Wisdom Teeth Removal & Oral Surgery in Murrieta

When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth usually need to come out when they’re causing problems or are likely to. These third molars are the last teeth to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25, and many mouths don’t have room for them.

If you’re hurting now, see our page on wisdom tooth pain.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and the ADA list these common reasons for removal:

• Pain, swelling or jaw stiffness near the back of the mouth
• Infection or gum disease around a tooth that has only partly come in
• Cavities in a wisdom tooth that can’t be repaired
• Cysts or tumors forming around the tooth
• Crowding or damage to the neighboring molar
• Food and bacteria getting trapped where it’s hard to clean

What does it mean when a wisdom tooth is impacted?

An impacted wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to grow in normally or break fully through the gums. It may stay trapped under the gum, come in only partway or grow in crooked or sideways.

A tooth that doesn’t hurt can still cause trouble. AAOMS notes that the back of the mouth is hard to clean, so impacted teeth can develop gum disease, decay and infection, and cysts can form around them.

That’s why your dentist examines your mouth and takes X-rays before recommending removal. Our office is adding updated technology, including 3D imaging and digital X-rays; learn more about 3D dental imaging.

What is the right age for wisdom teeth removal?

There’s no single right age, but when removal is needed, dentists often recommend it in the late teens or early 20s. AAOMS explains that at younger ages the roots aren’t fully formed and the jawbone is softer, which can make removal easier.

Having wisdom teeth checked during regular visits in the teen years helps you plan ahead instead of waiting for pain. Parents are welcome to stay with their child during visits, and our children’s dentistry page has more on care for kids and teens.

Wisdom teeth sometimes need to come out as part of a plan for braces or clear aligners, too.

What happens during wisdom tooth removal?

Specialist care for oral surgery will be available right here at Golden Triangle Dentistry in Murrieta, so you will not need to travel to another office. Nitrous oxide has been offered here for anxious patients; ask our team which comfort options will be available for your visit.

Wisdom tooth removal is a common outpatient procedure, so you go home afterward to rest. Cleveland Clinic describes these typical steps:

• The teeth and gums are numbed with local anesthesia. Some people also have sedation to help them relax.
• If a tooth is trapped, a small opening is made in the gum.
• The tooth is loosened and lifted out, sometimes in sections.
• The area is cleaned, and stitches are placed if needed.
• Gauze is placed over the site to slow bleeding.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

Most people feel close to normal within about a week, though the socket takes longer to heal completely. AAOMS notes full healing can take up to six weeks. Here’s a typical timeline from Cleveland Clinic:

• Days 1 to 3: light bleeding, swelling and soreness are expected. Keep your head raised and use cold packs.
• Days 4 to 7: pain, swelling and bleeding should ease.
• Weeks 2 to 4: gum tissue grows over the socket. Hard and crunchy foods can usually return around weeks 3 to 4.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Stick with soft, easy-to-swallow foods that need little chewing for the first few days, such as soups, yogurt and mashed potatoes. Add firmer foods back gradually as you feel ready.

Let soups cool so they aren’t hot, and skip spicy, hard, chewy and crunchy foods while your gums heal. Chew on the other side of your mouth.

Drink plenty of water from a cup, not a straw, since suction can loosen the clot. Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding carbonated and alcoholic drinks for at least five days.

What is dry socket, and how can you prevent it?

Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the empty socket breaks down or comes loose, leaving bone and nerves exposed. AAOMS says it usually shows up within a few days and is most common after wisdom tooth removal.

Signs include severe pain, pain that spreads toward the ear, eye, temple or neck on that side, bone you can see in the socket, and a bad taste or smell. Call right away if you notice them.

To lower your risk, don’t smoke, skip straws for at least the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid vigorous rinsing or brushing near the site for at least 24 hours, and tell your dentist about any medicines that affect clotting.

What other teeth may need to be extracted?

Besides wisdom teeth, a tooth may need to come out because of a deep infection, gum disease, an injury or crowding, according to MedlinePlus. A tooth may also need to come out when damage is too severe to repair.

Simple extractions are often done by a general dentist, while more complex ones may involve sedation and removing some gum or bone. Before a damaged tooth is removed, ask whether root canal treatment could save it.

If a tooth does come out, talk with us about filling the space with a dental implant or bridge. For payment choices, including CareCredit, see dental financing.

Questions & answers

Common questions