Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Francisco, CA

Removing Third Molars

Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth that come in and commonly cause a variety of dental health problems. In many cases, wisdom teeth removal is recommended to prevent complications.

Removal of wisdom teeth can help reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay in nearby teeth, as well as bad breath. In some cases, it can also help to prevent damage to neighboring teeth if the wisdom tooth is pressing against them and causing misalignment. Additionally, wisdom teeth removal can improve oral hygiene by preventing food from becoming trapped in difficult-to-reach areas.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, develop last in the mouth and usually erupt between the ages 17 and 25. Unfortunately, they often encounter a lack of space, leading to their forceful pushing through the gum line or growing at awkward angles.

Left untreated, these teeth can cause complications, including:

• Impaction. The tooth cannot erupt properly because it is stuck in the bone or gum tissue.
• Infection. When the molars fail to grow properly, they may not receive proper cleaning and can become infected. This can contribute to gum disease.
• Root damage. Wisdom teeth are so large that they can damage adjacent teeth.
• Dental crowding. The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth, so when 32 teeth try to squeeze in, it can be problematic.
• Cysts and tumors. Bacteria and infection can cause tumors or fluid-filled sacs, also known as dentigerous cysts, to form around these teeth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When a tooth can't properly erupt in the mouth, it may grow at an angle toward your other teeth or even remain trapped beneath the gums and/or stuck in the jaw bone.

When this happens, the tooth is considered impacted and can cause many other problems. Learn more about impacted wisdom teeth here. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have impacted wisdom teeth:

• Bad breath that won’t go away.
• Pain, swelling, pressure, or sensitivity in the back of your mouth.
• An unpleasant taste, indicating infection.
• Jaw pain.
• Discomfort when opening or closing your mouth.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery

When you first come to 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of San Francisco, you will meet with one of our experienced oral surgeons. They will listen to your concerns, review and/or order any X-rays or 3D imaging, and determine the right time for your wisdom teeth removal.

Your surgeon may use local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or intravenous (IV) sedation to make you comfortable during the procedure. Your options for anesthesia will be discussed with you during your consultation.

After the anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom tooth. If the tooth has already erupted, it can be extracted just like any other tooth extraction.

Unerupted wisdom teeth must be surgically removed. If the tooth is partially or completely beneath the gums, your surgeon will first make a small cut into the gum tissue where the wisdom tooth is located. They will then remove any of the soft tissue that surrounds the tooth before proceeding with extracting it from its socket in the bone. In some cases, your surgeon may need to break the tooth into sections for easier extraction.

Once the tooth has been removed, your surgeon will close the wound with sutures. Gauze may be used to encourage a blood clot to form in the socket, which helps to prevent dry socket, a common complication of wisdom tooth extraction. You will be sent home with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

The wisdom teeth extraction procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

When it comes to recovering from a wisdom teeth removal procedure, there are several important considerations to help you have a smooth recovery:

• Monitor progress. It is important to monitor your healing progress following surgery. Your surgeon will send you home with instructions on proper dental care and your schedule for follow-up visits. You must follow these instructions closely to ensure proper healing and avoid complications such as dry socket or infection.
• Relieve discomfort. To help minimize discomfort and swelling, your surgeon may recommend applying an ice pack to the area. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help. Your surgeon may prescribe a stronger medication if needed.
• Minimize risk of infection. It is important to keep the extraction site clean following surgery. You should brush and floss your teeth, but avoid the extraction site for at least 24 hours. Your surgeon may recommend using a salt water rinse or an antibacterial mouthwash to promote healing and prevent infection.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow correctly and pose no problems to your teeth or oral health. However, this is rarely the case. When wisdom teeth are left untreated, they can put your oral and overall health at risk. It's recommended to have your or your child's wisdom teeth evaluated by a professional to determine a course of action.

The cost of wisdom teeth removal in San Francisco, CA

Wisdom tooth extraction procedures vary in cost depending on your insurance coverage, the number of teeth that need to be extracted, the type of anesthesia selected, and more. Our staff works hard to maximize your insurance reimbursement. We offer competitive prices for our area as well as convenient payment plan options.

Visit our West Portal, Van Ness, South San Francisco, or Stonestown office in San Francisco, CA, for a consultation with one of our oral surgeons and to receive a price estimate.