Early human ancestors may have welcomed a third set of molars for chewing raw plants and meat, but today, wisdom teeth can do more harm than good. Often, these teeth struggle to find space in smaller modern jaws, which makes removal a must.
At LA Dental Town, our skilled providers offer comprehensive exams and digital X-rays to spot any problems early. If necessary, we perform extractions right here in our East Los Angeles, California, office to ensure seamless care in a familiar setting.
Do you have questions about your teen’s — or your own — emerging wisdom teeth? Take a moment to get some answers and learn when removal is the best path forward.
When wisdom teeth begin to appear — typically between the ages of 17 and 25 — they often face challenges growing in properly due to limited jaw space.
One common concern is impaction, where the tooth is trapped — growing sideways, at an angle, or only partially breaking through the gums. It can press on neighboring teeth and potentially cause shifting or root damage.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean, which creates areas where bacteria thrive. This can result in painful infections or cavities in the wisdom tooth or adjacent molars.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, properly aligned, and not causing any problems, there’s generally no reason for extraction. We keep a close eye on them during your regular checkups to make sure no issues start to develop.
But when these teeth don’t have enough room to grow in correctly, removal is the right choice. We recommend extraction if your wisdom teeth are causing persistent pain, recurring infections, or tooth decay. Other reasons for removal may include:
Removing problematic wisdom teeth early, during the teen and young adult years, may result in an easier procedure and quicker recovery. However, we can safely remove them at any age.
At LA Dental Town, our patients’ comfort and safety are our top priorities. If you’re feeling anxious, we offer oral sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm your nerves during the extraction.
Our in-house oral surgeon begins by numbing your teeth and gums with a local anesthetic. The procedure itself typically takes about an hour, but that can vary depending on how many wisdom teeth we’re removing and their position.
After your wisdom tooth removal, it’s normal to experience some pain, swelling, and even bleeding. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage these side effects and promote healing. Some general guidelines include:
Avoid drinking through a straw or smoking, as the suction created in your mouth can dislodge the blood clot that forms over the extraction site. This can slow healing and potentially lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
While it might take a week or more to feel completely back to normal, most people can resume light activities like school or work within three to five days.
If you’re concerned about wisdom teeth, our expert team can give you peace of mind. Contact LA Dental Town today to schedule an appointment.
