Wisdom Teeth
Removal
in Dallas–Fort Worth
Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common oral surgery needs — and one of the most important to address before problems develop. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform wisdom tooth extractions at our three locations in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis.
Why wisdom teeth so often cause problems
Wisdom teeth — your third molars — are the last permanent teeth to erupt, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. For our ancestors, these large molars were essential for processing a rough diet and replacing teeth lost to injury. For modern humans, they are largely irrelevant — and frequently problematic.
The human jaw has become narrower over time, and there is rarely enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. As a result, they often become impacted — trapped beneath the gumline, emerging at an angle, or only partially erupting. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of serious oral health problems if left unaddressed, which is why early evaluation and timely removal are so important.
Problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth
Many patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed proactively — even before symptoms appear — to prevent the complications that impacted wisdom teeth commonly cause:
Younger patients recover more quickly, experience fewer complications, and have lower surgical risk. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends evaluating wisdom teeth early and extracting them before the age of 25 when possible — before the roots are fully formed and the bone is less dense.
What to expect, step by step
Our surgeon examines your mouth and takes X-rays or a 3D Cone Beam CT scan to assess the position, angulation, and root development of your wisdom teeth, as well as their proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve and sinus cavities. We discuss the findings with you and outline the recommended approach.
We offer a full range of options — local anesthesia for straightforward cases, and IV sedation or general anesthesia for patients who prefer to be fully relaxed or asleep during the procedure. All protocols are opioid-free. Patients who receive sedation must arrange a responsible adult to drive them home.
The wisdom tooth — or all four at once, if planned — is removed in an outpatient procedure at our office. Impacted teeth may require a small incision in the gum and, in some cases, the removal of a small amount of bone to access the tooth. The tooth may be sectioned for easier removal when needed.
After extraction, the socket is cleaned and, when indicated, a socket preservation graft may be placed to support bone volume. The site is sutured closed and gauze is placed to control bleeding. You will be monitored briefly in our office before being discharged.
Most patients return to normal activity within a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of their case. We provide detailed aftercare instructions covering diet, oral hygiene, and what to watch for. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to confirm healing and address any questions.
The right team for your wisdom tooth removal
Common questions about wisdom teeth removal
Not necessarily. Wisdom teeth that have fully erupted in the correct position, can be kept clean, and are not causing any problems may be monitored rather than removed. However, most people do not have sufficient jaw space for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. Our surgeons will evaluate your specific situation with imaging and give you an honest recommendation based on your anatomy and risk factors.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends evaluating wisdom teeth in the mid-to-late teens and removing them before the age of 25 when extraction is indicated. Younger patients recover faster, have lower complication rates, and their roots are not yet fully formed — making surgery less complex. That said, patients of any age can undergo wisdom tooth extraction when needed.
That depends on your preference and the complexity of your case. We offer local anesthesia (awake but numb), IV sedation (deeply relaxed and unaware), and general anesthesia (fully asleep). Many patients opt for IV sedation or general anesthesia for greater comfort. Patients who receive sedation must have a responsible adult drive them home and stay with them for the rest of the day.
Most patients feel significantly better within 3–5 days and return to normal activity within a week. Complete healing of the soft tissue takes 2–4 weeks, and full bone healing several months. During recovery, a soft diet is recommended and strenuous activity should be avoided for the first few days. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions and are available to answer questions during your recovery.
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket becomes dislodged or dissolves before the wound has fully healed, exposing the underlying bone. It causes significant pain typically beginning 3–5 days after surgery. To minimize the risk: avoid smoking, drinking through straws, spitting forcefully, or rinsing aggressively for the first 24–48 hours. Follow your aftercare instructions closely. If you suspect dry socket, call us promptly — it is easily treated.
Coverage varies by plan and clinical indication. We accept most major dental insurance providers and Medicaid at all three of our locations, and we also offer CareCredit and LendingClub financing. Our team will review your benefits before your procedure so you have a clear picture of your costs — contact us before your consultation.
Protect your oral health — before problems start.
Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis are ready to evaluate your wisdom teeth and recommend the safest, most effective approach for your situation. Schedule your consultation today.