Wisdom Teeth Removal San Diego, La Jolla & Clairemont
Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, crowding, and serious infections when there isn’t enough space for them to erupt properly. Our experienced dental team provides safe, gentle, and efficient wisdom teeth removal using advanced techniques to ensure maximum comfort and a smooth recovery. We proudly serve patients in San Diego, La Jolla, Clairemont, and surrounding communities, offering professional, same-day wisdom teeth extractions in a calm and caring environment in San Diego.
Is It Time to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow correctly. When they become impacted or come in at the wrong angle, they can cause a number of painful and serious problems. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or noticing a shift in your other teeth, it may be time to consider wisdom teeth removal.
Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth:
Impaction:
The tooth gets trapped under the gum or in the jawbone, leading to pain and infection.
Crowding:
As wisdom teeth push through, they can cause your other teeth to shift, potentially ruining years of orthodontic work.
Gum irritation:
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to inflammation and discomfort
Infection:
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create an opening for bacteria, leading to infections and swelling.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
The pressure and angle of a growing wisdom tooth can damage the neighboring molar.
If wisdom teeth are pushing your other teeth out of alignment, schedule a consultation for orthodontics in San Diego to maintain a balanced smile.
Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth often begin causing problems slowly, and many patients don’t realize the symptoms are connected to their third molars. If you notice any of the signs below, it may be time to consider wisdom teeth removal before the issues become more serious.
Common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
- Swollen or irritated gums around the last molars
- Crowding or shifting teeth, especially after orthodontic treatment
- Frequent headaches or ear discomfort
- Bad breath or a bad taste caused by trapped bacteria
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Food getting stuck behind partially erupted teeth
These symptoms often indicate that third molars don’t have enough room to grow, are erupting at an angle, or are becoming impacted. Identifying these early warning signs helps prevent infections, damage to nearby teeth, and more complex extractions later on.
Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
We understand that the thought of wisdom removal can be stressful. Our team is committed to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, from your first consultation to your final follow-up.
Risks and Recovery Time for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Recovery Time is usually faster than expected, but patience is key. Most patients need 2 to 3 days of total downtime to manage swelling and rest. Like any minor surgery, wisdom tooth removal carries potential risks. The most common issue is a “dry socket,” which occurs if the protective blood clot is dislodged by smoking or using straws too soon. However, these risks are minimized significantly by choosing an experienced surgeon and strictly following your post-operative instructions.
Patient Stories
Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth
Leaving problematic or impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to serious complications. Common issues include persistent jaw pain, swollen gums, damage to neighboring teeth, infections, and cyst or abscess formation. Additionally, delaying removal may result in the need for a more complex and higher-risk surgery in the future. Early detection and timely extraction help minimize long-term risks and ensure a smoother recovery.
Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal
The ideal time to remove wisdom teeth is usually in the late teens to early twenties, when roots are not fully formed and the surrounding bone is softer, making the procedure and recovery easier. Early removal can prevent potential problems such as impaction, pain, and crowding, while also shortening recovery time and reducing post-operative discomfort.
Meet Dr. Ali Fakhimi
Cosmetic Dentistry Specialist | 1,000+ Successful Cases
Patients travel from across California to work with Dr. Fakhimi He is easy to talk to, pays close attention to detail, and consistently delivers great results.
1,000+
Successful Smile Makeovers
25+ Years
Changing Smiles in San Diego
Expert in
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Frequently Asked
Question
No. We use effective local anesthesia and sedation options to ensure the procedure itself is pain-free. While you may experience some discomfort during recovery, it is manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
Most patients feel well enough to return to normal activities within a few days. The main swelling and discomfort typically subside within 3 to 4 days.
The cost depends on the complexity of the case (e.g., if the teeth are impacted). We will provide a detailed estimate during your consultation and can help you understand your insurance coverage.
While it is possible to remove all four wisdom teeth in a single procedure, most patients experience more discomfort, swelling, and difficulty eating and drinking afterward. We recommend staging the extractions to reduce complications and make recovery more manageable.
The ideal time is typically in the late teens or early twenties, as the roots are not fully developed and the bone is less dense, leading to an easier procedure and a quicker recovery.
Consult With Our Team
Check if it’s the right time to remove your wisdom teeth. Get in touch with our team today to schedule