Wisdom Teeth Removal in Mesa – Complete Guide
If you or your teen are experiencing pain or pressure in the back of your mouth, it may be time to consider wisdom teeth removal, a common source of the pain you're experiencing.
At Mountain View Family Dental, we offer fast, gentle and precise wisdom teeth removal in Mesa, AZ. With advanced imaging, multiple sedation options and a team of experienced oral surgeons, we make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Whether your wisdom teeth are erupting normally or causing severe pain, we provide the thorough care needed to protect your oral health and help you recover quickly.
Why You Should Get Wisdom Teeth Removed
In the back of your mouth, most of us have molars called wisdom teeth--also known as third molars--are the last set of teeth to erupt, often happening between the ages of 17 and 25. While they were useful for our ancestors with tougher diets, modern humans have smaller mouths, and most of us don't have space for them.
When there isn't enough room, for how many wisdom teeth you may have, it can cause a lot of problems. Many wisdom teeth grow sideways or only partially erupt through the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infection and inflammation because bacteria can easily accumulate around the gum tissue, leading to gum disease.
Others grow at angles that push against neighboring molars, leading to crowding, shifting teeth and potential damage to your bite alignment.
In fact, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reports that about 85% of wisdom teeth eventually need to be removed due to these kinds of complications.
Removal is often recommended before complications develop. Early evaluation--especially during the teenage years--allows your dentist to monitor root formation and determine the safest time to extract the teeth. For many patients, removing wisdom teeth before they cause symptoms prevents long-term oral health issues.
The strangest thing about wisdom teeth? Some people don't need them removed, and some people don't have them at all. If your mouth has enough space for healthy wisdom teeth or your teeth aren't there, your dentist may never need to perform the surgery. Lucky you!
Because wisdom teeth can cause a range of symptoms, many people don't realize their pain is related to mandibular wisdom teeth. Common signs include.
Persistent pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
Gum swelling, redness, or tenderness
Headaches or jaw stiffness
Permanent teeth shifting or new crowding
Recurrent infections around the gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
Sinus pressure or discomfort in the upper jaw
If you're unsure whether removal is necessary, ask yourself the following questions: Are you experiencing pain, swelling or trouble cleaning your back molars?
Have your teeth shifted recently? Has your dentist mentions limited space in your jaw? If the answer to any of these is yes, it's likely time for an evaluation.
Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal Dental specialists often recommend evaluating—and when needed, removing—wisdom teeth in the late teens or early 20s. At this stage, roots are less developed and healing is often easier, which can reduce the risk of complications.
Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
We believe in clear communication and a calm, step-by-step approach so you always know what to expect. Here's how we make the process easy from start to finish:
Consultation & X-Rays
Your visit starts with a thorough exam and advanced 3D imagaing. We use cone beam CT scans to see tooth positioning, tooth root angles and nerve proximity with exceptional precision. This helps us determine whether your wisdom teeth erupted, or are partially erupted or impacted.Personalized Treatment Plan & Sedation Options
Every patient is different. Some require simple extractions, while others need surgical removal. We offer several sedation options--from local anesthesia to oral sedation and nitrous oxide--to ensure maximum comfort.For patients who want to understand sedation more deeply, the American Dental Association provides helpful guidance, or check our our sedation dentistry page.
The Extraction Procedure
On the day of your appointment, your gums will be numbed thoroughly. If sedation was selected, you'll be comfortably relaxed throughout the procedure. Our experienced team gently removes the tooth, cleans the area and places sutures when necessary to support optimal healing.Aftercare Instructions
You'll receive clear, easy-to-follow instructions to prevent dry socket, manage swelling and promote quick recovery. We're always here to answer questions during healing.Schedule Your Consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.
Before Surgery: What to Know
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, patients are typically instructed not to eat or drink for at least six hours before the procedure. This fasting period helps reduce the risk of complications related to anesthesia and ensures a safer surgical experience.
Our team will provide clear pre-operative instructions so you feel fully prepared on the day of treatment.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
Most wisdom teeth removal procedures take approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on:
The number of teeth being removed
Whether the teeth are impacted
The patient’s age and root development
More complex cases may take slightly longer, but the procedure is still completed in a single visit.
Surgical Technique & Dissolvable Stitches
When wisdom teeth are impacted, the procedure may involve:
Gently opening the gum tissue
Removing a small amount of surrounding bone
Sectioning the tooth for safe removal
After extraction, dissolvable stitches are often placed to support healing and protect the surgical site. These stitches naturally dissolve over time and typically do not require removal.
Same-Day Outpatient Procedure
Wisdom teeth removal is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients are able to return home the same day. No overnight hospital stay is required.
Because anesthesia and sedation can cause drowsiness, patients who receive sedation must have a trusted adult accompany them home.
After Surgery: Pain, Swelling & Medication
After the procedure, mild to moderate discomfort is normal.
Swelling and soreness typically peak around day three or four
Symptoms gradually improve over the following days
To manage discomfort, patients are often prescribed or advised to take pain medication, along with anti-inflammatory measures such as cold compresses. Following post-operative instructions closely helps ensure a smoother recovery.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal is usually smooth when post-operative instructions are followed carefully. Most patients heal fully within one to two weeks, with the first few days being the most important for proper healing.
The First 24 Hours After Surgery
The first 24 hours are critical to protect the surgical site and support clot formation.
During this time, patients should:
Bite gently on gauze as instructed to control bleeding
Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling
Rest and avoid physical activity
Keep the head elevated when lying down
These steps help stabilize the blood clot, which is essential for proper healing.
Swelling, Pain & What’s Normal
Swelling and soreness are expected after wisdom teeth removal.
Swelling typically peaks between 48–72 hours
Pain and discomfort often peak on day three or four
Symptoms should gradually improve after this point
Your dentist may recommend or prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort during this period.
Protecting the Blood Clot (Dry Socket Prevention)
One of the most important parts of recovery is protecting the blood clot that forms in the extraction site.
To prevent dry socket:
Do not drink through a straw
`Avoid smoking or vaping
Do not rinse forcefully during the first few days
Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers
Dislodging the clot can delay healing and cause significant pain.
Diet Guidelines During Recovery
A soft food diet is recommended for the first three to five days after surgery. Good food choices include:
Yogurt
Smoothies (no straw)
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Soup or broth
Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, as these can irritate the surgical area and slow healing.
When You Can Return to Normal Activities
Most patients are able to:
Resume school or work within three to five days
Return to normal routines gradually as swelling subsides
Strenuous activity should be avoided for several days to prevent bleeding or delayed healing.
When to Call the Dentist
Contact our office if:
Pain, swelling, or bleeding worsens after four days
You develop a fever
There is persistent bad taste or odor
Swelling does not begin to improve
These may indicate infection or delayed healing that requires evaluation.
Possible Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a routine and generally safe procedure, especially when performed by experienced dental professionals. However, as with any surgical treatment, potential complications can occur. Understanding these risks helps patients know what to watch for and when to seek care.
Signs of Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal
You should contact our office immediately if you experience:
Fever above 102°F
Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding
Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
Swelling that worsens after day three
Persistent numbness in the lips, chin, or tongue
Foul taste or discharge that does not improve
Early treatment can prevent minor issues from becoming serious.
Infection After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Infection is one of the most common complications following wisdom teeth extraction, particularly when teeth are partially erupted or impacted. One specific condition, pericoronitis, is a localized gum infection that can develop when bacteria collect around trapped wisdom teeth.
Signs of infection may include swelling, pain, pus, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth. Prompt care and proper aftercare significantly reduce this risk.
Nerve Damage Risks
Wisdom teeth located near the lower jaw can be close to the inferior alveolar nerve, which controls sensation in the lower lip, chin, and tongue.
Temporary nerve irritation occurs in approximately 1 in 85 patients
Permanent nerve damage is rare, affecting about 1 in 300 patients
Advanced 3D imaging allows us to evaluate nerve position carefully and minimize this risk.
Increased Risk of Complications With Age
The likelihood of complications increases with age, particularly after age 30. As patients get older:
Bone becomes denser
Roots are fully developed
Healing time is longer
This is why early evaluation and, when appropriate, earlier removal often lead to smoother recovery and fewer risks.
Cysts and Jawbone Damage
If impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, cysts can form around the tooth. These fluid-filled sacs may expand over time and cause damage to surrounding jawbone and nearby teeth. Surgical removal helps eliminate this risk before permanent damage occurs.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay Around Impacted Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly and can trap bacteria. This increases the risk of:
Periodontal (gum) disease
Cavities in neighboring molars
Bone loss around adjacent teeth
Removing problematic wisdom teeth protects overall oral health and prevents damage to healthy teeth.
Increased Risk of Complications With Age
The likelihood of complications increases with age, particularly after age 30. As patients get older:
Bone becomes denser
Roots are fully developed
Healing time is longer
This is why early evaluation and, when appropriate, earlier removal often lead to smoother recovery and fewer risks.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay Around Impacted Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly and can trap bacteria. This increases the risk of:
Periodontal (gum) disease
Cavities in neighboring molars
Bone loss around adjacent teeth
Removing problematic wisdom teeth protects overall oral health and prevents damage to healthy teeth.
Why Mesa Families Trust Mountain View Family Dental
Our patients choose us because we combine advanced clinical skill with genuine compassion. Wisdom teeth removal can feel intimidating, especially for teens or adults with dental anxiety, but our team goes above and beyond to create a comfortable, reassuring environment.
With years of experience in surgical extractions, cutting edge 3D imaging and modern sedation techniques, we provide the safest and most efficient treatment possible. Our practice is deeply rooted in the Mesa community. We proudly care for families across the region and treat every patient like one of our own.
Benefits of Professional Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed by a trained dental team offers significant long-term advantages. Proper removal helps prevent painful infections and dry sockets. It also protects nearby teeth from damage caused by pressure, crowding or decay spreading from impacted molars.
Extraction eliminates the risk of cysts, which can form around impacted teeth and damage jawbone structure. Removing wisdom teeth early also ensures a smoother, faster healing process, especially before roots fully develop. When done proactively, the entire experience is simpler and helps maintain healthy alignment as you age.
