Do your back molars feel sore or crowded—especially when chewing? Wisdom teeth (third molars) often erupt in the late teens or early twenties, and they don’t always have enough room. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can trigger pain, swelling, infections, and damage to neighboring teeth. The solution is straightforward: a precise evaluation and, when appropriate, comfortable removal with a clear recovery plan. At Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in West Los Angeles, we make the process calm, predictable, and tailored to your schedule.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need Removal?
No. Some wisdom teeth erupt fully, function comfortably, and are easy to keep clean. Others stay trapped in bone, tilt toward the second molar, or partially break through the gums, creating pockets that trap bacteria. We recommend removal when the risks of keeping a wisdom tooth—pain, infection, cysts, damage to second molars—outweigh the benefits.
Common Reasons We Recommend Extraction
- Recurring tenderness, swelling, or infection around a partially erupted tooth
- Pressure or crowding that affects bite comfort or hygiene
- Cysts or resorption damage to the second molar
- Pockets that are impossible to keep clean with daily brushing and flossing
Your Evaluation: Mapping the Safest Plan
We take digital X-rays or a CBCT scan to locate roots, nerves, and sinus anatomy (for upper molars). Then we discuss timing and sedation—from local anesthesia to oral or IV sedation—so you’re relaxed from start to finish. If you’re in orthodontic treatment, we’ll coordinate with your orthodontist to protect your progress.
The Procedure in Four Steps
- Comfort: Numbing and chosen sedation keep you calm and pain-free.
- Access: A small opening lets us remove bone if needed for impacted teeth.
- Sectioning when indicated: We may divide the tooth for gentle removal.
- Clean & close: We irrigate, smooth bone as needed, and suture carefully.
What Recovery Really Feels Like
Plan to rest the day of surgery. Use cold compresses in 10–15 minute intervals, keep your head elevated, and follow your soft-food plan (eggs, yogurt, mashed vegetables). Tenderness peaks around 48–72 hours, then fades. Most patients return to school or desk work after 2–3 days and to light exercise in about a week.
Detailed Aftercare Tips
- Oral hygiene: Brush other areas as usual; avoid the surgical site until instructed. Begin gentle rinses as directed; add warm salt-water rinses after 24 hours.
- Diet: No straws for several days (they can disrupt the clot). Avoid seeds, chips, or small grains that can lodge in the area.
- Medications: Take exactly as prescribed—don’t wait for pain to spike before starting the recommended regimen.
- Habits: Avoid smoking or vaping; both slow healing and increase dry-socket risk.
Potential Risks & How We Lower Them
Complications are uncommon but can include dry socket, nerve irritation, or sinus communication (for upper molars). Our careful imaging, atraumatic technique, and clear instructions help keep risks low. If something doesn’t feel right, call—early tweaks lead to smoother recoveries.
Wisdom Teeth & Orthodontics
For teens or young adults in braces or aligners, timing matters. Removing problematic third molars can reduce inflammation around the second molars, make brushing easier, and protect alignment long-term. We coordinate closely with your orthodontist so your plan stays on track.
FAQs
How long does the procedure take?
Many extractions are completed in about an hour for a set of wisdom teeth, but timing varies by position and roots.
Will I be “asleep”?
With IV sedation, you’ll be deeply relaxed and may nap; with oral sedation, you’ll be calm but responsive. Either way, you won’t feel pain during treatment.
What about swelling and bruising?
Swelling peaks around day two or three; light bruising can appear and fades within a week. Cold compresses and sleeping elevated help.
Why Patients Choose Our Team
We perform surgical extractions daily and prioritize clarity, comfort, and safety. You’ll get a direct line for questions, detailed written instructions, and friendly follow-up. We’ll also talk about atraumatic extraction techniques and socket preservation if you’re planning for future dental implants.
Ready for Answers?
An evaluation will tell you whether your wisdom teeth should be monitored or removed—and when.
Get clarity and a comfortable plan. Call Connect Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at (310) 473-8770 or Contact Us to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation in West Los Angeles.