of the sockets continues quietly for several months. Sudden severe pain around day three to five, often radiating to the ear, suggests dry socket and should be reported rather than waited out.
How Imaging Changes Wisdom Tooth Surgery
The main risk in lower wisdom tooth removal is proximity to the nerve that supplies sensation to the lip and chin. A panoramic X-ray flattens that relationship into two dimensions; CBCT shows whether the roots sit above, beside or wrapped around the nerve canal, which changes the sectioning strategy and sometimes justifies a deliberately partial removal.
PRF, spun chairside from your own blood sample, is placed into sockets where healing needs support — a common choice for deep impactions, smokers and patients with a history of dry socket.
Common Questions
- How long is recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
- Most patients feel substantially better by day three or four and return to normal activity within two to four days. Swelling peaks around day two, soft tissue closes over one to two weeks, and deeper bone healing continues for a few months without you noticing it.
- Will I be sedated?
- That's your choice within what the case requires. Straightforward erupted teeth can be removed under local anesthesia alone; impacted teeth and multi-tooth cases are commonly done under IV sedation, where most patients have little or no memory of the procedure.
- How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to come out?
- Clear indications include recurrent infection or swelling around the tooth, decay that can't be restored, cyst formation, damage to the neighbouring molar, or crowding that interferes with orthodontic treatment. Some wisdom teeth are fully erupted, cleanable and best monitored — a 3D scan and exam distinguish the two.
- What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
- Dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting the socket is dislodged, exposing bone and causing sharp pain a few days after surgery. Avoiding straws, smoking, vigorous rinsing and heavy exercise for the first several days is the best prevention; PRF placed in the socket reduces the risk further.
Ready to plan your treatment?
Every consultation at our Cambria Heights office starts with a 3D scan and a clear, written plan.
Wondering what treatment costs? See cost & financing options.