Third Molar Surgery in Tijuana: What to Expect Before, During, and After Wisdom Tooth Removal

By the time your wisdom teeth show up, your mouth has usually finished most of its growing. For many people, there simply is not enough space left. The result can be swollen gums, jaw pain, food getting trapped behind the last molars, or infections that keep coming back. When that happens, your dentist may recommend third molar surgery to protect the rest of your teeth and your overall oral health.

If you live in Southern California or elsewhere in the United States, it is natural to look at wisdom tooth removal in Tijuana as an option. Tijuana is close, treatment is often more affordable, and there are clinics with modern technology and experienced surgeons. Knowing what actually happens during the process can help you feel calmer and make confident decisions.

What is third molar surgery?

Third molar surgery is the technical name for the surgical removal of wisdom teeth. Third molars are the last teeth at the back of your mouth, usually emerging between the late teens and mid-20s. In some people, they come in straight and function like normal molars. In many others, they are tilted, trapped partly under the gum or bone, or completely impacted.

When a tooth is fully erupted and simple to remove, your dentist may perform a standard extraction. When the tooth is partially or fully trapped, sits close to important nerves or sinuses, or is badly decayed, third molar surgery is recommended instead of a basic extraction. This is a more controlled procedure, usually performed by a dentist with surgical training or an oral surgeon who is comfortable working close to nerves and bone.

Why do wisdom teeth so often cause problems

Modern jaws are often slightly smaller than they were generations ago. Our diets have changed, and we tend to eat softer foods that require less chewing effort, which can influence the development of the jaw. Third molars are left trying to erupt in a space that is already occupied.

When a wisdom tooth cannot come through fully, a small flap of gum often remains over part of the tooth. Food and bacteria get trapped there and are difficult to clean with a toothbrush. The area becomes sore, swollen, and sometimes infected. This condition is called pericoronitis, and it is one of the most common reasons people first hear the words third molar surgery from their dentist.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also push on the neighboring molar, increasing the risk of cavities, root damage, or crowding. In some cases, cysts can form around the impacted tooth. Removing the problematic tooth before these complications develop is often the safest long-term choice.

When do you really need third molar surgery?

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Many people live comfortably with third molars that are fully erupted and easy to clean. The decision to proceed with third molar surgery is usually based on a combination of symptoms, examination, and X-rays.

Common symptoms that point toward surgery

Persistent or repeated pain in the back of the jaw is the most obvious sign. You might notice soreness when chewing, a dull ache that radiates toward the ear, or sharp discomfort when food gets stuck behind the molar. Swelling of the gum behind the second molar, bad taste or bad breath coming from the area, and difficulty opening your mouth fully are also frequent complaints.

Sometimes the pain settles for a while and then returns when the tooth tries to erupt again or when plaque builds up under the gum flap. If these episodes repeat, the underlying problem is not likely to resolve with rinses and medication alone. That is usually when your dentist talks to you about wisdom tooth removal in Tijuana or another surgical option.

Preventive removal before problems start

In some cases, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend third molar surgery even if you have not yet had serious pain. This is more common in younger patients whose X-rays show that the wisdom teeth are clearly tilted or blocked and very unlikely to erupt correctly.

Removing third molars at a younger age often means easier surgery and smoother recovery because the bone is softer and the roots are not fully formed. Your dentist will explain whether preventive removal makes sense in your particular case or whether it is better to monitor the teeth over time.

Why do many patients choose wisdom tooth removal in Tijuana?

For patients from the United States and Canada, wisdom tooth removal in Tijuana often combines specialist care with more accessible pricing. Complex wisdom tooth surgery at home can be expensive, especially when sedation, imaging, and follow-up are included. In Tijuana, it is possible to receive high-quality treatment at a dental clinic while keeping total costs more manageable.

Beyond cost, convenience matters. Tijuana is a short trip for people living in Southern California. Many patients drive or take transport to the border, are picked up by the clinic, or take a short ride to the practice, then return home the same day or after a brief stay. Clinics that are used to seeing international patients are set up to make the process smooth from the first contact.

Another advantage is access to integrated care. If you are also considering other treatments, such as tooth extraction in Tijuana for additional teeth, implants, or periodontal work, it can be much easier to plan everything together when the same team coordinates your care.

Third molar surgery vs simple tooth extraction

A simple extraction is usually performed on teeth that are fully erupted, straight, and easy to reach. The dentist loosens the tooth carefully and removes it in one piece. Healing is often straightforward, and the procedure can usually be completed quickly.

Third molar surgery is different. It is used when the tooth is impacted or when the shape of the roots and surrounding bone makes removal more complex. Instead of trying to pull the entire tooth out at once, the surgeon may create a small opening in the gum, remove a limited amount of bone if needed, section the tooth, and take it out in smaller pieces. This approach gives more control, limits stress on the surrounding bone, and reduces the risk of damage to nearby structures.

The goal in both cases is the same: to remove the problematic tooth safely and allow the area to heal. The choice between a simple tooth extraction and full third molar surgery depends entirely on the position and condition of your wisdom teeth, which is why accurate imaging and diagnosis are so important.

What to expect before, during, and after third molar surgery

Knowing what will happen step by step goes a long way toward reducing anxiety. While every clinic has its own routines, the general sequence at a quality dental clinic in Tijuana is similar.

Before your surgery

Your first visit focuses on assessment and planning. The dentist examines your mouth, asks about your symptoms and medical history, and reviews X-rays. In many cases, a panoramic X-ray or three-dimensional scan is used to see exactly where the roots sit in relation to nerves and sinuses.

You will be told whether one, two, or all four wisdom teeth should be removed and whether this can be done in a single visit or in stages. This is also the time to discuss options for anaesthesia. Some patients do well with local anaesthetic and relaxing medication. Others prefer deeper sedation, particularly if several impacted teeth are involved. The clinic will explain what is available and what they recommend based on your health and the complexity of your case.

You will receive clear instructions for the day of surgery, such as when to stop eating or drinking, how to manage your regular medications, and whether you need someone to accompany you home.

During the procedure

On the day of third molar surgery, the team will confirm your medical details and answer any last questions. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area completely. If sedation has been planned, it is started, and your breathing and vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure.

A small incision is made in the gum to expose the tooth and surrounding bone. If necessary, a limited amount of bone is gently removed. The tooth is often sectioned into smaller pieces so each part can be lifted out safely. Once the tooth has been removed, the area is cleaned, and the gum is repositioned and usually sutured.

The same process is repeated for any additional wisdom teeth that are being removed. Experienced surgeons work in a calm and systematic way so that even multiple extractions can be completed efficiently without rushing.

Immediately after surgery

When the surgery is finished, gauze is placed over the extraction sites, and you will be monitored as the sedation wears off. Before you leave, the team will review instructions for pain control, swelling management, and oral hygiene during the first days.

It is normal to feel numb for several hours and to have mild oozing of blood. Swelling usually peaks within two to three days and then gradually subsides. Some stiffness when opening the mouth is common and improves with time and gentle movement.

Healing and recovery after third molar surgery

Recovery is a partnership between good surgical technique and your own home care. Most people return to light daily activities within a few days, but full healing of the bone and soft tissues takes several weeks.

Managing pain and swelling

Your dentist will prescribe or recommend appropriate pain medication. Taking it as directed, especially during the first day or two, keeps discomfort under control and allows you to rest. Applying cold packs on the outside of the face in the first 24 hours helps limit swelling. After that, warm compresses sometimes help the muscles relax.

Keeping your head slightly elevated when you rest can also reduce swelling. It is important not to smoke or use straws during the early healing phase because the suction can disturb the blood clot and increase the risk of dry socket.

Eating and keeping your mouth clean

After third molar surgery, you will start with soft foods that do not require much chewing. Soups that are not too hot, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies without seeds are typical choices. As you feel more comfortable, you can slowly return to a normal diet, avoiding very hard or crunchy foods until your dentist says it is safe.

Keeping the area clean is vital. You will be instructed on how to rinse gently with salt water or an antiseptic rinse without disturbing the sites. Brushing should continue on the other teeth, being careful around the healing areas. Good hygiene helps prevent infection and supports faster recovery.

When to call your dentist

Some discomfort, swelling, and minor bruising are expected. However, you should contact your dental clinic in Tijuana promptly if pain suddenly becomes worse after a few days, if you notice a foul smell or taste, if swelling increases rather than decreases, or if you develop a fever.

Staying in touch with the clinic, especially if you have travelled from another country, is important. Many practices that welcome international patients are happy to check in by message or call and guide you through any concerns that arise.

Choosing the right dental clinic in Tijuana for third molar surgery

Not all clinics are the same. When you are planning wisdom tooth removal in Tijuana, it is worth taking the time to choose a team that combines experience, technology, and a calm, patient-centered approach.

A reliable dental clinic in Tijuana will have dentists with proven surgical training, clear information about their experience with third molar surgery, and modern imaging equipment. They will take a detailed medical history, explain risks and benefits honestly, and never pressure you into a procedure you do not understand.

Communication matters too. If you are travelling from abroad, you want a clinic that is easy to reach, that responds clearly in your language, and that helps you plan the timing of your visits around work and travel.

Third molar surgery at COE Dental Group

COE Dental Group is a specialist-oriented dental clinic in Tijuana that focuses on complex treatments such as implantology, oral rehabilitation, and surgical procedures, including third molar surgery. The team is led by Dr. Marco Tulio Alzaga Vega, a specialist in Oral Rehabilitation and Implantology with extensive experience in planning and performing surgical treatments in a safe and predictable way.

The clinic uses modern imaging, including three-dimensional studies when needed, to understand exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned before recommending wisdom tooth removal in Tijuana. This careful planning helps protect important structures and allows the team to choose the safest technique for each case.

For patients who also need other work, such as tooth extraction, Tijuana for additional teeth, implants, or periodontal treatment, COE Dental Group can design a complete plan so you do not have to coordinate between multiple offices. Whether you are local to Tijuana or coming from the United States or Canada, the staff is used to guiding patients through the process from the first message to the final follow-up.

If you have been putting off dealing with your wisdom teeth because you are worried about pain, cost, or complexity, a consultation at COE Dental Group can help you see clearly what is happening and what your options are. The goal is always to protect your health, relieve pain, and make third molar surgery a controlled, manageable experience rather than an emergency.

When you are ready to take the next step, you can reach out to COE Dental Group to discuss your symptoms, share your X-rays, and plan a visit. With the right team and a well-organised approach, wisdom tooth removal becomes one more step toward a healthier, more comfortable smile.