Wisdom Teeth Removal in La Jolla, CA

A common concern among young adults and teenagers is their wisdom teeth and whether they should have them removed. We know you might be worried about discomfort, how much it might cost, or how it could affect your smile. That’s why our La Jolla, CA dentist is here. Our main goal is to assist you before and after your wisdom teeth removal, ensuring that you have a comfortable experience. From deciding when to remove them to what to expect from the procedure itself, Harmony Dental Group will give you all of the information you need to feel completely at ease and informed.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth to be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the molars furthest back in the mouth, and they usually grow in years after all of the other teeth have already emerged. Because of a lack of space, wisdom teeth often become impacted or partially erupted. This impaction can be painful and lead to infection in the surrounding gum tissue. If any of the following issues are affecting you, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible:

• Crowded Teeth: The pressure from wisdom teeth can impact the way your other teeth fit together, leaving them misaligned or more likely to trap food or bacteria within the gaps. Besides that, it’s common for wisdom teeth to erupt at an angle. They may press into the adjacent tooth and cause those teeth to drift out of alignment.
• Increased Risk of Infection: If you don’t take care of impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth, they are more likely to get cavities and gum disease. These problems can then affect other teeth in your mouth. Even fully erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, which increases their risk of infection. It’s definitely something to consider for maintaining good oral health.
• Pain and Swelling: Experiencing inflammation is fairly common due to cysts, infection, or pressure created by wisdom teeth. Most people tend to experience off-and-on inflammation that comes and goes as their wisdom teeth develop. Ignoring persistent symptoms could lead to future complications.

Are you feeling any discomfort? During your wisdom tooth exam, our dentist in La Jolla will assess the position of each tooth to determine if extraction is necessary. Typically, we begin monitoring wisdom teeth by the time someone is 15 or 16 years old and continue to do so regularly. Detecting any issues early on makes a big difference in how they can be treated.

Is it More Difficult to Remove Wisdom Teeth Than Other Extractions?

Wisdom teeth are harder to remove because they’re not just one simple extraction, but four teeth located in the back of the mouth. Besides, they are usually close to major nerves. That’s why the surgery might call for some more specialized techniques and care. Typically, wisdom tooth extraction is performed by our dentist or an oral surgeon, with the option of sedation during the procedure.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth extraction is usually a minor oral surgery procedure that requires local anesthesia to numb the area around each tooth. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to extract the teeth, typically dividing them into sections to remove them gradually. In comparison, simple dental extractions remove the tooth as a whole.  It can take up to two weeks for the swelling, pain, and irritation to go down after wisdom teeth are removed.

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?

The experience of wisdom teeth removal can differ from person to person depending on a variety of factors such as the individual’s pain tolerance and the complexity of the extraction. However, advancements in techniques and anesthesia have made the process less painful for many people compared to the past.

Our La Jolla dentist Dr. Farid takes special steps to make sure our patients are comfortable during their wisdom tooth removal appointments. We use numbing and sedation medications to help patients feel as little discomfort as possible. In addition, we will provide you with appropriate post-procedure medications and instructions for pain relief.

What Age is Wisdom Tooth Removal Needed?

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed sometime during their high school or college years, but they can continue developing until you’re nearly 30 years old. We typically recommend removing them as soon as side effects like infection, impaction, or pain develop. This is to prevent them from causing damage to your neighbor’s healthy teeth.

At Harmony Dental Group, we will take periodic dental X-rays to evaluate your wisdom tooth development. This imaging allows us to identify the best time for wisdom tooth removal, depending on your circumstances.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Most wisdom tooth extractions are a type of oral surgery, so planning for your appointment is a little different than other typical procedures. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: We’ll thoroughly numb the area around your tooth with local anesthetic. If you are receiving sedation, we will also administer the medication before beginning the procedure.

Step 2: A small incision is made in the gum tissues, and the tooth is removed very carefully. Because your mouth is numb, the only thing you’ll feel is a little pressure. Deeper sedation medications may leave you feeling as if you’re napping through the appointment.

Step 3: Follow your home care instructions and come back for your follow-up appointment to ensure your extraction sites heal properly. Sutures may or may not be necessary, depending on the type of surgery performed.

If you’ll receive sedation during your appointment, you need to bring a family member or a friend to the visit, so they can drive you home safely afterward.

Extraction Aftercare

To ensure a timely and comfortable recovery, follow these home care tips:

• Apply pressure with clean gauze until the bleeding stops (usually within a few hours)
• Keep your head elevated for the first 48 hours; sleep in a recliner or with your head propped up on at least two pillows
• Avoid eating any hot, hard, or crunchy foods
• Stick to a soft diet for at least a few days
• Apply a cold compress on and off every 20 minutes for the first day
• Avoid straws, caffeine, and alcohol
• Take all medications as directed, especially antibiotics
• Do not use any tobacco products, as they could cause a dry socket
• Rinse with warm salt water every few hours and after eating
• Avoid rigorous physical activity or exercise for at least 3-4 days

The good news is that most people feel better within 2-3 days of their wisdom tooth removal. We recommend taking at least a few days off from work or school to recover after your oral surgery.

La Jolla Expert Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you’re experiencing pain or swelling around your wisdom teeth, call Harmony Dental Group in La Jolla, CA for a wisdom tooth exam. We’ll discuss if surgical removal is necessary and what type of sedation is best for you. Remember, we’re here to ensure your comfort and well-being throughout the whole process.

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Questions Answered on This Page

• Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth to be Removed?
• Is it More Difficult to Remove Wisdom Teeth Than Other Extractions?
• How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
• Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?
• What Age is Wisdom Tooth Removal Needed?
• Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
• Extraction Aftercare

Related Topics

• Tooth Extraction
• Oral Surgery
• Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in La Jolla

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Helpful links: WebMD (Wisdom Teeth) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)