Wisdom Teeth Removal in Vero Beach, FL
Wisdom teeth (the third molars) are the last teeth to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25. For most patients, the jaw simply does not have room for them. When they cannot erupt properly, they cause pain, infection, crowding, cyst formation, or damage to the neighboring teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common procedures we perform at Vero Beach Surgical Arts.
Dr. J. Andrew Colgan has performed thousands of wisdom tooth extractions over more than 20 years. Most patients tell us their experience was far easier than they expected.
Why Wisdom Teeth Often Need to Come Out
Most people simply do not have enough jaw space for four extra molars. When that is the case, wisdom teeth can:
- Become impacted (stuck partially or fully below the gum line)
- Push neighboring teeth out of alignment
- Trap food and bacteria, causing repeated gum infections (pericoronitis)
- Develop cavities or damage adjacent molars
- Form cysts or, rarely, tumors around the unerupted tooth
- Cause pain, jaw stiffness, and swelling
- Make it difficult to clean the back of the mouth, leading to long-term gum and bone problems
Even when wisdom teeth do not currently hurt, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend removal to prevent future problems. The procedure is most predictable when the patient is younger and the roots are not yet fully formed.
Types of Impaction
Wisdom teeth can be impacted in several ways, and the type affects how the extraction is approached.
- Soft tissue impaction. The tooth has erupted through the bone but the gum has not retracted over the crown. Often the easiest to remove.
- Partial bony impaction. The tooth has partially erupted but part of the crown is still covered by bone.
- Full bony impaction. The tooth remains fully encased in bone. Requires more careful surgical access.
- Horizontal impaction. The tooth is lying sideways, often pushing against the second molar in front of it.
- Mesioangular or distoangular impaction. The tooth is tilted toward or away from the second molar.
Dr. Colgan reviews your panoramic X-ray or 3D scan to identify the type of impaction and plan the procedure accordingly.
When Removal Is Recommended
Dr. Colgan reviews your imaging and discusses removal when one or more of the following is present:
- Visible impaction on imaging
- Recurrent infection or swelling around a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Cavities or gum disease that cannot be reliably treated due to the tooth’s position
- Pressure on adjacent teeth or pending orthodontic treatment
- A cyst or radiographic abnormality near the wisdom tooth
- Patient preference for preventive removal in late teens or early twenties
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. If a tooth is fully erupted, properly positioned, healthy, and reachable for cleaning, observation is reasonable. We will be honest about which teeth need to come out and which can be left alone.
What to Expect From the Procedure
Most wisdom tooth removals at our office are completed in 30 to 60 minutes. The procedure is typically performed under IV sedation and anesthesia for comfort, though local anesthesia alone or nitrous oxide can also be options for select cases.
Before surgery. You arrive with an empty stomach (instructions are provided), wear comfortable clothing, and have an adult escort home. We review your medical history and the plan one more time. The IV is placed.
During surgery. Dr. Colgan personally performs every extraction. IV sedation makes the appointment feel quick and comfortable. Most patients have no memory of the procedure.
After surgery. You go home with detailed post-op instructions, prescriptions for pain and infection control, and the practice cell phone number for after-hours questions. Gauze, an ice pack, and a soft diet handle the first 24 to 48 hours.
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1 to 2: Swelling peaks, soft diet, rest, ice packs, prescribed pain medication as needed.
- Days 3 to 4: Swelling begins to subside, most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relief, soft foods continue.
- Days 5 to 7: Most patients return to work or school. Swelling is mostly resolved.
- Week 2: Gums continue to heal. A follow-up visit is scheduled around this time if needed.
- Weeks 3 to 6: Sockets close. Full bone healing takes several months but is invisible from the outside.
Specific aftercare instructions cover diet, oral hygiene, activity restrictions, and what to expect at each stage of recovery.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on the number of teeth, their level of impaction, and the type of anesthesia used. Generally:
- Erupted wisdom teeth with simple extraction: lower cost per tooth
- Soft tissue impactions: modest cost per tooth
- Bony impactions: higher cost per tooth, particularly full bony impactions
- IV sedation: an additional fee for the anesthesia component
Most dental plans cover at least a portion of wisdom tooth surgery, and medical insurance sometimes covers cases involving infection or pathology. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment, and we offer financing through PatientFi and CareCredit for amounts not covered by insurance. See our Insurance and Financial Policy page for more.
Why Have Wisdom Teeth Removed by an Oral Surgeon
General dentists can and do remove erupted, simple wisdom teeth. For impacted teeth (which is the majority of cases requiring surgery), an oral and maxillofacial surgeon offers:
- Years of specialized surgical training beyond dental school
- Familiarity with anatomical landmarks (inferior alveolar nerve, lingual nerve, maxillary sinus) that need to be carefully avoided
- In-office anesthesia capability with continuous monitoring
- Experience managing rare complications quickly and effectively
- The ability to treat all four wisdom teeth and any associated pathology in a single visit
Dr. Colgan personally performs every extraction at our practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should wisdom teeth be removed?
The ideal window is typically the late teens to early twenties, when the roots are not yet fully formed and recovery is faster. However, wisdom teeth can be removed safely at any age when the clinical situation warrants it. Older adults do recover; the process simply takes a little longer.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
The procedure itself is not painful, especially with IV sedation. After surgery, most patients describe the discomfort as manageable with prescribed and over-the-counter medication. Pain typically peaks at 24 to 48 hours, then improves daily.
How long does the surgery take?
Most cases take 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Complex impactions may take slightly longer.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Most patients choose IV sedation, which makes the appointment feel like a brief nap. You will not feel or remember the surgery. Local anesthesia or nitrous oxide are alternatives for patients who prefer them.
When can I go back to work or school?
Most patients return to normal activities within three to five days. Patients with desk jobs sometimes return sooner; physically demanding work warrants a longer break.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site dislodges before the area has healed, exposing the bone. It is uncommon, painful, and treatable in the office. We provide clear instructions to minimize the risk: no straws, no smoking, no spitting, and gentle care of the extraction sites for the first 72 hours.
Can I drive myself home?
No. IV sedation requires an adult escort. Even with local anesthesia alone, we recommend having a ride.
Will I have stitches?
Often yes. Most stitches we use dissolve on their own within one to two weeks. If non-dissolving sutures are used, you return briefly for removal.
What if my wisdom teeth do not hurt?
Many wisdom teeth that need to come out do not hurt until they cause a problem. Pain is one signal, but pressure on adjacent teeth, gum infections, cyst formation, and difficulty cleaning the area are equally important reasons for removal. Your dentist or oral surgeon evaluates these factors on imaging.
Are there risks to wisdom tooth removal?
All surgery has risks. The most common concerns include dry socket, infection, and prolonged numbness in rare cases of nerve irritation. With careful planning and experienced surgical technique, these risks are minimized. We discuss them in detail at consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Should I have all four removed at once?
For most patients, yes. Removing all four wisdom teeth in a single visit means one recovery period, one anesthesia event, and one course of medication. It is more efficient than staging the removals.
How long do I need to take off work?
Most patients return to desk work in two to four days. Physically demanding jobs may warrant a longer break. We will give you a specific recommendation based on your case and your work.
Can wisdom teeth come back after removal?
No. Once a wisdom tooth and its tooth bud are removed, no new tooth grows in its place.
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Start Your Journey
Whether you were referred by your dentist or are seeking a second opinion, your first step is a personal consultation with Dr. Colgan.
