Wisdom Teeth Removal
in Albuquerque, NM

If you’re looking for wisdom teeth extraction services in Albuquerque, NM, we’re ready to help at Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center. Just give us a call at 505-821-2111 to learn more about oral and maxillofacial surgery and to schedule an appointment.

We understand that wisdom teeth are the most likely teeth to develop problems, so they should be evaluated in the mid to late teens. Why? Because early evaluation can help protect you from any future oral health problems or emergencies, and allow a simpler process to have wisdom teeth extracted if indicated than should an emergency extraction be necessary.

Clinically known as the third molars, wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge. Located in the very back of the mouth, they were vital to our ancestors, when raw plants made up a significant portion of their diet. Today’s eating patterns make wisdom teeth the least necessary for chewing, and as humankind has evolved, our modern, smaller jaws often do not have room for them. So because of that lack of space, wisdom teeth are prone to impaction, twisting, shifting, and crowding the other teeth.

For many years, removing wisdom teeth with extraction was an expected rite of passage for teens and young adults. But today, having an oral surgeon examine your wisdom teeth and the amount of space in your mouth is key to good dental care.

The first step is a careful evaluation by your primary dentist. If your wisdom teeth are straight and not impacted, and there is room for them in your mouth, there is no need to remove them. But any problematic wisdom teeth should be extracted as soon as possible. Why? Because they tend to cause dental issues that worsen over time, and healing from the extractions often becomes more difficult later in life.

Extracting wisdom teeth is a relatively simple process. Although it's common for patients needing extraction to worry about the surgical procedure, there’s no need to do so. Your mouth will be thoroughly numbed with a local anesthetic, and we offer both IV sedation and general anesthesia, whichever you would prefer for the procedure.

Then, we first make a small incision in the gum tissue and remove any bone that is covering the tooth. Next, we’ll use dental forceps to gently pull it out. We may need to cut the tooth into pieces to make removal easier, and you might require a few dental sutures to control bleeding. In any case, we can remove all your wisdom teeth in a single procedure.

Modern technology and surgical techniques mean that your recovery should be essentially uneventful. You may experience mild swelling, bleeding, and facial bruising, all of which should resolve in a day or two. If we prescribe antibiotics or pain medications, take them as directed. In the case of antibiotics, you’ll prevent any possibility of infection; and, taking pain medication as directed, even if you’re not feeling any hurt or discomfort, makes it much easier to stay ahead of any potential pain, instead of battling it and experiencing pain.  

Our office will also provide detailed instructions for you about eating, drinking, smoking, and oral hygiene. Just follow them carefully, and you should be able to return to work or school within 72 hours. And of course, If you experience any unusual symptoms or you have any concerns, we’re ready to help - please call us immediately so our doctors can assess the risk and provide appropriate care.

So, if you need wisdom teeth removal, give us a call at  Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center today, at 505-821-2111, to schedule your first appointment and discuss your specific situation.

While our practice will provide you with a detailed list of instructions on do’s and don’ts following surgery tailored to your specific situation, typically, foods such as:

• Blended soups and broths 
• Blended yogurt 
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Applesauce or mashed bananas
• Ice cream and smoothies
• Jello and puddings

It’s safe to eat soft foods about 24 to 48 hours after wisdom teeth removal for most people. In the first 24 to 48 hours, it's best to only consume smooth soup and juice. Various factors can determine the exact timeline for each patients' recovery.

Just make sure to sleep with your head elevated the first few nights to reduce swelling. A single pillow is all you need if you sleep on your side. But, if you feel like you need more support, just pile on a few pillows for extra support. Most people find this helps with comfort and reduces risk of complications.

Are you looking for an oral surgeon in Albuquerque, NM? Many patients choose our practice because our experienced doctors carefully evaluate each specific situation to determine the best approach. Call Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center today at 505-821-2111 to schedule your first appointment.