Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Surgery for Impacted Third Molars

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries. These third molars typically erupt from ages 17-25 and do not have enough space to grow in the mouth properly. Once wisdom teeth start becoming painful or misaligned, extraction is usually the recommended treatment option.

Our Davie, Plantation, and Tamarac offices use advanced imaging, precise techniques, and personalized care to make sure every patient has the best possible experience. Whether your wisdom teeth are already causing symptoms or your dentist has recommended preventive removal, we are accepting new patients for wisdom teeth extraction in Broward County.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth can become impacted, infected, or misaligned when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for them to grow in properly. Once they start pushing against the nearby teeth or getting trapped underneath the gumline, they can cause severe pain, swelling, cavities, gum disease, and crowding. Removing wisdom teeth early helps prevent these issues and reduce the risk of future complications.

What Are the Signs That Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include intense jaw pain, swelling, bad breath, headaches, earaches, gum tenderness, and difficulty opening your mouth. Some patients can also experience shifting teeth or repeated infections around the back molars. Even if you have no noticeable symptoms, X-rays can sometimes reveal impaction or alignment problems that may require early removal. That’s why you should always keep up with your bi-annual checkups!

How Painful Is Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

During surgery, you will not feel pain because your dentist or oral surgeon will be using local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia (depending on your needs). Post-surgery, you might experience soreness and swelling for a few days, but it’s usually manageable with medication, ice packs, and rest. With today’s advanced surgical equipment and techniques, patients tend to recover quickly with proper aftercare.

How Long Does It Usually Take to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

Initial recovery can take anywhere from 3-5 days, while it can take several weeks to completely heal. Most patients can return to work, school, or normal activities within a couple of days. The better you follow the aftercare instructions, the better and faster you will heal; this means not using straws, smoking, eating certain foods, or rinsing too hard.

What Can You Eat After Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Soft foods are recommended for the first few days including yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, pudding, applesauce, and soup. You should avoid foods that are hot, crunchy, spicy, sticky, and anything that will require harder chewing. As you heal and become more comfortable, you can start reintroducing firmer foods. It also helps to stay hydrated and make sure to be very gentle when brushing your teeth or using mouthwash.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, it can lead to severe infections, gum disease, abcesses, tooth decay, nerve damage, and the shifting of nearby teeth. Crowding and jaw discomfort usually worsen over time, causing even more pain and health problems. Removing bad wisdom teeth early on helps reduce future complications, make the surgery process easier, and promote faster recovery.

Does Your Face Swell Up After Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

Mild swelling is normal after wisdom teeth removal, especially during the first 48 hours after the procedure. We recommend applying ice packs, staying elevated, and closely following aftercare instructions to help minimize it. Most swelling begins to fade within a few days and any bruising usually resolves soon after. If you experience prolonged swelling or pain after the first week, contact your dentist immediately.