Wisdom Teeth in Reno & Fallon
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a short outpatient surgery to take out third molars that are impacted, crowding other teeth or likely to cause problems. At Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery in Reno and Fallon, most procedures take under an hour with IV sedation, and most patients feel back to normal within 3 to 5 days.
Or call (775) 284-2500Expert oral surgery care
Surgical training for routine and complex cases.
Personalized comfort options
A sedation plan based on your procedure and health history.
Guidance before and after
Clear preparation, recovery support and follow-up care.
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What is wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25. Many jaws simply do not have room for them, so they get stuck (impacted) under the gum or bone, grow in at an angle, or only partly break through.
Removing them before they cause pain, infection, cysts or damage to the neighboring molars is one of the most common procedures we perform. Taking them out in the late teens or early twenties usually means easier surgery and faster healing, because the roots are not yet fully formed.
Key facts
- Procedure time: 30–60 minutes
- Typical recovery: 3–5 days
- Sedation: IV sedation available
- Pain control: EXPAREL non-opioid option
Why consider wisdom teeth?
Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend this treatment when there is an existing problem or a meaningful risk of future complications.
Teens and young adults whose X-rays show impacted or poorly positioned wisdom teeth
Anyone with pain, swelling or repeat gum infections behind the last molars
Patients whose orthodontist or dentist recommends removal to protect neighboring teeth
Adults with cysts, decay or gum disease around a wisdom tooth
Patients with crowding or shifting teeth after braces
Anyone whose wisdom teeth are hard to clean and trap food or bacteria
Am I a candidate?
Most healthy teens and adults are good candidates. Your surgeon will review your medical history, medications and imaging to plan the safest approach for you.
Request your evaluationWhat to expect from Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery
Our philosophy is simple: people first, through compassion, comfort and expertise. From your initial consultation through your recovery, we want you to feel informed, supported and confident in your care.
Step 1
Consultation and 3D imaging
We review your X-rays or take a 3D cone beam (CBCT) scan to see the exact position of each tooth and the nearby nerve. Your surgeon explains your options, sedation choices and costs before you decide anything.
Step 2
Choosing your comfort level
Most patients choose IV sedation, so they rest comfortably and remember little or nothing of the procedure. Local anesthesia and other options are also available.
Step 3
The procedure
Most wisdom teeth procedures take 30 to 60 minutes. Your surgeon gently removes each tooth, places dissolvable stitches if needed, and can add EXPAREL, a long-lasting non-opioid numbing medicine, for up to 72 hours of relief.
Step 4
Going home
You rest in recovery until you are ready, then a responsible adult drives you home. You leave with clear written instructions and a number to call with any question.
Recovery
Your recovery timeline
Every patient heals at their own pace. Here is what most people can expect, and our team is a phone call away at every stage.
Phase 1
Day 1
Rest with your head raised. Use gauze as directed and ice 20 minutes on, 20 off. Stick to cool, soft foods.
Healing progress
Phase 2
Days 2–3
Swelling peaks and then starts to go down. Switch to warm compresses and gentle salt-water rinses.
Healing progress
Phase 3
Days 3–5
Most people return to school, desk work and normal activity.
Healing progress
Phase 4
1–2 weeks
Gums continue to heal. Return to your normal diet as you feel comfortable.
Healing progress
Risks and safety
Like any surgery, wisdom teeth removal has some risks, including dry socket, infection, bleeding and, rarely, temporary numbness of the lip or tongue. Your surgeon will explain your personal risk using your 3D imaging and how we reduce it.
Cost, insurance and financing
Cost depends on the number of teeth, how impacted they are and the type of sedation. Many dental and medical plans help cover wisdom teeth removal. We provide a clear estimate at your consultation and offer financing through CareCredit and Happen Bank.
Learn about financing optionsWhy patients choose Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery
Care centered around you
We listen to your concerns, explain your options and build a treatment plan around your needs.
Experience you can trust
Our surgeons trained in hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery programs.
Comfort throughout treatment
Personalized anesthesia options, including IV sedation, so you feel at ease before and during your procedure.
Support during recovery
Detailed aftercare guidance, clear instructions and follow-up from a team that stays reachable.
- Two experienced surgeons, including a board-certified, Mayo Clinic–trained oral surgeon
- IV sedation in-office, with continuous monitoring
- EXPAREL non-opioid pain control to reduce or eliminate the need for opioids
- Offices in Northwest Reno and Fallon
Get to know your oral surgeons
Meet the experienced doctors who will guide you through your wisdom teeth evaluation, treatment and recovery.
Ryan R. Falke, DDS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Founder
Dr. Ryan R. Falke, DDS founded Sierra Oral & Facial Surgery in Reno in 2016. He trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Loma Linda University and focuses on wisdom teeth, dental implants, bone grafting and sedation.
Meet Dr. Falke
Kimberly Bentjen, DDS, MD
Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Kimberly Bentjen, DDS, MD is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained at Mayo Clinic. She holds both dental and medical degrees and has practiced in Reno since 2019.
Meet Dr. Bentjen
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Wisdom Teeth FAQ
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
Many patients have them evaluated between ages 15 and 18. Removal in the late teens or early twenties is often easier because the roots are not fully formed and healing tends to be faster.
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
You should not feel pain during the procedure thanks to local anesthesia and sedation. Afterward, most patients describe soreness and swelling that improves each day, and EXPAREL can keep the area numb for up to 72 hours.
How long does wisdom teeth surgery take?
Most procedures take 30 to 60 minutes. Plan to be in the office for about 90 minutes to two hours including check-in and recovery.
How long is recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Most people feel back to normal in 3 to 5 days. Swelling usually peaks around day 2 or 3, and the gums continue healing for 1 to 2 weeks.
Will I be asleep for wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients choose IV sedation, which lets you rest comfortably and remember little or nothing. Your surgeon will help you choose the right option for your health and comfort.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Start with cool, soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies (no straw), mashed potatoes and soup that is not hot. Avoid crunchy, spicy or chewy foods for about a week.
Do I need all four wisdom teeth removed?
Not always. Your surgeon will look at each tooth on your imaging and only recommend removing teeth that are causing problems or are likely to.
Is wisdom teeth removal covered by insurance?
Many dental and medical plans cover part of the cost. Our team will check your benefits and give you an estimate before surgery.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ryan R. Falke, DDS. Last reviewed .
Related services
Comfort & Sedation
IV Sedation & Anesthesia
In-office sedation delivered by your surgeon, so you can relax and remember little of your procedure.
Learn more
Comfort & Sedation
EXPAREL® Non-Opioid Pain Relief
A long-acting, non-opioid numbing medicine placed during surgery for up to 72 hours of relief.
Learn moreDiagnosis & Imaging
CBCT 3D Imaging
A quick, low-dose 3D scan that shows teeth, bone and nerves for safer, more precise surgery.
Learn more
Ready to learn more about wisdom teeth?
Whether you've been referred by your dentist or are planning ahead, schedule a consultation to learn which option is right for you.