Wisdom teeth — the third molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties — are the most commonly extracted teeth in oral surgery, and for good reason. By the time these molars erupt, most modern jaws no longer have the space to accommodate them, leading to impaction, partial eruption, crowding of adjacent teeth, infection, cyst formation, and damage to the second molars. Removing wisdom teeth before complications develop is the most predictable way to prevent the more serious issues that often arise when problematic third molars are left in place. While not every wisdom tooth requires removal, every patient benefits from a professional evaluation that includes a 3D scan to assess tooth position, root anatomy, and the proximity of nearby nerves before a recommendation is made.
Dr. David Salehani is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — a specialist who has completed dental school, medical school, a hospital-based surgical residency, and a general surgery internship, the highest level of training available for surgical tooth extraction. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors from State University of New York at Stony Brook, his Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook School of Medicine, and completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Salehani serves as faculty at UCLA Medical Center, has held a seat on the peer review board of the Los Angeles Dental Society for over seven years, and is past president of the Beverly Hills Academy of Dentistry — credentials that distinguish him for both straightforward extractions and the most anatomically complex impacted-tooth cases referred by general dentists across the Los Angeles area.
When Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
- Impaction: Teeth blocked from erupting by bone or adjacent teeth, which often cause pain, infection, or damage to neighboring molars.
- Partial Eruption: Teeth that have broken through the gum but not fully erupted, creating a soft tissue pocket prone to recurrent infection (pericoronitis).
- Crowding of Other Teeth: Pressure from third molars that contributes to misalignment of adjacent teeth, particularly after orthodontic treatment.
- Cysts or Tumors: Fluid-filled cysts or tumors associated with unerupted wisdom teeth that can cause progressive bone destruction if untreated.
- Recurrent Infection: Repeated soft tissue infection around partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- Tooth Decay: Decay in wisdom teeth that are difficult or impossible to restore due to limited access for routine dental care.
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal
The procedure begins with a comprehensive consultation including 3D CT imaging to map tooth position and identify the location of the inferior alveolar nerve and other vital structures. Most wisdom tooth extractions are performed in a single visit under IV sedation or general anesthesia for patient comfort, with the entire procedure typically taking 30 to 60 minutes for all four teeth. After extraction, gauze pressure controls bleeding, and patients return home with detailed post-operative instructions, prescription pain medication, and antibiotics when indicated. Most patients return to non-strenuous activity within two to three days, with full soft tissue healing complete in two weeks and bone healing continuing for several weeks beyond that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
The optimal time for evaluation is between ages 16 and 22, before tooth roots are fully formed and bone density increases — early removal is associated with faster recovery, lower complication rates, and easier surgery, though wisdom teeth can be removed at any age when problems develop.
Will I be awake during wisdom tooth surgery?
Most patients choose IV sedation or general anesthesia, which provides a comfortable, sleep-like state during the procedure — local anesthesia alone is also an option for patients who prefer to remain fully awake for less complex extractions.
How long is recovery after wisdom tooth extraction?
Most patients return to school or non-strenuous work within two to three days, with significant improvement over the first week and complete soft tissue healing in two weeks — strenuous exercise should be avoided for three to four days to minimize bleeding risk.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself is painless under sedation or local anesthesia — post-operative discomfort is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication for the first two to three days, with most patients describing the recovery as more uncomfortable than truly painful.
Will my insurance cover wisdom tooth extraction?
Most dental and medical insurance plans cover wisdom tooth removal, particularly when the teeth are impacted or causing complications — the practice’s billing team can verify benefits and coordinate any required pre-authorization before treatment.
What is dry socket and how can I prevent it?
Dry socket is a painful complication that occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site dislodges before healing — it is largely preventable by avoiding smoking, drinking through straws, vigorous rinsing, or intense physical activity during the first few days after surgery.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in West Hollywood
To schedule an evaluation for wisdom tooth removal with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, contact Sunset Oral and Facial Surgery at (310) 275-3635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Salehani at our West Hollywood office, serving patients throughout Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the surrounding communities.
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