Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically erupt between ages 16 and 25. Some people never have problems. Others develop
impacted
or poorly positioned teeth that trap food, inflame gum tissue, and threaten neighboring molars. If you or your teen is experiencing pressure, swelling, or repeat infections near the back of the jaw, a timely evaluation at
AB Dental & Oral Surgery
can make all the difference.
Signs It’s Time To Take A Look
Jaw pain or tightness
behind your molars
Swollen or bleeding gums
in the far back
Bad breath or bad taste
due to trapped debris
Crowding or shifting
of nearby teeth
Cysts
or damage visible on X-rays, even when you have no symptoms
Because problems often start quietly, periodic imaging helps us decide whether to
monitor
or
remove
wisdom teeth before complications grow.
Your Evaluation: Clear Data, Clear Decisions
We’ll use digital X-rays or 3D scans to map tooth angles, root shape, and the relationship to nerves and sinuses. Then we’ll walk you through:
Whether removal is recommended now or later
Which
anesthesia or sedation
option suits you (local, nitrous, oral, or IV)
What to expect during and after the procedure
How to minimize downtime with smart preparation
You’ll leave with a precise plan, not a pile of question marks.
The Procedure: What Happens On Surgery Day
Comfort & Numbing:
We begin with local anesthesia and, if chosen, sedation for a calm, dreamlike experience.
Atraumatic Techniques:
Small incisions (if needed), gentle tooth sectioning, and careful removal to safeguard bone and nerves.
Irrigation & Closure:
We clean the area and place stitches when appropriate.
Instructions & Supplies:
You’ll receive written instructions, extra gauze, and a personalized recovery plan.
Straightforward cases can be quite quick; complex impactions take longer. Either way, our priority is
gentle, efficient care
.
Your First 72 Hours: Recovery Roadmap
Bleeding:
Bite on gauze for firm pressure; a little oozing is normal.
Swelling:
Expect it to
peak around days 2–3
; use ice 20 minutes on/off for the first day.
Pain Control:
Start recommended medications
before
numbness fades.
Diet:
Soft, cool foods first—think yogurt, applesauce, eggs, smoothies (no straws).
Hygiene:
After 24 hours, begin warm saltwater rinses 2–3 times daily; brush gently, avoiding surgical sites.
By
day 4
, most patients notice steady improvement; tenderness continues to diminish over the first week.
Dry Socket, Infection, And Other Concerns
Complications are uncommon, but we plan carefully to avoid them:
Dry socket:
More likely with smoking, straws, or dislodged clots. You’ll get clear instructions to reduce risk.
Infection:
Call us if you develop fever, worsening pain after day 3, or foul taste/discharge.
Nerve irritation:
Rare; we use imaging to minimize risk. When tingling occurs, it’s often temporary and improves as tissues heal.
Getting Back To Normal
Most people resume work or classes in
2–3 days
for simple cases. Nevertheless, avoid strenuous exercise for a few days to keep bleeding and swelling in check. Moreover, choose soft foods until chewing feels natural again. Stitches often dissolve on their own; if not, we’ll remove them comfortably at your follow-up.
Benefits You Can Expect
Less risk of decay and gum infection
around partially erupted molars
Protection for second molars
from cavities and bone loss
Easier hygiene
without hard-to-reach flaps of tissue
Fewer emergencies
and weekend flare-ups
Your Next Step
Wondering whether it’s time to remove wisdom teeth?
Call AB Dental & Oral Surgery at (210) 672-2787
in
San Antonio
to
Book an Appointment
. We’ll evaluate, plan, and guide you to a smooth recovery—step by step.
