Wisdom Teeth Removal
Some wisdom teeth erupt normally, but others become impacted or trapped, causing problems like damage, overcrowding, and discomfort.
At Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, our doctors can provide wisdom teeth removal for cases both simple and complex.
Serving the Taos, Los Alamos, and Santa Fe, NM, area, our practice is the premier destination for wisdom tooth care.
Need a Dentist Now? We Can Help - Contact Us
Painful dental problems like impacted wisdom teeth need prompt attention. Are your wisdom teeth giving you trouble? Don't wait to find a dentist who can help—get in touch with our Santa Fe, NM, team for emergency care. We'll do everything we can to get you in for same-day treatment to relieve pain and preserve your oral health. Contact us online or call us today:
What Is a Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the teeth in the very back of your mouth. They typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties. As long as they erupt normally and have sufficient room to grow in the jaw, wisdom teeth function just like normal molars, and patients can leave them alone. However, in other cases, these molars may need to be removed to address or prevent complications.
Reasons to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
Although some wisdom teeth erupt normally, others can cause serious discomfort or complications, such as:
Impaction
For some patients, wisdom teeth may not be able to completely erupt through the jawbone or soft tissue. Impacted teeth can cause inflammation, discomfort, infection, and other issues. Bacteria can also become trapped, leading to a potentially serious infection.
Insufficient Room in the Jaw
Many people do not have enough room in their jaws for these teeth to properly erupt. As a result, wisdom teeth can often cause severe crowding or gum swelling as they come in. Some patients elect to have the teeth removed as early as possible when a dentist identifies this risk.
Tooth Damage
Wisdom teeth can also cause damage to surrounding teeth or tooth roots. We can remove third molars to prevent damage or treat trauma to neighboring teeth.
Cysts and Tumors
In the most serious cases, wisdom teeth can cause cysts and tumors. Our doctors can remove your third molars to address these issues or prevent them altogether.
Our doctors will carefully assess every case and only recommend removing your wisdom teeth if they believe it will relieve pain and help your oral and overall health.
Find Relief From Your Wisdom Tooth Symptoms Request an Appointment With Us Today
At Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, we want patients in Taos, Los Alamos, and nearby to feel safe and comfortable while they receive the highest level of dental care.
Our doctors have extensive training and experience in wisdom tooth care, and are members of various notable organizations:
- The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- The Southwest Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
- The American Dental Association
If you are experiencing symptoms of wisdom tooth complications, or if you are interested in preventive wisdom tooth extraction, contact us online or call our office today:
(505) 984-0694
"I had zero fears about my surgery" What Our Wisdom Tooth Patients Say
Tonya Navarro
The entire staff all have hearts of gold. Dr. Healey and his assistant Charlie were amazing with my wisdom teeth extraction. Not only did Dr. Healey have an excellent and professional yet warm and caring manner to him, he truly knows his stuff. I had zero fears about my surgery and I am glad my experience was with him. Highly recommended!
Montessa Valdez
Dr. Healy has performed surgical wisdom teeth removal on both my teenagers and they both had a positive experience. I noticed that even within one years time he changed his practice so when it came to my daughter we followed her regime as given and her recovery went even better than my son's. Dr. Healy has a great patient manner and develops trust with his patients. He takes his time and explains things very well. Thank you Dr. Healy for doing such a great job with both my children. The dental assistants are wonderful!
The Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal At Our Santa Fe, NM, Oral Surgery Practice
Prevent Future Issues
Wisdom tooth removal at our Santa Fe, NM, office can often prevent future problems, such as pain, swelling, infection, and dental crowding. Tooth extraction can also provide immediate relief for those suffering from complications.
Minimal Discomfort & Downtime
Dr. Sean M. Healy and Dr. Diego Hurtado offer several types of dental sedation to ensure that your procedure is comfortable. They also offer advanced platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy to help make your recovery efficient and complication-free.
High-Quality Care
As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our doctors have the training and experience to handle the most complex wisdom tooth cases. Other dentists often refer their most complicated cases to our team.
Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Damage
Some wisdom teeth erupt normally, but impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, cavities, and damage to other teeth. Using an X-ray, the oral surgeons at Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe can determine whether wisdom tooth removal is needed. Wisdom tooth removal is a fairly straightforward procedure, and our doctors will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure healthy healing and recovery.
Explore Preventive Wisdom Tooth Extraction From Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe
Many parents choose to have their children's wisdom teeth removed before they cause any discomfort or health issues. With regular dental visits, we can determine when your child's wisdom teeth have begun to develop, and perform extraction as a means of preventing a host of complications. Preventive wisdom tooth extraction is usually performed during a child's late high school years.
Removing wisdom teeth before the roots develop is often far simpler than performing extraction after the third molars have a chance to cause oral health issues. Under our care, you can expect that your child's preventive wisdom tooth extraction procedure will be as comfortable as possible, and will set the stage for excellent oral health for many years to come.
To get started, contact our Santa Fe, NM, office or call:
(505) 984-0694
"Highly recommend them." More 5-Star Patient Reviews
Vincent Montano
I had 4 wisdom teeth removed. Dr. Hurtado performed the procedure and did a fantastic job. There were no issues with the overall procedure, and the procedure was complete in about one hour. Dr. Hurtado was more than willing to answer all my questions prior to and after surgery, and his staff would also give follow up phone calls to check on my recovery and provide guidance in the recovery process. All were very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center of Santa Fe for all needing oral surgery.
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Katie Higgins
All the staff is helpful and kind. Dr. Healy is a wonderfuly skilled oral surgeon! I had 3 wisdom teeth removed, and i had no complications- just followed the instructuons they gave me. My surgery went super fast (like an hour to remove 3 teeth), and my pain after surgery was very minimal. My face never even swelled or bruised! Least traumatic tooth pulling experience i have ever had!
Nervous About Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction? We Offer Sedation to Keep You Comfortable
Many people who need their wisdom teeth removed do not get the care they need because they have heard horror stories about the procedure. However, wisdom tooth extractions are relatively simple and straightforward procedures for oral surgeons. We take extra measures to make the surgery and recovery as comfortable and safe as possible, such as offering multiple types of calming sedation and using sophisticated techniques that minimize trauma to surrounding tissues.
Using the Latest Technology To Plan Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Each patient is unique, so each wisdom tooth extraction is carefully planned with the patient's facial anatomy in mind. When planning your wisdom teeth removal, our oral surgeons may order a computed tomography (CT) scan. This advanced imaging exam helps our surgeons:
- Evaluate your tooth root positions
- Avoid disrupting the nerves and sinuses
Our surgeons are renowned for their easygoing, approachable, and warm dispositions. In spite of their advanced training, they are good communicators who make patients feel informed and comfortable about their care at every step. If you live in Taos, Los Alamos, or a nearby community, we'd love to meet with you.
"Smooth and Painless." Great Reviews From Wisdom Tooth Patients
Wei Yu
Santa Fe, NM
Friendly staff, and very professional! I was so nervous getting my wisdom teeth taken out, but they were so nice and answered all my questions. The dentist himself was very professional, and everyone was amazing. Highly recommend to anyone
View on GoogleT V
Santa Fe, NM
Dr. Diego Hurtado, Ashley, and the entire team were terrific. The professionalism, customer service, patient care, communication, guidance, and follow ups were the best I've experienced in our State. Dr. Hurtado provided exceptional medical care for a complicated wisdom tooth extraction, and I highly recommend Dr. Hurtado and his team!
View on GoogleThe Wisdom Tooth Removal Timeline
As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our doctors have the training and experience to handle the most complex wisdom tooth cases. Other dentists often refer their most complicated cases to our team.
Your Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery
We recommend that you take it easy for a couple of days immediately following your procedure. You can usually return to your normal routine in about a week, but Dr. Healy or Dr. Hurtado will provide further guidance at your post-operative consultation.
Most patients will experience soreness for about three to four days. Any post-operative discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication. Soreness and tenderness of the gums and muscles persist for about one or two weeks, and you will need to avoid brushing the extraction site directly for about two to three weeks. Most people can return to a normal diet consisting of any foods they wish after about three weeks.
A week after the procedure, Dr. Healy or Dr. Hurtado will need to schedule you or your child for a follow-up to ensure healing is progressing free of complications such as infection.
Foods to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Do I Need to Replace My Wisdom Teeth?
No! Wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced after extraction. Once the procedure is done, you won't have to think about them again. However, if any teeth other than your wisdom teeth are missing, you should absolutely consider replacing them with the best treatment for the job—dental implants.
Dental implants are like titanium tooth roots. They are surgically embedded into the jawbone where the missing tooth roots once were. This allows them to provide stimulation that keeps the jaw healthy, prevents other teeth from shifting, and preserves your natural facial structure. Once fused with the jaw, dental implants can support custom tooth restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Again, you won't need dental implants after having your wisdom teeth removed, but if any of your other teeth are missing, they can do wonders for your oral health, dental function, and smile.
"No soreness whatsoever the next day." Why Taos, Los Alamos, and Greater Santa Fe, NM, Choose Us
mark martinez
This place is amazing! Friendly staff and awesome experience. I got a tooth extracted was in and out and no. Soreness what so ever the next day. Highly recommend them.
View on GoogleBrandon Short
easiest extractions I've had(I've had a few) quick and painless. was super surprised! thank you guys!
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