Prevent pain, crowding, and infection before they become serious. Dr. Zapata performs gentle, precise wisdom tooth extractions — simple and surgical — so you can get back to your life fast.
Wisdom teeth — your third molars — typically erupt between ages 17 and 25. By then the jaw is fully developed, and there is often no space for four additional teeth to come in straight. The result is impaction: teeth partially or fully trapped beneath the gum line, creating pockets that are nearly impossible to clean.
Over time, impacted wisdom teeth cause recurring infections, damage to neighboring second molars, cyst formation, and jaw pain. Not every wisdom tooth needs removal — Dr. Zapata evaluates each with a diagnostic X-ray before recommending treatment.
Tooth trapped beneath gum or bone, pressing into the adjacent molar
Recurring gum infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth
Pressure from wisdom teeth shifts neighboring teeth out of alignment
Fluid-filled sacs can develop around impacted teeth, damaging bone
Some wisdom teeth are silent troublemakers — causing damage with no obvious pain until discovered on X-ray. Others make their presence known clearly.
Aching or pressure in the back of the jaw — especially when chewing — is a classic sign of an erupting or impacted wisdom tooth.
Red, puffy gum tissue around the back molars often means a partially erupted tooth has created a bacterial pocket underneath.
Recurring pain and swelling in the same area — even after antibiotics — signals the tooth needs to be addressed, not just the infection.
If previously straight teeth are drifting, wisdom tooth pressure against neighboring molars may be the culprit.
Bacteria trapped around a partially erupted wisdom tooth produces bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing or mouthwash.
No symptoms doesn't mean no problem. Diagnostic X-rays reveal impaction angles and early cysts before they cause pain or damage.
Dr. Zapata takes a full diagnostic X-ray to see the exact position, angle, and root shape of each wisdom tooth. He explains which teeth need removal, whether extraction will be simple or surgical, and walks you through your anesthesia options so there are no surprises.
Local anesthesia numbs the entire area. You will feel pressure during the procedure — but not pain. For anxious patients, Dr. Zapata takes extra time to keep you calm, comfortable, and relaxed throughout.
Fully erupted wisdom teeth are removed with forceps in a simple extraction. Impacted teeth require a small incision in the gum and, in some cases, the tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces for safe, controlled removal. Most procedures take 20–45 minutes total.
Gauze is placed over extraction sites to control bleeding and encourage clot formation. Surgical extractions are sutured to promote healing. Protecting the clot is the single most important step in preventing dry socket.
You receive detailed written instructions on diet, medications, activity restrictions, and warning signs. We schedule a follow-up if needed and remain reachable by phone throughout your recovery.
Most patients return to work or school within 2–3 days and feel fully normal within a week. What you do in the first 24–72 hours makes the biggest difference.
We provide a full cost estimate before any procedure — no surprises. Dental insurance often covers a significant portion of wisdom tooth removal.
Prices are estimates. Actual cost varies by number of teeth, complexity, and anesthesia. Insurance benefits may reduce out-of-pocket cost significantly.