Wisdom Teeth Removal

Some wisdom teeth erupt without problems, but others can cause pain and swelling.

Advanced Oral Surgery of Tampa makes wisdom teeth removal as painless and stress-free as possible.

Reach out for a wisdom teeth removal consultation at our offices in the Tampa, FL, area. 

Superior Surgical Care for Safe, Convenient Treatment

Relief from Your Symptoms

Problematic wisdom teeth can cause painful inflammation in the jaw and increase your risk of gum disease, sinus issues, cavities, and damage to surrounding teeth. Removing these molars can alleviate discomfort and can minimize the need for more costly restorative treatments in the future.

Prioritizing Your Comfort

Our practice goes above and beyond to make oral surgery as comfortable as possible. Our whole team is trained to safely administer sedation which can be easily adjusted throughout treatment based on your unique needs.

Treatment Under One Roof

Many dentists refuse to extract impacted wisdom teeth themselves and will hand off your case to another doctor. As specialized oral surgeons, Drs. Edwards and Backeris can perform all types of tooth extractions, from simple to complex. 

Third molar being extracted

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

 

Your oral surgeon will begin treatment by thoroughly numbing the area to ensure your comfort; optional sedation is also available to help patients relax. Your surgeon will remove gum tissue if needed to access the tooth. They will then use specialized tools to extract it, and close the area with dissolvable stitches.  

Get the Care You Need Contact Us for A Consultation

Thanks to gentle techniques, sedation, and the expertise of our oral surgeons, wisdom tooth removal is not a painful procedure - instead, it's a crucial first step in achieving relief and protecting the health of your smile.

Whether you are interested in having your child's wisdom teeth removed as a preventive measure, or are currently experiencing pain or other symptoms of a wisdom tooth-related issue, you can expect a comfortable and beneficial resolution under our care.

Our team serving Greater Tampa from Valrico, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and South Tampa understands how unpleasant wisdom tooth complications can be. We will do everything we can to schedule your visit with us as soon as possible. To book your initial consultation, please call us today.

 

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Dr. Edwards and his team make wisdom teeth removal comfortable.

Call Us: (813) 452-6380

“Highly recommended for wisdom tooth removal.” Hear From Our Happy Tampa Patients

1

Vicki Bradley

Land O Lakes, FL

2024

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Everyone was very pleasant and made you feel comfortable to be there. The establishment was clean and bright. They took time to answer all your questions and explained the procedure so I could understand it very well. I highly recommend Advance Oral Surgery of Tampa!

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1

Kelly Anderson

Valrico, FL

2024

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Thank you for your professionalism and educating us on the entire process from start to finish. The team are uplifting and supportive. I highly recommend having your children’s wisdom teeth removed here.

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Will the Wisdom Tooth Procedure Hurt?

The extraction of a tooth is meant to provide relief from your symptoms. It should never cause more pain.

At the start of your visit, we will administer local anesthesia to completely numb the treatment area, and we offer sedation to help you feel relaxed during the procedure. While you are recovering, you can also minimize discomfort by following our post-operative instructions and taking over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients are free of any discomfort within 10 days after surgery.

What to Expect during Your Consultation

During your consultation at one of our Greater Tampa, FL, offices, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Blundell, or Dr. Backeris will use digital, low-radiation X-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and whether they should be extracted.

We will show you the digital images of your bite (or your child's bite) and explain the state of your wisdom teeth. Patient education is a cornerstone of our practice, so you can trust that we'll take the time to answer all of your questions and prepare you to make a fully informed decision about your treatment.

If you and our doctors agree that wisdom tooth extraction is required, you will be able to consult with our insurance coordinators. Our experienced team can review your policy and help you maximize your benefits. We can also explain our available financing options for any out-of-pocket costs.

Dr. Edwards
Dr. Edwards (pictured), Dr. Blundell, and Dr. Backeris want what's best for you. We won't recommend wisdom teeth removal unless it's necessary.
“I had a very good experience here. Pulling  out three of my wisdom teeth at once this morning, didn’t feel much pain. Very efficient, and doctor was professional.” Miki, 5-Star Google Review

Signs You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

Many people experience no pain or discomfort before extraction is recommended. However, there are some common signs and symptoms shared among patients who need wisdom tooth removal, including: 

Bad Breath

If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath, you could be suffering from an infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause decay and other issues that quickly escalate.

Inflammation

Erupting wisdom teeth can cause swelling, redness, and pain in the gums and surrounding tissue. Because erupting teeth are hard to keep clean, your risk of gum disease is also increased. 

Cavities

Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are hard to reach with simple brushing and flossing techniques. This leaves them susceptible to plaque buildup, which can cause cavities.

Sinus Pain

Your upper wisdom teeth can push up against your sinuses. If you have sinus pressure, frequent headaches, or chronic congestion, you might be due for wisdom tooth extraction. 

Shifting Teeth

If you do not have enough room in your jaw to accommodate your third molars, your teeth could grow at an angle. A wisdom tooth can push molars and other teeth out of place and result in misalignment.

When Wisdom Teeth Aren't Extracted

Third molars often come in at an angle, causing pain and forcing other teeth to shift.

What If I Don't Have Any Symptoms?

It's important to keep in mind a huge number of patients don't experience symptoms yet, but could still benefit from wisdom tooth removal. Prophylactic, or preventive, removal might be recommended if your dentist or oral surgeon determines the third molars will cause issues in the future. 

This is just one more reason it's important to undergo twice-yearly exams and cleanings. Dental X-rays are a simple, effective way for your doctor to monitor your oral health and let you know if you should consider having your wisdom teeth removed.

What Else Would Make Me a Good Candidate?

In addition to experiencing symptoms or showing signs you could benefit from wisdom tooth extraction in the future, you should also be healthy enough to undergo oral surgery. Ensuring you have a healthy foundation–both for your mouth and your entire body–will minimize your risk of complications during and after wisdom tooth removal. 

  • If you smoke, we will discuss the minimum amount of time you will need to refrain from using tobacco before and after the procedure. Ideally, you should quit. 
  • If you have conditions like poorly controlled diabetes that could make surgery risky, you'll need to address these issues first. 
  • If you have active gum disease or other oral health concerns, we can discuss whether those will need to be treated first before your wisdom teeth can come out.

At What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Usually Erupt?

17 to 25

Typically, wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Our Tampa-area team can help monitor your smile to determine how your wisdom teeth are developing, and how they should be addressed.

Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Once we determine wisdom tooth removal is right for you, we can schedule your surgery and provide you with pre-operative instructions. Some general pointers include:

  • Don't wear jewelry, including facial piercings
  • Don't wear contact lenses 
  • Don't wear nail polish or fake nails
  • Wear a short-sleeve shirt and closed-toe shoes without a heel
  • For one week before the procedure, don't take aspirin, Vitamin E, St. Johns Wart, Ginko biloba, or over-the-counter diet or herbal medication
  • Take regularly prescribed medications (except for Insulin or Glyburide)
  • You can take ibuprofen the night beforehand to control swelling (optional)
  • Make sure not to eat for six hours before you undergo anesthesia
  • You can continue drinking sips or clear liquid up to two hours before surgery
     

We'll discuss these directions in further detail during your consultation. Please make sure to bring a complete list of medications you currently take, along with any questions you have.

Wisdom Tooth Removal from Start to Finish

Wisdom tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day as your treatment. Here is what you can generally expect: 

Imaging

Our doctors will use the digital scans obtained at your initial consultation to virtually plan your surgery. 

Arrival

If you choose to be sedated, you will need to bring a trusted friend or loved one to your appointment. We will also ask you to review the pre-operative instructions. 

Sedation

Our oral surgeon will begin the procedure by numbing your gums and surrounding tissues with a local anesthetic. If you feel anxious or have a complex case, we can administer sedation, as well. 

Surgery

If your third molars are impacted, our oral surgeon will create an incision in the gums. For both impacted and erupted wisdom teeth, we may break the tooth into smaller pieces before gently extracting it. 

Recovery

Your incisions will be carefully closed with dissolvable stitches. The area will be packed with gauze to encourage the formation of a blood clot.

High-Tech Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Our offices in Land O' Lakes, Valrico, Wesley Chapel, and South Tampa are equipped with some of the most advanced equipment in dentistry. This greatly benefits our wisdom tooth patients because it makes the procedure more precise and comfortable than ever before.

Before conducting your surgery, our doctors will plan the procedure virtually using state-of-the-art software and digital models of your bite captured with our modern cone beam scanner.

When performing the actual extraction, our doctors can use piezoelectric devices. These devices use ultrasonic vibrations to incise tissue in a way that is far safer and more accurate than traditional scalpels.

Imaging on a computer monitor

Be Proactive With Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Our Tampa Practice

Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and stressful. Instead of waiting, you can resolve this problem before it gets worse.

You can also consider preventive wisdom teeth removal, which can eliminate third molars in the earliest stages of development, before they can cause oral health problems.

You can trust our caring team to help you avoid pain and health complications. We will evaluate your smile and recommend the best course of action.

Have questions? Dr. Edwards, Dr. Backeris, and Dr. Blundell are knowledgeable oral surgeons who can answer them during your wisdom tooth treatment consultation. You can contact our team online, or call us at:

 

our dental office
Welcome to Advanced Oral Surgery. We have offices in Tampa, Land O'Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and Valrico, FL, for your convenience.

Hear From a Tampa Patient

“great experience had my wisdom teeth removed here. Such a friendly team and helped me throughout my recovery!” Nicole Rose, 5-Star Google Review

Complications Are Rare after Wisdom Teeth Removal

The best thing about wisdom tooth removal is that you only have to do it once. After your wisdom teeth are extracted, you can enjoy relief from discomfort and other symptoms caused by problematic wisdom teeth. 

As with any surgery, wisdom tooth removal does carry some risks. We may give you antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection, but you should contact our office if you experience symptoms such as: 

  • Pain lasting longer than a few days 
  • Swelling that gets worse with time
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fever 
  • Numbness in the treatment area 
  • Pain or bleeding when blowing your nose 
  • A persistent bad taste 

Following a surgical procedure, every patient of our Tampa, FL, practice is given their doctor’s cell phone number. We encourage you to call our surgical team immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.   

Recovery Timeline

Our office will give you a complete list of post-operative instructions, which will guide you through what to expect during your recovery. Although the length and details of recovery vary from patient to patient, you can generally expect: 

24 Hours

During the first day of your recovery, a blood clot will form at the extraction site. The blood clot is important to the healing process. To avoid dislodging it, do not brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or use a straw during this time.
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First Few Days

During the first few days after surgery, some swelling and bruising are normal. If you have discomfort or swelling, you can apply an ice pack to your cheek. 

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First Week

The blood clots should have fully stabilized by this time and healing will be well underway, so you can usually resume your normal dental hygiene routine.

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First to Second Week

If you had any discomfort or pain after surgery, these effects should have subsided by this time. If your pain has gotten worse, contact our office immediately. 

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Second Week

Any leftover bruising should have begun to fade by this time. However, it is important to keep in mind that every person heals at a different pace and that your recovery could be longer or shorter. 

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What Is a Dry Socket—And Why Is It So Important to Prevent?

A dry socket is a complication that patients may face after oral surgery for their wisdom teeth. After your extraction, a blood clot will form over the extraction site, acting as a natural bandage. As you heal, you will have to do your part to ensure that the blood clot stays in place.

If it accidentally dislodges, then you may experience a painful condition called dry socket, in which your nerves and bone at the extraction site are not shielded during the healing process. 

Make sure to contact our Tampa, FL, office immediately if you believe your blood clot has become dislodged.

Hear From More Patients

1

Cara Carter

Valrico, FL

2024

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Easy, quick, painless, thorough, and most importantly, sedated extraction.

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1

Luis Roman

Valrico, FL

2024

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Thank you, Dr. Tom Backeris and team for your excellent treatment.

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Take Comfort in Our Care Relax with Dental Sedation

Dental phobia is a very real problem and some patients are more sensitive to dental treatment than others. For this reason, we gladly offer sedation to patients who feel uncomfortable about receiving the treatment they need. In fact, if there is anything at all that we can do to make you feel more comfortable as we address your oral health needs, please let us know!

We invite you to take action before issues such as pain and impacted teeth become worse. To book your free wisdom teeth removal consultation with our oral surgeons, please give us a call today at:

 

woman relaxing in dentist's chair
Patients throughout Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Valrico, and Land O' Lakes depend on us for comfortable care.

A Smart Financial Investment The Long-Term Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Choosing to extract a tooth that is causing oral health issues can save you money on future treatments needed to repair or replace damaged teeth, making it a great investment in your oral health. For example, if impaction damages a neighboring tooth in a way that cannot be repaired through restorative treatments, a dental implant and a replacement tooth may be necessary. Although this is a durable and highly functional solution, a dental implant is far more expensive than wisdom tooth extraction. Additionally, preservation of natural tissue is always preferable to implants.

Don't Delay Contact Us Today

The longer you wait to remove your own or your child's wisdom teeth, the greater the risk of dental complications. If your dentist has recommended you consult with an oral surgeon about wisdom teeth removal, call us to request your consultation as soon as possible.

“I would not trust any other office.” Why Tampa, FL, Patients Visit Us

1

Deb B

Land O Lakes, FL

2024

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Dr Blundell is awesome! He thoroughly explained my issue and what to do going forward; he is a very nice caring professional, and the office team is wonderful. I highly recommend going here for excellent care.

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1

Tena A

Land O Lakes, FL

2024

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I had to get some premolars removed for my braces. & the Dr removed my teeth with my braces on. I would not trust any other office with my oral surgery this office is amazing . Everyone is nice and patient & they also let you know what you will be expected to pay before hand so there will be no surprises.

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Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs

Will wisdom teeth removal cause nerve damage?

When unqualified doctors extract wisdom teeth, they could potentially damage nerves under the gums and cause lasting pain. That's why it's important to work with experienced oral surgeons like Dr. Edwards, Dr. Blundell and Dr. Backeris.

How much does wisdom teeth surgery cost?

Costs vary from patient to patient based on several factors, including the number of teeth to be extracted and the form of sedation used. Dental insurance will usually contribute to the cost of wisdom teeth surgery, and we offer financing that can cover any remaining costs.

Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

Many patients are nervous that wisdom teeth removal will be painful. The truth is that most patients feel absolutely nothing during the actual procedure at our offices in Land O' Lakes, Valrico, Wesley Chapel, and South Tampa, FL, and most discomfort during recovery subsides within two weeks.

Will I need dental implants after my wisdom tooth removal?

No, you will not need any dental implants or tooth restorations to replace your wisdom teeth. That's because your smile can function properly without third molars. 

Can't a dentist handle my case?

While many dentists handle wisdom teeth removal, they might not perform the procedure often or be able to handle complex cases. This is one of our bread-and-butter practice areas. You can trust we have the experience to approach each case with confidence, skill, and precision. 

Contact Us Today

Advanced Oral Surgery of Tampa office

Advanced Oral Surgery of Tampa

Dr. Jason EdwardsDr. Thomas Backeris, and Dr. Jason Blundell use the latest techniques and have advanced training. They are members of various notable organizations, including: 

  • American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • American Dental Association
  • Florida Dental Society of Anesthesiology

To request your consultation at our state-of-the-art office, call us at (813) 452-6380.