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Wisdom Teeth Removal and Oral Surgery in Santa Monica
Wisdom teeth tend to show up in your late teens or early twenties, often with more problems than perks. If you're experiencing discomfort or your dentist says it’s time for them to come out, you might be feeling both nervous and relieved. Nervous because it’s oral surgery. Relieved because the pain might finally stop.
In Santa Monica, you have access to experienced oral surgeons who perform wisdom teeth extractions regularly. While it might feel like a big deal to you, it’s a routine procedure for them. Whether you need a straightforward removal or a more involved surgery, having the right provider makes the entire process smoother and more comfortable.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal and Oral Surgery?
Wisdom tooth removal is the surgical extraction of one or more of your third molars. These teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Despite the name, there’s rarely anything “wise” about the problems they cause.
Oral surgery covers a wider range of treatments beyond wisdom teeth removal. It includes general tooth extractions, placing dental implants, jaw correction surgeries, treating facial injuries, and removing cysts or other growths. Oral surgeons go through advanced training after dental school to perform these types of procedures.
The problem with wisdom teeth is that our jaws often don’t have room for them anymore. While they may have served a purpose for our ancestors who needed to chew raw, tough foods, today they’re more likely to become impacted, stuck below the gum or angled against nearby teeth.
Some people never have issues with their wisdom teeth. But for many, these molars can lead to crowding, infections, and ongoing pain. If that’s the case, early removal is usually the best move.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to come out? Here are some common signs that it might be time:
- Ongoing pain – Discomfort that doesn’t go away, or comes and goes, can be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing trouble.
- Swelling or redness – Inflamed gum tissue near the back of your mouth is often linked to impacted or partially erupted teeth.
- Shifting teeth – If your other teeth are getting crowded or moving out of place, your wisdom teeth could be the reason.
- Frequent infections – Partially erupted wisdom teeth create small spaces where bacteria can build up, leading to repeated infections.
- Hard to clean – These back molars are tough to reach, making them more prone to decay and gum issues.
Benefits of Teeth Removal
Getting your wisdom teeth taken out isn’t exactly exciting, but the benefits are clear:
Less Pain
The most obvious reason: relief. Once your wisdom teeth are gone, the discomfort they caused goes with them.
Protect Your Smile
Simpler Cleaning
Lower Infection Risk
What to Expect from the Oral Surgery Process
Understanding the process ahead of time can ease your worries. Here’s how it usually goes:
Consultation
First, your oral surgeon will examine your mouth and review X-rays to determine how your wisdom teeth are positioned. You’ll talk about whether they need to be removed and what the procedure involves.
Planning Ahead
Your surgeon will go over anesthesia options—local, sedation, or general—depending on your specific case and comfort level.
Surgery Day
Wisdom teeth removal is typically done in a single outpatient visit. A simple extraction may take just a few minutes, while more complex cases can take longer.
Initial Recovery
After the procedure, you’ll rest briefly as the anesthesia wears off. You’ll be sent home with instructions on how to manage discomfort and promote healing.
At-Home Recovery
Most people need a few days of rest. You'll want to stick to soft foods, avoid strenuous activity, and follow your surgeon’s instructions closely.
Follow-Up Visit
A week or so after surgery, you may return for a follow-up to make sure everything’s healing properly and to have stitches removed if needed.
From start to finish, the process usually takes a couple of weeks, but most people feel significantly better within the first week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods while you heal.
