Wisdom Teeth RemovalIn Los Angeles
If your doctor tells you that you need your wisdom teeth removed, you may be scared but not surprised. We’ve all seen our friends, family, and loved ones go through it. Though common, removing your wisdom teeth can be a complicated procedure. That’s why it’s important to go to an expert who specializes in complex issues of the teeth and mouth. Oral surgeons go through 4 years of extensive training after dental school, making them the experts in treating problematic wisdom teeth and preserving your oral health.
Why might I need wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth often have to be extracted to ensure the rest of your teeth stay healthy. Most wisdom teeth erupt misaligned, which can cause tooth crowding and disruption in your teeth and gums. This is not only painful but can make oral hygiene more difficult. Another common reason for wisdom teeth extraction is a partial eruption. This encourages bacteria to accumulate in the pockets of your gums, putting you at risk for gum disease, infection, and tooth decay. That being said, sometimes wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed. If your wisdom teeth erupt properly aligned and don’t impact your other teeth, your doctor may not recommend extraction. But generally, wisdom teeth need to be removed to preserve a healthy smile.
Get Comprehensive Care
Digital X-rays provide high-resolution images of your teeth which allows us to make more precise diagnoses. We can see exactly why the tooth is causing pain and determine if an extraction is needed.
Free Implant Prep
Generally, extractions are a necessary part of getting dental implants. Instead of adding this necessary process to your bill, we’ll cover the cost of your implant prep procedure. Let’s get your smile back to full restoration.
Sedation Options For Maximum Comfort
We know that wisdom teeth removal can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. We offer a range of sedation options, from oral sedation to IV sedation and general anesthesia, to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. We administer general anesthesia in a controlled environment to make your experience as painless and stress-free as possible.
The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Eliminates Pain and Discomfort
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort. They have no limitations in how they erupt, often growing sideways or putting uncomfortable pressure on your other teeth. Wisdom teeth removal will relieve the pain and release your teeth from the pressure.
Prevents Infection & Bacteria
When wisdom teeth partially erupt, the open gap around the teeth is essentially a pool for bacteria to grow and thrive. Removing your wisdom teeth will keep your mouth healthy and free from bacteria and infection.
Keeps Teeth Aligned
Erupting wisdom teeth may put pressure on your surrounding teeth. This often disrupts the alignment of your teeth and can misalign a previously straight smile. Tooth crowding is also problematic in keeping up with a healthy oral hygiene routine.
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Treatment Plan
Not all wisdom teeth are created equal, so treatment plans shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. We take the time to evaluate your case and concerns on an individual basis. If your dentist referred you, please bring your referral slip if you were provided one. Often, we need to take specialized X-rays to assess the positioning of your wisdom teeth in relation to the surrounding jaw, teeth, and vital structures. After a thorough evaluation, we work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that suits your unique needs. We’ll also discuss options for your comfort, including various sedation methods, ensuring that you feel at ease throughout the process.
The Procedure
Prior to surgery, if you choose to have sedation, it’s important not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure and to make sure that you have someone to drive you home. The process involves administering sedation to help you relax, followed by numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic so that you have no pain. Once you’re fully comfortable, your doctor will carefully and gently remove the tooth. The area will then be cleaned to ensure a smooth and healthy recovery.
Recovery & Aftercare
After the procedure, sutures may be placed if necessary. You’ll be given gauze to apply pressure and monitored as you recover from anesthesia. We’ll review your aftercare instructions with you and your driver, and send them via text for easy reference. You’ll also receive an aftercare kit to manage your recovery at home. Remember, rest and relaxation are key to healing, and we’re just a phone call away if you need anything. We do this every day, and we’re here to support you throughout the process!
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
There are many reasons why wisdom teeth removal may be necessary. This includes wisdom teeth growing in at the wrong angle. They can grow sideways, partially erupt, or even become trapped underneath the gum and bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can take many positions in the bone as they try to find a pathway to successfully erupt. All of these reasons make wisdom teeth removal necessary to preserve your oral health.
Sometimes wisdom teeth aren’t painful which can indicate different things. There is a chance they may be growing in properly without any issues, but pain-free doesn’t necessarily mean there’s nothing wrong. Even if they aren’t causing pain currently, it doesn’t mean issues won’t arise in the future. Wisdom teeth are often impacted or trapped beneath the surface of the gums which will become a larger issue later down the line. That’s why it’s important to consult with your doctor regardless of pain or not so we can provide you with more information.
Thanks to our sedation options, the procedure itself is not painful. You won’t feel any discomfort before or immediately after. After a few hours, it’s common to feel tenderness, swelling, bruising, and possibly some bleeding. These symptoms generally peak 2-3 days after the procedure and will slowly diminish as you continue to heal. Make sure to only eat soft foods for about a week to prevent further irritation.
It takes about 1-2 weeks for your mouth to fully recover after the extraction. During this process, it’s vital to carefully follow the recovery instructions provided by your doctor. This is to ensure that you heal properly and prevent complications. If you are still dealing with severe pain and discomfort after this period, contact your doctor for a follow-up. Pain after this period is not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Caring for the extraction site after your operation is essential in avoiding dry socket. Dry socket is a complication that arises if a blood clot fails to form, exposing your nerves and causing pain. That’s why we recommend biting on gauze as prescribed by your doctor. If bleeding or oozing persists, replace your gauze and bite firmly on the extraction site for another 30-45 minutes. Also, for the first few days following your extraction, avoid drinking anything through a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket. Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products as well – not only can the suction cause dry socket, but the chemicals present in tobacco products can significantly impede your body’s ability to heal. Contact our office if bleeding persists multiple days following the extraction.
Extractions to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are often covered by insurance as a medical necessity. However, every insurance plan has different benefits and policies. Please contact our office for more information about how we can assist you with your coverage.