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Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Francisco, CA

Doctors recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent future oral complications from arising.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Hear from wisdom teeth patients just like you

Watch these patient stories to learn more about wisdom tooth removal at 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists.

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Why get wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, develop last in the mouth and usually erupt between the ages of 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 troublesome teeth can cause a number of 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 a dentigerous cyst, 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. When this happens, the tooth is considered to be 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.
  • Discomfort when opening or closing your mouth.

The wisdom teeth removal process

  • The consultation. One of our oral surgeons will evaluate the wisdom teeth using X-rays and perform an oral examination. This will help us to assess the position of these teeth and create a customized treatment plan. At this time you will also choose the anesthetic option you wish to receive.
  • The day of surgery. Your oral surgeon may simply remove your tooth with forceps if it is visible above the gum line. You will need to undergo surgical removal if your tooth is impacted. The wisdom teeth extraction procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Recovery. Your post-operative instructions will provide you with detailed information about the recovery process. These instructions will guide you in having a smooth recovery and will cover topics such as dietary recommendations, pain management, and using an oral rinse to keep your mouth clean. If you have any questions or if you're experiencing more pain than anticipated, please don't hesitate to contact our office.

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, Westborough, or Stonestown office in San Francisco, CA, for a consultation with one of our oral surgeons and to receive a price estimate.

The value of getting wisdom teeth removed

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

Stem cell banking with Stemodontics®

Are you aware that your wisdom teeth can still be beneficial even after they're taken out? When you decide to have your wisdom teeth removed, you also have the option to preserve the valuable stem cells they contain for potential future use. By choosing to bank these stem cells with Stemodontics, you can have peace of mind. Take charge of your future today and discuss the possibility of stem cell banking with your dentist or oral surgeon in San Francisco.

Wisdom teeth FAQ

WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

Wisdom teeth usually don't have enough space to grow properly in the mouth. As a result, they push and grow into other teeth. When this happens, they become impacted and can cause various health issues such as infection, pain, overcrowding, cysts, and more.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WISDOM TEETH PROBLEMS?

Common symptoms include ongoing bad breath, pain, or sensitivity toward the back of your mouth, or if you can see part of a wisdom tooth poking through your gum line. By regularly visiting your dentist, you can often prevent severe complications associated with wisdom teeth. Through the use of X-rays, dentists can identify the presence of wisdom teeth and keep an eye on their progress. When the time is appropriate, your dentist can refer you to an oral surgeon to discuss possible management options for your wisdom teeth

IS WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for any given surgical procedure. Our staff works with you to obtain maximum reimbursement and establish payment plans that work for you.

IS WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TEETH?

If wisdom teeth have erupted into the mouth, they may be extracted just like other teeth. If they are below the gums, they will need to be surgically extracted..

DOES IT HURT TO HAVE YOUR WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

Some discomfort is to be expected following oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, we offer many forms of anesthesia, including local, IV, and general anesthesia, to ensure your comfort during your procedure. We will also provide post-operative instructions to help you have a smooth recovery.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY?

In general, recovery from wisdom teeth removal takes between 7 and 10 days. However, many patients feel better much sooner than this. We recommend waiting at least 2 days following your procedure before participating in any vigorous activity. Exercising too early could aggravate the blood clot and increase your recovery time and discomfort.

WILL MY FACE SWELL AFTER MY WISDOM TEETH ARE REMOVED?

It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising after getting your wisdom teeth removed. The swelling will typically improve after a few days. You can use an ice pack to help reduce swelling.

OTHER QUESTIONS?

Contact us in San Francisco to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Find us in San Francisco, CA

We have four convenient practice locations to serve you in San Francisco, CA—choose from our West Portal office (on W. Portal Avenue), our Stonestown office (on Buckingham Way), our Westborough office (on Westborough Blvd), or our Van Ness office (on Daniel Burnham Court).