Wisdom Teeth Removal in Gainesville
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Ratliff or Dr. Blumberg can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop and typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, there isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to come in properly, leading to impaction. This can cause a range of dental issues if not addressed.
Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
Even if they aren’t currently causing pain, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to serious oral health problems, such as:
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Gum infections (pericoronitis)
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Tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas
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Cyst or tumor development near the tooth
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Pressure on adjacent teeth, causing damage or misalignment
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Jaw pain and swelling
Early removal is typically recommended—usually during the late teens or early twenties—before roots fully develop and complications arise.
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and patient comfort.
The procedure typically involves:
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Numbing the area with anesthesia
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Making a small incision in the gum if the tooth hasn’t erupted
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Removing bone blocking access to the tooth if necessary
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Sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal
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Cleaning the site of debris
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Stitching the incision closed (if needed)
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Placing gauze to help form a blood clot and control bleeding
What Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost And Is It Covered By Insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What If I Have Questions Before Surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Gainesville office Phone Number 352-378-2525 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
Even if they aren’t currently causing pain, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to serious oral health problems, such as:
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Gum infections (pericoronitis)
-
Tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas
-
Cyst or tumor development near the tooth
-
Pressure on adjacent teeth, causing damage or misalignment
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Jaw pain and swelling
Early removal is typically recommended—usually during the late teens or early twenties—before roots fully develop and complications arise.
Types of Impaction:
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Soft Tissue Impaction: The tooth has partially emerged but remains covered by gum tissue, making it hard to clean and susceptible to infection.
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Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth is partially trapped beneath the jawbone and can push against neighboring teeth or cause discomfort.
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Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth remains entirely beneath the jawbone, often requiring surgical removal.
Soft Tissue
Partial Bony
Complete BonyAfter Wisdom Tooth Removal
Aftercare & Recovery
Most patients recover within a few days to a week. Following your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions is key to a smooth healing process.
Post-operative care includes:
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Using ice packs to reduce swelling
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Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication
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Eating soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes
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Avoiding straws, smoking, and alcohol, which can disrupt healing
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Gently rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean
One common complication is dry socket, which occurs if the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. This condition can be painful, but it’s treatable by your oral surgeon.
When to Call Your Surgeon
You should contact your provider immediately if you experience:
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Persistent or worsening pain
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Excessive bleeding that doesn’t subside
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Swelling that worsens after a few days
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Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste)
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Numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheeks
Concerned about your wisdom teeth?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or want to take a proactive approach, our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process—from consultation to recovery.