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Procedures/Wisdom teeth · Third molars

Wisdom teeth,
without the drama.

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt and often lack space: they end up tilted, partially covered or inside the bone. They are removed to prevent pain, infection and damage to neighboring teeth.

Book your consultation→Step by step↓
What it is

A panoramic X-ray—and a CT scan when the root is close to the nerve—determines whether the tooth comes out with a simple extraction or needs surgery: opening the gum, removing some bone and sometimes sectioning the tooth.

It is performed under local anesthesia, with conscious sedation available for anxious patients or when several teeth are removed in one session. The procedure takes 20 to 60 minutes per tooth.

Who it is for
  • 01Wisdom teeth with pain, swelling or recurring infections (pericoronitis).
  • 02Impacted or tilted teeth pushing on or damaging the second molar.
  • 03Orthodontic patients or before orthognathic surgery, as indicated by the orthodontist.
Simple or surgical?

It depends on how the tooth sits.

Pick a position and see what changes in the procedure. The X-ray makes the call.

Surgical extraction

Part of the crown is still under gum or bone. The gum is opened, some bone may be removed and the tooth sectioned.

Local or sedation40–60 minSutures
The first 7 days
What to expect afterwards
  1. Day 1

    Cold packs, rest, cold soft diet.

  2. Day 2–3

    Peak swelling; pain relief as prescribed.

  3. Day 4–5

    Swelling subsides; warm soft diet.

  4. Day 7

    Check-up and suture removal if needed.

Anatomy

Why a wisdom tooth becomes surgical

  1. 01Second molar
  2. 02Tilted, partially covered wisdom tooth
  3. 03Retaining bone
  4. 04Inferior alveolar nerve
  5. 05Gum
Dr. Rodríguez in surgery
Step by step

How the process works.

  1. 01
    X-ray

    Panoramic and, if needed, CT scan: position, roots and distance to the nerve.

  2. 02
    Classification

    Simple or surgical. The type of procedure, estimated time and expected recovery are explained.

  3. 03
    Surgery

    Local anesthesia or conscious sedation. Resorbable sutures or removal at 7 days.

  4. 04
    First days

    Cold, soft diet, medication and written instructions. Swelling subsides between days three and five.

  5. 05
    Follow-up

    Check-up at one week. Return to normal activity within a few days depending on the case.

  • Working with magnification loupes during surgery
  • Dr. Rodríguez and his team in the operating room
  • Preparing the instruments before surgery
Frequently asked

What patients ask before deciding.

From the X-ray: position, degree of eruption, roots and relationship to the nerve. That determines the type of procedure and the estimated time.
No. A well-positioned, functional and cleanable wisdom tooth can be kept. They are removed when symptomatic, when they damage the neighbor, or when orthodontic treatment requires it.
Yes, when the case allows; usually under conscious sedation. The decision depends on the difficulty of each tooth and the patient's preference.
Swelling peaks between days two and four and subsides within a week. Most people resume normal activities in two to four days.
Those of any oral surgery: swelling, mild bleeding, infection or temporary altered sensation if the root is close to the nerve. Imaging-based planning reduces that risk.
Other procedures
Dental implants→Orthognathic surgery→All procedures→
Next step

Book your consultation.

One visit to review your case with imaging and leave with a clear plan: procedure, time and recovery.

Book your consultation→