Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Los Angeles, CA
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop, and they rarely have enough room to come in properly. When they become impacted, partially erupted, or misaligned, they can cause pain, swelling, repeated infections, and damage to neighboring teeth. Addressing the problem before complications escalate protects your oral health and prevents more involved treatment down the road.
At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our surgeons Dr. Jonathan Shadi and Dr. Saman Vahedi bring hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery training to every wisdom tooth removal we perform. Dr. Vahedi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and our West Los Angeles office uses advanced cone-beam 3D imaging to plan every procedure precisely before a single incision is made.
Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Not every wisdom tooth makes its presence known right away. Some patients present with obvious discomfort, while others are identified through routine X-rays before symptoms develop. Common indicators include:
Pain or Pressure
Aching or throbbing near the back of the jaw, especially when chewing or opening wide.
Swelling or Redness
Inflammation in the gum tissue directly over or behind the last molar, sometimes accompanied by a bad taste.
Repeated Infections
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create a pocket where bacteria accumulate, making pericoronitis and abscesses a recurring problem.
Crowding or Shifting
Pressure from emerging wisdom teeth can push adjacent molars and compromise alignment over time.
Cyst Formation
Impacted teeth can develop fluid-filled sacs that damage surrounding bone and roots if left untreated.
Dentist Referral
Your dentist identifies impacted or high-risk third molars on a panoramic X-ray before symptoms appear and refers you for evaluation.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction We Treat
The position and orientation of your wisdom teeth determines how involved the removal will be. Our surgeons use 3D imaging to evaluate root depth, angulation, and proximity to nerves before every procedure.
Soft Tissue Impaction
The crown has partially emerged but remains covered by gum, making it difficult to clean and prone to infection.
Partial Bony Impaction
Part of the tooth remains encased in jawbone, requiring a small incision and controlled bone removal for a clean extraction.
Full Bony Impaction
The tooth is completely embedded in bone with no eruption — the most complex scenario, benefiting most from cone-beam imaging and surgical precision.
Horizontal or Angled Impaction
The tooth lies on its side or tilts toward adjacent teeth, risking root resorption and structural damage to the second molar if not addressed.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
Every step is designed around your comfort and safety. Here is what to expect from your first call to your recovery at home.
Consultation and 3D Imaging
Your surgeon reviews your dental history and cone-beam CT scan, confirming the position of all four wisdom teeth. For most patients, consultation and surgery happen the same day or within a few days.
Anesthesia and Sedation
We offer local anesthesia, oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV moderate or deep sedation and general anesthesia. Many patients prefer IV sedation and remember little to nothing of the procedure.
Surgical Removal
Once you are fully comfortable, your surgeon creates a small incision, removes any bone covering the tooth, and extracts it — sometimes in sections to minimize the opening. Sutures are placed and gauze is applied.
Recovery Guidance
Before you leave, our team walks you through post-operative instructions. Plan to rest the day of surgery and avoid straws, smoking, and hard foods for several days. The American Dental Association recommends following post-extraction care guidelines closely for the smoothest recovery.
Other Tooth Extractions
While wisdom teeth removal is among the most common procedures at our practice, we also provide extractions for teeth that are severely decayed, fractured, infected, or otherwise non-restorable. We evaluate each case thoroughly before recommending extraction. Same-day evaluations are available for patients in acute pain or referred urgently. When extraction is confirmed, we discuss tooth replacement options including dental implants and bone grafting to preserve the site for future restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
Removal is often recommended between ages 17 and 25 when roots are not yet fully formed, making the procedure less complex and recovery faster. That said, adults of any age can safely undergo wisdom tooth removal when clinically indicated.
Do all four wisdom teeth have to come out at once?
Removing all four at the same visit is common because it means a single recovery period and a single anesthesia event. If only one or two are problematic, your surgeon may recommend removing only those. Each treatment plan is based on your clinical findings and preferences.
What is dry socket and how do I prevent it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged before the wound heals, leaving bone and nerves exposed. It causes sharp, radiating pain three to five days after surgery. Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing during the first few days of recovery. Contact our office promptly if pain worsens after an initial period of improvement.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to light activity within two to three days. Swelling peaks around day two or three and typically resolves within a week. Full tissue healing takes one to two weeks, though bone continues to remodel for several months.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
That depends on your preference and your surgeon’s recommendation. Local anesthesia alone works for some cases. Most patients undergoing surgical or multi-tooth removal prefer IV sedation or general anesthesia. We discuss all options at your consultation.
Does insurance cover wisdom tooth removal?
Most major dental PPO plans include coverage for wisdom tooth extractions, though benefit levels vary by plan and procedure complexity. We accept Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit, and Cherry is also available. Visit our insurance and financing page for more detail.
Dr. Shadi and Dr. Vahedi bring board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgery training to every procedure at Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, serving patients throughout West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Century City, Westwood, and the surrounding Wilshire corridor. If you are experiencing jaw pain, have been referred by your dentist, or want your wisdom teeth evaluated, request an appointment online to get started.