You might’ve just found out that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, and that news can bring a mix of curiosity and a bit of nervousness. That’s completely normal. Most people feel the same way before they learn what’s really involved. It’s one of those things most people hear about but rarely understand until they’re sitting in a dental chair.
At Taylorsville Implant Center, Dr. Jose Hernandez-Gil has guided hundreds of patients through this exact experience—calmly, gently, and with a reassuring smile. He likes to remind patients, “Wisdom teeth removal isn’t just about pulling teeth; it’s about protecting your long-term oral health.” Let’s take a realistic, human look at what the wisdom teeth removal journey feels like, from your first consultation to the day you’re enjoying your favorite foods again.
Your wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the final set of teeth to emerge, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For a lucky few, they come in straight and cause no issues. But for most, these late bloomers create more trouble than they’re worth.
For many, the issue isn’t the teeth themselves but the lack of room in the jaw. When there’s not enough space, those back molars can start pressing against others or growing at an awkward angle. These can trigger jaw pain, swelling, infections, and even damage to nearby teeth.
Dr. Jose Hernandez-Gil often tells his patients, “The trouble isn’t with the wisdom teeth; it’s with the space they’re trying to fit into.” That’s when wisdom teeth removal becomes the healthiest choice: to prevent future discomfort, misalignment, or chronic infections.
Step 1: Your First Visit: Meeting the Team
Your first stop on this journey isn’t surgery. It’s a friendly conversation. When you walk into Taylorsville Implant Center, it doesn’t feel like a dental office at all. There’s no sharp smell of antiseptic or cold metal chairs. Instead, you’re welcomed with calm voices and genuine smiles, the kind that makes your shoulders drop a little.
When you meet Dr. Jose Hernandez-Gil, he doesn’t jump straight into procedures. Instead, he listens. You’ll talk about what’s been bothering you, review your medical background, and then he’ll gently check your mouth and gums.
If needed, he might take a quick X-ray to see how your wisdom teeth are sitting under the surface. By the time you leave, you’ll know exactly what’s going on and what the next steps look like without any dental jargon. Many patients walk out saying, “That was actually really reassuring.”
Step 2: The Removal Procedure: Gentle, Straightforward, & Quicker
So, how long does wisdom teeth removal take? Wisdom teeth removal usually takes under an hour, and the process is calm from start to finish. Here’s how the process goes at Taylorsville Implant Center:
Dr. Hernandez-Gil often says, “When the process is calm, healing happens faster.” And his patients would agree; most are surprised by how easy it all felt.
Step 3: The First Few Days of Recovery
Most people worry about the recovery part, but truthfully, it’s not as bad as it sounds. The discomfort after wisdom teeth removal is more of a dull ache or tenderness than sharp pain, and it fades faster than most expect. Here’s what Dr. Hernandez-Gil tells his patients: “The first couple of days are about rest and patience. After that, your body does the rest.” A simple breakdown:
Dr. Hernandez-Gil and his team often check in after surgery—a small but caring gesture that helps patients feel supported through recovery.
One of the most common questions Dr. Hernandez-Gil hears is, “What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?” In the first few days, soft, cool foods are your best friend. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy items that could irritate the healing site. Dr. Hernandez-Gil’s top recovery foods:
One patient joked, “It felt like a comfort food vacation; I wasn’t mad about it.” As you heal, you can gradually reintroduce normal foods but take it slow. The goal is to protect your gums and let your body recover naturally.
He has spent years helping patients through wisdom teeth removal recovery, and he’s developed a few golden rules that make all the difference:
He adds, “The patients who rest, eat soft food, and follow instructions always bounce back the fastest.”
There’s something noticeably different about Taylorsville Implant Center. It’s not just advanced technology or a spotless clinic; it’s how you’re treated. Every patient is treated like a family member, not a strange person. Dr. Jose Hernandez-Gil takes the time to listen, explain, and make sure you understand what’s happening—no fancy medical talk, no rush.
Patients often say the whole process feels calm and personal, like talking to a trusted friend who just happens to be your dentist. As Dr. Hernandez-Gil often puts it, “My job isn’t just to take out teeth; it’s to take away the worry that comes with them.”
Most people don’t notice wisdom teeth problems until they start feeling pressure, swelling, or occasional jaw pain. However, even painless wisdom teeth can be impacted under the gums. A quick exam and X-ray with Dr. Jose Hernandez-Gil can confirm whether removal is necessary.
The procedure itself isn’t painful because you’ll be numb or lightly sedated. Most patients describe the recovery discomfort as soreness rather than sharp pain — and it’s usually manageable with medication and rest.
Yes, most patients choose to remove all four at the same time to avoid multiple surgeries and recoveries. Dr. Hernandez-Gil will help you decide which option is best for your case.
Every patient heals a bit differently, but most people feel significantly better within 3–5 days and fully back to normal within a week. Complex or deeply impacted teeth may take a little longer to settle.
Avoid smoking, using straws, strenuous activity, crunchy foods, and anything too hot during the first few days. These can irritate the healing site or cause dry socket. Dr. Hernandez-Gil will give you a simple list of dos and don’ts before you leave.
Getting your wisdom teeth out can sound intimidating, but in the right hands, it’s often far simpler than people expect. At Taylorsville Implant Center, Dr. Jose Hernandez-Gil and his team make sure every patient feels understood, not just treated. They take time to explain, to listen, and to make sure you’re comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.
If you’ve been putting off your extraction or just want honest advice, go ahead and schedule a consultation. You’ll find a friendly team, a calm atmosphere, and a dentist who truly cares about helping you heal comfortably right here in Salt Lake City.
Schedule your initial consultation today and start your journey towards a pain-free, healthier smile. Contact us now!
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