Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Francisco, CA

Why get wisdom teeth removed?

Many oral surgeons and dental professionals recommend removing wisdom teeth during the mid to late teen years because this is typically when they begin to develop. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop and emerge in the mouth. Unfortunately, there typically isn’t enough room for them, which causes them to push and shove their way through the gum line or grow at awkward angles.

If these troublesome teeth are left untreated, they can cause a number of complications, including

Impaction. The tooth becomes stuck beneath the gums and cannot properly emerge through the gum line.
Infection. When the molars cannot grow properly, they may not be able to be properly cleaned and can become infected.
Root damage. Wisdom teeth are so large that they can grow towards your healthy teeth and damage their roots.
Dental crowding. Teeth push nearby teeth around when they try to make room for themselves. 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 cysts or tumors to form around these teeth when left untreated.

Removing your wisdom teeth can prevent these problems from arising. If you think that it’s time to get your or your child’s wisdom teeth evaluated by experts you can depend on, make an appointment with 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists in San Francisco, CA, today!

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A tooth can be bossy when it wants to be, and when it can’t properly erupt in the mouth, it may grow in sideways or at an angle towards 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.

If a tooth partially erupts through the gums, the opening around the tooth allows room for bacteria to grow, which can cause an infection. You could experience symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, pain, or illness from the pressure of a wisdom tooth trying to emerge and move your other teeth out of the way. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, feel free to contact our office in San Francisco, CA, so that Dr. Duncan, Dr. Scharf, Dr. Patwardhan, Dr. Yang, or Dr. Tolstunov can evaluate your condition.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have impacted wisdom teeth:

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

The team at 7x7 Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists has experience in handling wisdom teeth cases. No matter what your oral surgery needs are, our experts are here to help. Our doctors are all board-certified or board-eligible and are eager to answer your questions and concerns regarding wisdom teeth removal.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

The wisdom teeth removal procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. You must have a responsible adult present in the office to drive you home afterward and remain with you for the rest of the day, in case you need assistance while the anesthesia wears off.

Every patient is different, but you can expect a typical wisdom tooth extraction to go as follows:

The consultation. One of our oral surgeons will meet with you during your consultation and evaluate the wisdom teeth using X-rays and perform an oral examination so that we can assess the position of these teeth. It’s common to have wisdom teeth evaluated by a dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon during a child’s mid to late teen years. After your procedure is discussed and a treatment plan has been made, you will receive detailed pre- and post-operative instructions.
The day of surgery. If your tooth can be seen above the gum line, your oral surgeon may simply remove it with forceps. If your tooth is impacted, you will likely receive an IV for general anesthesia. If this is the case, your oral surgeon will make small incisions in the gum tissue and remove a small amount of bone, if needed, to extract the impacted teeth. Then, the surgical site will be stitched closed.
Recovery. You can expect to sleep for the rest of the day following your procedure. You will be driven home by your prearranged designated driver, who should stay with you for the next 24 hours to provide assistance while you are still under the effects of anesthesia. Everything that you need to know will be carefully outlined in your post-operative instructions, like how to lessen swelling, stay comfortable, and care for your surgical site. If you have any questions during recovery or are experiencing pain beyond what is expected, do not hesitate to contact our office.

The cost of wisdom teeth removal in San Francisco, CA

Wisdom teeth procedures vary in cost depending on your insurance coverage, the number of teeth that need to be extracted, what kind of anesthesia is 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.

The best way to calculate the cost for getting wisdom teeth removed is to visit our West Portal, Van Ness, or Stonestown office in San Francisco, CA, for a consultation with one of our oral surgeons.

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.

By visiting our West Portal, Van Ness, and Stonestown offices for wisdom teeth removal, you are taking the necessary steps toward protecting your and your family’s oral health. Our staff consists of highly trained and capable experts who have undergone many years of hands-on training and are excited to care for you and your family. Additionally, our oral surgeons receive training in the safe administration of anesthesia, and we will discuss these options with you during your consultation. If you have any questions about wisdom teeth or want to learn more about the other oral surgery services that we offer, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help!

Wisdom teeth FAQ

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

There is often not enough room for wisdom teeth to properly grow and emerge in the mouth, which causes them to push and grow into other teeth. When this happens, they are considered to be impacted and can lead to health problems such as infection, pain, overcrowding, cysts, and more. It’s recommended to get them removed early before these problems arise.

What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth problems?

If you are experiencing ongoing bad breath, pain or sensitivity toward the back of your mouth, or if you can see part of a wisdom tooth emerged through your gum line, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed. The best way to figure this out is to contact our office and set up a consultation appointment.

Is wisdom teeth removal covered by insurance?

The cost of getting your wisdom teeth removed is determined by a variety of factors, such as the type of anesthesia used, the number of teeth that need to be removed, and the extent of the extraction procedure. 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?

Wisdom teeth are large and don’t grow like other teeth. Their roots often grow in different directions or can be fused together, which can be more difficult to remove because of their relative proximity to the nerve. Whether your wisdom teeth are big or small, we are experts in delivering exceptional care and treatment that you can depend on.

Does it hurt to have your wisdom teeth removed?

Our practice offers a variety of anesthesia options so that you can rest comfortably during your procedure. Depending on the extent of the surgery, general anesthesia may be used, which will cause you to sleep comfortably and not experience any pain during surgery. For simple extractions, a local anesthesia may be used. We will discuss all of your anesthesia options with you during your consultation so that you know exactly what to expect.

How long is recovery?

Recovery after getting your wisdom teeth removed generally takes between 7 and 10 days. This can vary depending on the extent of your procedure. To ensure you have a smooth and speedy recovery, please follow our detailed post-operative instructions carefully. We recommend waiting at least 2 days following your procedure before participating in any vigorous activity because 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, and any bruising should heal shortly after that. You can use an ice pack to help reduce swelling.