Wisdom Teeth Removal in Wellington FL: What to Expect at Mohip Dental
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, and Westlake, these teeth come in without issues. For others, they cause pain, crowding, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth. At Mohip Dental, we perform wisdom teeth evaluations and extractions for patients across the western Palm Beach County communities. Here is what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
When Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out
Not every wisdom tooth requires removal. If a tooth erupts fully, aligns with the opposing tooth, and remains easy to clean, it can stay. The problems begin when there is not enough room. Impaction, where the tooth remains trapped under the gum or bone, is the most common reason for surgery. Partial eruption creates a flap of gum that traps food and bacteria, leading to repeated infections called pericoronitis. Crowding can push neighboring teeth out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work. Cysts can form around impacted teeth and damage the jawbone. Our Wellington dental team uses panoramic X-rays to evaluate each patient’s specific situation before recommending extraction.
Simple Versus Surgical Extractions
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that have fully erupted through the gum. The dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator, then removes it with forceps under local anesthesia. Surgical extractions are required when the tooth is impacted, broken at the gumline, or has curved roots. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum and may section the tooth into pieces for easier removal. Surgical cases are typically done with a combination of local anesthesia and oral or IV sedation, depending on the patient’s needs and number of teeth involved.
Preparing for the Procedure
Your first visit is a consultation that includes a clinical exam and imaging. Most patients receive a panoramic X-ray, which shows the position of the tooth, root shape, and proximity to the nerve canal in the lower jaw. Some cases benefit from a CBCT scan for three-dimensional detail. Bring a list of medications, including blood thinners, and be ready to discuss allergies, prior surgeries, and any history of reactions to anesthesia. We will give you written pre-op instructions that cover fasting before sedation, what to wear, and whether a driver is required.
What Happens During Surgery
On the day of surgery, the treatment area is numbed, and sedation is administered if planned. The procedure itself usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes per tooth. You will not feel pain during the extraction, but you will feel pressure. Many patients listen to music or use the time to rest. Once the tooth is out, the socket is cleaned, and in some cases a small suture is placed to close the gum flap. A gauze pack is placed over the site to help a clot form. You will receive printed aftercare instructions and a recovery kit before you leave.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients recover well within a week. Expect mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and jaw stiffness for the first 48 to 72 hours. Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen and acetaminophen, though we will prescribe stronger medication if needed. Swelling peaks around day two and then improves. Many patients return to desk work or school within two to four days. Avoid straws, spitting, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for the first week, as these can dislodge the clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket. Stitches, if used, are usually removed at a follow-up visit one week later.
Risks and Complications
Wisdom tooth removal is a common and very safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some risk. The most well-known complication is dry socket, where the blood clot fails to form or is lost too early, exposing the bone underneath. Temporary nerve irritation can cause numbness in the lower lip, tongue, or chin, and in very rare cases this can be permanent. Sinus communication can occur when upper wisdom teeth sit close to the maxillary sinus. Infection, although uncommon when aftercare instructions are followed, can require antibiotics. We go through all of these risks at your consultation and document them in your consent form.
Cost and Insurance
The cost depends on the number of teeth, the complexity of impaction, the type of anesthesia used, and your insurance coverage. A simple single-tooth extraction typically runs less than a fully impacted surgical case. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of wisdom tooth removal when it is medically necessary, and our billing team can run a pre-treatment estimate on request. Patients without insurance can discuss payment plans and financing options at the front desk. We will always provide a written estimate before any procedure is scheduled.
When to Call the Office
If you have heavy bleeding that does not slow with firm gauze pressure after 30 minutes, a fever over 101 degrees, increasing swelling after day three, severe pain that is not controlled with the prescribed medication, or numbness that does not improve after 24 hours, call us right away. We have an after-hours line for established patients of record. Many wisdom tooth concerns can wait until the next business day, so do not hesitate to call with questions even if it seems small. Our goal is to make the entire process predictable, comfortable, and well supported from the first phone call through full recovery.
