Most people undergo wisdom teeth removal in their lifetime. Many, but not all, get their wisdom teeth removed near the ages of 17 and 21, since wisdom teeth removal recovery time is generally less for teens and young adults. Wisdom teeth removal and recovery is straight-forward for most patients, and complications aren’t common when the procedure is completed by an experienced oral surgeon.
Even if complications do occur, they can be resolved without any long-lasting damage. If you are considering whether or not to pull your wisdom teeth, here’s what you can expect from wisdom teeth removal recovery time and complications you should be aware of.
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Wisdom teeth removal requires a surgery to remove the tooth and parts of the attached bone. If the tooth has erupted, meaning it has broken through the gums, it will generally be easier to remove. However, if it is impacted, meaning it is underneath the gums and it is not visible, the surgery may be more complex. Both scenarios are common, and an impacted tooth should not be reason for concern, nor will it necessarily create complications during wisdom teeth recovery.
Wisdom teeth removal requires a type of anesthesia, and there are several options. Different types of anesthesia mean different wisdom teeth recovery times and experiences. In all cases, you won’t feel any pain, though your level of awareness will vary. Any of the following anaesthesia and sedatives may be used;
In the first 24 hours after the surgery, it is essential to focus only on recovery. Though you will be able to return home to recover, you will not be able to go to school or work. Depending on the type of anesthesia and sedative used, you may feel drowsy, delirious or have some memory loss throughout the day. You should not drive yourself home.
During your first day of wisdom teeth recovery, it is important for a clot to form around the surgery area, which will reduce pain, bleeding and help prevent infection. You may be asked to keep gauze on the extraction site for a few hours. To help reduce swelling, use ice packs around your mouth and jaw. A good method is to use the ice pack for 15 minutes, then take it off for 15 minutes, and repeat.
To speed up wisdom teeth removal recovery time, you should do all of the following, and any other instructions your oral surgeon or dentist provides:
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Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical process, which means bleeding will naturally occur. As blood clots form over the area and you start to heal, the bleeding should stop. Propping your head up so it is above your heart as you sleep will help to reduce bleeding. Avoiding smoking and alcohol will also regulate your circulation and reduce bleeding. Finally, avoid strenuous activities and don’t brush or disturb the surgery site, so it can heal. Excessive bleeding is rare, but you should see a doctor if it doesn’t stop.
In the next 48 hours after your wisdom teeth removal surgery, you may feel some remaining drowsiness or confusion from the anesthesia, sedatives or pain medication, but many feel clear-headed again. Remember that your body is still working hard to heal, so you should not do anything strenuous, even if you don’t feel very drowsy. Most of the items on the previous list will still apply.
If your surgery was simple and a local anesthetic was used, you will likely experience minimal pain, discomfort, and swelling. You should still take this day off from work or school to heal. You may be able to eat some other soft foods like noodles, ground meat, or soft bread, but avoid contact with the surgery site. You may need to gently rinse your mouth at this stage if your dentist or surgeon instructs. Brush your teeth, unless your dentist or surgeon instructs otherwise, but be careful not to touch the surgery site.
If a stronger anesthetic was used or your surgery was more difficult, you may still feel delirious and you may have more pain. Continue taking pain medications and use the list above from day one. Your pain should subside and though you will have swelling and bruising, watch for any of the following. If these occur, contact your surgeon or dentist right away:
In the first few days after wisdom teeth removal, a blood clot will naturally form over the surgery site. This is critical to the healing process. Many of the previously mentioned activities, such as using a straw, smoking, and brushing, can dislodge the blood clot. This is a painful condition called a ‘dry socket’ which will expose the underlying nerves. Be careful not to disturb the healing surgery site, and you can avoid this condition. If your pain notably increases and you suspect the blood clot has dislodged, see your doctor, dentist, or oral surgeon.
By day three after your wisdom teeth removal, you should be feeling mostly normal again, though you may still have some pain and discomfort which will require painkillers. Again, the complexity of your surgery will impact your wisdom teeth recovery at this stage.
Some patients are able to return to work or school by wisdom teeth recovery day three, if the activities are not too physically strenuous or mentally stressful, but it is generally recommended to take at least three days off from work or school. You will experience swelling and bruising; these are normal recovery responses. Remember that your surgery site is still healing, so be gentle. You may return to eating some normal foods, but avoid anything sticky or crunchy which could damage your surgery site. Continue to avoid straws, smoking, or harsh rinsing, as this can dislodge the blood clots formed around the extraction site.
Though it is rare, an infection can set in in the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. This condition will slow the time it takes to recover from wisdom teeth removal surgery, and it can be hazardous to your health. An infection may occur if bacteria enter the area and multiply. Since your body is still healing, it may not be strong enough to fight the infection. Excessive bleeding, pain or pus around the surgery site or from the nose in the days after surgery may be a sign of infection. If you notice these signs, see your doctor, dentist, or oral surgeon right away.
Though the time it takes to recover from wisdom teeth removal surgery varies, most patients can return to their normal routine by day four. You should still avoid strenuous activities, like running or heavy lifting. Swelling usually peaks at day four or five, and should start to recede after this. Your pain should also noticeably subside. If the pain has not subsided or, especially, if it has gotten worse or extended to your ear, you may have an infection or dry socket and you should contact your dentist or surgeon immediately.
You may notice after day five that your stitches feel loose, or some may even come out or dissolve. Don’t worry; this means your mouth is healing normally. Resist the urge to touch or pull at the stitches with your tongue. Let them come out or dissolve naturally. Attempting to pull on the stitches can slow the wisdom teeth removal healing process. If swallowed, the stitches won’t hurt you, so don’t worry if some go missing.
In the next week after your wisdom teeth are removed, your swelling and bruising should subside and your appearance should return to normal. You should be back to work or school and you can resume normal exercise and other activities, though you should still be gentle and mindful of your healing extraction site. During this time, you will probably have a follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure your mouth has healed properly and there are no complications. During this follow-up, any remaining stitches will be removed. This is a quick, simple and painless process with no surgery or pain medication needed
Though the surgery site may be tender for a longer period, wisdom teeth recovery time is short for some people. It may take longer for others, but it shouldn’t impact your day-to-day life. In the following months, the surgery site will continue to heal underneath your gums and tissue will fill the space where your wisdom teeth used to be, but you won’t notice this happening.
So, now that you know the process, how long does it actually take to recover from wisdom teeth removal surgery? Though wisdom teeth removal recovery varies somewhat, you’ll most likely be ready to return to work or school after just four or five days. You’ll probably be able to return to all normal activities after just one week. If you need stitches, expect to have them for seven to ten days. If you follow after-care instructions diligently and watch for any signs of complications, you can speed up your wisdom teeth removal recovery time.
For more information on whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, learn more about wisdom teeth removal in Las Vegas or schedule a consultation online.
If you are considering wisdom teeth removal, learn more online or schedule a consultation.
Make an appointment today for quality, affordable dental care at any of our state-of-the-art BDG dentist offices, located throughout Las Vegas, Henderson and Laughlin, Nevada.
A native Greek-American, Dr. Baldwin was born and raised in Las Vegas. She attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she received her undergraduate degree in biology, a minor in chemistry and her degree as Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Baldwin has a passion for cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery and is very skilled in all aspects of dentistry. Dr. Balwdin’s most important purpose is to create a warm, welcoming and comforting environment for all patients.
Dr. Baldwin remains up-to-date in the latest technologies and advancements in the field and utilizes laser treatment in her office. Dr. Baldwin, along with her wonderful team, ensures all patients are well educated and cared for during their visit. Dr. Baldwin is very proficient in reading, writing and speaking Greek.
When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Baldwin enjoys lifting weights, road biking, and when time allows she trains for a Century (Cycling ride of 100 miles) and above all spending quality time with her husband, 2 sons and Cinnamon the family dog.
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Dr. Adam Rodriguez is a board-certified pediatric dentist specializing in providing comprehensive dental care for all children, including those with special health care needs. He is dedicated to creating positive dental experiences for patients and uses individualized behavior guidance techniques to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and understood. With advanced specialty training from his dual residency in pediatric dentistry and public health, Dr. Rodriguez delivers personalized, evidence-based care and is excited to meet you and your family.
Originally from California, Dr. Rodriguez earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He then pursued advanced specialty training at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he completed a two-year dual residency in Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health (MPH), gaining extensive experience in caring for children with special healthcare needs.
At our clinic, Dr. Rodriguez works closely with his team to create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel at ease the moment they arrive. With a strong focus on prevention, minimally invasive dentistry, and family education, he empowers parents and caregivers to support their child’s oral health and establish lifelong healthy habits.
Clarissa Punzalan was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. She earned her degree in dentistry from Manila Central University, where she became a licensed dentist in her country. After moving to the United States with her husband, Ronald, who served in the United States Air Force, Clarissa continued her dental career by earning her degree in Dental Hygiene from Concorde Career College in San Bernardino, California.
Throughout her journey, Clarissa has lived in various locations, including North Dakota, Okinawa, Japan, South Korea, and Maryland, before settling in Las Vegas. These experiences have given her a diverse mindset, allowing her to connect with patients from all walks of life and adapt to various cultural contexts with ease.
Clarissa is dedicated to provide the highest standard of care to her patients. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every patient receives personalized, thorough, and compassionate treatment. By staying current with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and continuously honing her skills, Clarissa strives to make a positive impact on her patients’ oral health and overall well-being. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and singing karaoke. She’s also a proud pet parent to Loki, her beloved Pomsky.
Dr. Hashtroudi was born in Sacramento, California and moved to Reno, Nevada at the age of 10. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. It was there he discovered the Dental club with a passion. He then shadowed his local dentist and fell in love with the art of dentistry.
His love of the Silver State prompted him to accept entry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduating with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, he then completed an additional year of Advanced Education in General Dentistry with the Lutheran Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Dr. Hashtroudi enjoys attending ongoing training each year to perfect his skills in all aspects of general dentistry including dental implants, emergency treatment, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
During his free time, Dr. Hashtroudi takes pleasure in playing tennis, snowboarding, swimming and spending time with his adorable son and wife.
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Karolina attended Southwestern University in San Diego, where she earned her degree in Dental Hygiene. Her attention to detail and her gentle touch is appreciated by our patients. She enjoys working closely with her patients to ensure they receive the best treatment and are comfortable during their visit.
Karolina was born in Poland and grew up in Chicago. She then moved to Nevada, making Las Vegas her home. In her spare time, Karolina likes to spend time with her family. She enjoys cooking, craft making and traveling.
Minerva has been with BDG Dental Services since 2013. She graduated from Indiana University in 2007 with an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor in General Studies. She is bi-lingual, fluent in English and Spanish.
Minerva is passionate about hygiene and strives to ensure that patients always feel 100% informed and comfortable during their visit to help them overcome their dental fears. She strives to provide the highest standard of care for her patients including modern laser technology.
Minerva grew up in Chicago and moved to Las Vegas after graduating in 2007. In her spare time loves to travel, go hiking, but most of all spend time with her son and daughter.
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Dr. “Jonathan” Minyong Pak was born in Seoul, Korea and came to America as a 5 year old child in 1974.
He was raised and educated in Southern California. He graduated from La Salle High School in Pasadena, CA. It’s a Christian Brothers preparatory school that is actively involved in fostering leadership, and encouraging civic involvement in the community. He was involved in campus ministry, while attending the school, and participated in community events such as the Tournament of Roses and Boy’s State.
Jonathan received his bachelor of science in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine. While attending there in his junior year, he decided to pursue a dental career, after volunteering at the “SOS” (Share Our Selves) Dental clinic in Costa Mesa. He received his doctorate of dental surgery from UCLA School of Dentistry in 1996. Jonathan went through extensive training in esthetic dentistry while there. He still enjoys designing and crafting a beautiful smile to this day.
Jonathan is licensed to practice in AZ, NV, and CA. He’s been a member of the American Dental Association since graduation. He’s had dental offices over the years in San Francisco, Reno and Las Vegas. Dr. Pak is certified to provide “Invisalign” treatment, laser treatments, and is trained to place implants.
Jonathan lives in Clark County, NV with his wife and 4 chihuahuas. He and his beautiful bride love to travel. Their favorite spot on earth is Lahaina, HI. Mahalo.
A native to Las Vegas, Dr. Glenn Justice received his Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He then obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Justice’s goal is to help patients reach the highest level of oral health possible so they may enjoy the benefits of a functional, attractive smile.
After completing dental school, Dr. Justice passed the National Written Boards and the Central Regional Dental Testing Board. Dr. Justice practiced as an Associate Dentist in Wisconsin, before moving back to Las Vegas where he worked as a dentist on staff for the College of Southern Nevada. He then moved to Colorado to further develop his craft, making him a licensed DDS in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Nevada.
After a few years as an Associate Dentist in Colorado, Dr. Justice came back to Las Vegas where he has been practicing dentistry for 15 years. He was a member of the Southern Nevada Dental Society Peer Review Committee, where he also served as the committee’s Chairman. He was also on the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners as a Disciplinary Screening Officer. Dr. Justice obtained training and certification in Dental Implant placement from California Academy of Implant Dentistry, certification in implant training from the Midwest Implant Institute, and has completed multiple courses in Advanced Restorative Dentistry from Frank Spears.
Dr. Justice’s goal is to help patients reach the highest level of oral health possible so they may enjoy the benefits of a functional, attractive smile. He takes pride in making dental visits a pleasant experience and makes sure that each of his patients leaves his office in a better state than when they first walked in. Dr. Justice shows genuine concern for his patients’ well being and prides himself in treating each of his patients as he would a member of his own family.
When he is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Justice enjoys playing baseball, softball, hiking, camping, rappelling and rock climbing, wood working, and spending time with his kids.
Victoria, known as Vicki by most, is originally from the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. She graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee WI with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. After working in Highland Park, IL for 10 years, she moved to Las Vegas, where she worked in a private practice for 14 years before joining Dr Ting at Boston Dental in 2006.
As a veteran in her field and through countless hours of continuing education, Vicki’s passion for Dentistry helps her strive to provide the highest standard of care for her patients using modern, state- of-the-art technology including ultrasonics, lasers, and Oral DNA testing. Her extensive experience, exceptional skill level, friendly personality, and gentle, caring touch keep her patients returning to her year after year.
Vicki has two young adult daughters and when not taking care of patients, enjoys traveling, cycling, and spending time with friends.
Acoma is a dedicated and highly skilled dental hygienist with 10 years of experience delivering comprehensive dental care. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Horry Georgetown Technical College and is passionate about educating patients on the importance of oral health while promoting preventive care practices.
Throughout her career, Acoma has gained extensive experience in periodontal therapy and is proficient in a wide range of dental hygiene procedures. She is committed to helping patients achieve and maintain their best oral health through compassionate care and clinical excellence.
Acoma continually enhances her knowledge through ongoing education and professional development. As an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), she stays connected with industry advancements and contributes to the broader dental hygiene community.
Outside of work, Acoma enjoys spending quality time with her family.
A Nevada native, Dr. Rosales was born and raised in Las Vegas. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he received both his undergraduate degree in biology and his degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine. Dr. Rosales’s passions include cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery but is very skilled in all aspects of dentistry.
Dr. Rosales remains up-to-date in the latest technologies and advancements in the field and utilizes laser treatment in his office, as well as Invisalign, an alternative to conventional braces.
Certification/Professional Memberships
As a patient of Dr. David Chung, you will not only receive the best care but you will love his chair-side manner and soft touch. Dr. Chung has been practicing dentistry in Las Vegas since 2002. He received his degree from New York University College of Dentistry. His passion for dentistry and learning has led him to many years of advanced training in cosmetic and implant dentistry.
Dr. Chung and his staff strives to provide the highest quality dentistry for his patients. Improving oral health and creating beautiful smiles. Our state of the art dental office is equipped with the latest technologies including E4D that allows for fabrication and delivery of crowns on the same day.
In his leisure time, he enjoys basketball, movies, and cooking. With a camera in tow, his adventurous spirit has taken him to many exotic places. His travel photography is showcased around the office.
Certification:
Kristen was born in Edwards Air Force Base located in California, where her mother was a Crew Chief for the United States Airforce. When she was six years old, Kristen and her family relocated to Laughlin, Nevada where she graduated high school. She then pursued dental hygiene at Mohave Community College and obtained her degree in 2014. She later joined BDG at Affordable Dental II and has been working with the company since then.
When she isn’t working or attending conferences, you can find her wandering through the antique stores tucked away in the corners of Las Vegas. She has a love for old Victorian houses, classic films, a passion for sharks, and has included England in her travels, as well. Kristen enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her beloved eleven-year-old Chihuahua, Ivory who enjoys naps, cuddling, and Kristen of course.
Dr. Tiburcio attended the University of California at Riverside where he received his undergraduate degree in biology. He then spent the following two years as a chemist before deciding to pursue Dentistry. Dr. Tiburcio received his doctorate from New York University College of Dentistry in 2007.
Dr. Tiburcio is dedicated to advance, postdoctoral study and provides his patients with a gentle, caring, comprehensive approach to oral health. He believes in providing state of the art, relationship-based, comprehensive care that is tailored to fit into the lives and budgets of his patients.
In his free time, Dr. Tiburcio likes to spend time with his lovely wife and three children.
Dr. Hossain is a dedicated and talented general dentist with a passion for pediatric dentistry. He strives to provide gentle and personalized preventive care (and when necessary restorative treatments) to young patients using specifically tailored behavior management techniques, making each visit to the dentist a positive and comfortable experience.
Although Dr. Hossain now calls Las Vegas home, he was born in Bangladesh and grew up travelling around the globe as the child of a diplomat! He moved to Los Angeles, California to earn his bachelor’s degree at UCLA, completed a masters degree in Global Medicine at their rival USC and was awarded his Doctorate degree in Dentistry with high honors from USC’s famous Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
At our clinic, Dr Hossain and his team create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door. With a focus on education and prevention, he empowers families to maintain optimal oral health and instill lifelong dental habits.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Hossain enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying different cuisines, and traveling.
Dr. Vann grew up in the Chicago area where he went to school until he moved to Arizona to attend ASU. He graduated with a B.S. in1972 . After holding down several various jobs which let him less than inspired, he decided to go back to school and become a dentist.. While working during the day, he went to ASU at night to pick up the pre-dental courses he needed to apply to dental school. In 1976 he was accepted to USC and in 1980 he graduated with a D.D.S. degree.
Dr. Vann is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive and affordable dentistry to his patients. Utilizing his 40+ years of practicing dentistry, aids his patients in obtaining the best possible outcomes for his patients.
In his free time, Dr. Vann likes to paint. He also likes to go on road trips to explore different parts of the Southwest that he’s never been to.
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Dr. Darlene Teddy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Pacific Union College before completing her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University. She has a special interest in restorative, preventative, and cosmetic dentistry and is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care to each of her patients.
She understands that visiting the dentist can be a source of anxiety for many people, and she takes extra care to ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and at ease. By combining clinical excellence with compassion, she builds trust with her patients and ensures they feel supported every step of the way.
Bilingual in English and basic Mandarin, Dr. Teddy enjoys connecting with a diverse patient community. Outside of the office, she is a proud wife and mother of two, and shares her home with two beloved dogs—a Chow Chow and a Mini Australian Shepherd. She enjoys traveling, sewing, and finds great fulfillment in the hands-on, detail-oriented nature of dentistry. For Dr. Teddy, the greatest reward is seeing her patients smile with confidence.
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Dr. Phui was born in Reno and was raised in Las Vegas. He earned his undergraduate degree as a Biology Major at UNLV. Before pursuing dentistry, he obtained his Masters degree in Biochemistry. Dr. Phui didn’t have to travel very far for his DMD degree, which he obtained at UNLV School of Dental Medicine.
Whether you need a routine dental care, cosmetic, Invisalign or Implant dentistry, he can fit your every need. Dr. Phui truly believes that communication is very important when trying to establish exactly what the patient is trying to achieve. In order to keep up with the high demand of dentistry, Dr Phui enjoys taking continue education courses.
Dr Phui is married to his high school sweetheart, they have a boy and a girl together. He and his wife enjoy their weekend tradition of cooking breakfast and taking the kids to the park. His hobbies include bowling, playing cards with his family, and eating.
Steve Roe is a military veteran serving with the United States Air Force. He continued serving the community in the health care field pursuing dental education at the College of Southern Nevada, UNLV, and The Ohio State University. Attaining licensure as a registered dental hygienist in 2004. Steve has 20 years of experience. He is dedicated to achieving exceptional results in patient health. Working in conjunction with the dental team for comprehensive care. Focusing on prevention Steve uses gentle and thorough technique in treatment to achieve optimal health. Additionally, teaching patient education to help develop good life long habits to support and maintain dental health.
In his free time Steve enjoys: time with family, race cars, motorcycles, sports, and writing/illustrating.
Dr. Louis Tran, DDS, is a dedicated practitioner specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in Las Vegas, NV. With a passion for creating beautiful, healthy smiles, Dr. Tran is committed to providing exceptional care to his patients. His expertise in the field allows him to address a wide range of orthodontic needs, from traditional braces to the latest in orthodontic technology.
Dr. Tran graduated from the New York-Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 1998 with his dental degree, then received his orthodontic certificate in 2001 and has been practicing orthodontics since. He has been the primary orthodontist with BDG since 2009 and has helped thousands of patients achieve beautiful new smiles. He is also a certified Invisalign orthodontist, offering clear aligner therapy to patients seeking a discreet alternative to traditional braces.
His patient-centered approach ensures that each individual receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique dental needs. He stays current with the latest advancements in orthodontics, including iTero intraoral scanning and smile makeovers, through continuous education and professional development.
When he’s not transforming smiles, Dr. Tran enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors. His dedication to his practice and his patients makes him one of the top trusted and respected orthodontist in the Vegas Valley area.
Dr. Monica Ponce has devoted her 27-year career to educating and treating her patients with gentle and minimally invasive dental care. She received her Bachelors in Science from Loyola Marymount University with a minor in Philosophy. As a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Dr. Ponce is extremely proficient in the field of dental sciences. She continues to stay current with the latest technology and research on the safest dental methods and materials available. Her gentle approach and focus on comfort in a pleasant environment are delivered as an integral part of your visit.
Dr. Monica Ponce is very passionate about dentistry and providing the best treatments to her patients. She is a firm believer that everyone can obtain a healthy and beautiful smile. With the proper treatment options available today, she is able to obtain the best dental results helping patients boost self-esteem and confidence. She practices all phases of dentistry and offers IV sedation, general anesthesia, and treats special needs patients.
