Ask the Dentist: What should I expect when I get my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common types of oral surgery, but it can feel intimidating for many patients. 

In this Ask the Dentist video, Joshua Stone, DDS, MD, Clinical Director for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UT Dentistry, answers the most common questions about wisdom teeth removal and explains what to expect before, during and after surgery.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems as they grow in, especially if there’s not enough room in the mouth for them to erupt properly.

“If wisdom teeth aren’t removed when needed, they can lead to cavities or gum disease on the back of the second molars,” explains Dr. Stone. “Our goal is to protect those healthy teeth and prevent bigger issues down the road.”

In other cases, wisdom teeth may be impacted or hard to clean, increasing the risk of painful infections. Left untreated, these infections can lead to more serious complications.

What happens during the procedure?

The care team in UT Dentistry’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic ensures that patients are comfortable and well-cared for throughout the procedure.

“We offer sedation options, including general anesthesia if needed, so patients can relax while we remove the teeth,” says Dr. Stone. “If stitches are needed, we use dissolvable ones so there’s no need for a follow-up visit to remove them.”

What is recovery like?

“Most people return to their regular routine and diet within one to two weeks,” says Dr. Stone. “And we’re here to support patients through a smooth recovery.”

Some swelling and discomfort are normal once the anesthesia wears off, but most patients can manage it with ibuprofen and acetaminophen; narcotics are rarely needed.

Dr. Stone recommends using ice packs and warm compresses to ease swelling and soreness in the first few days after surgery. Swelling tends to peak around the second or third day, and some patients experience mild jaw stiffness, which is temporary and expected.

Personalized care every step of the way

The oral surgery team at UT Dentistry provides expert care for patients of all ages, from wisdom teeth removal to more complex procedures.

If you’ve been told it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth, contact UT Dentistry’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic for more information or to schedule an appointment at 210-450-3100 or visit UTDentistry.org/OMS.