Wisdom Teeth Removal in Aliso Viejo, CA
Comfortable Third Molar Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop and often start to erupt into the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. Many dentists and oral surgeons recommend having these molars removed before they cause a number of oral health complications.
At OC Oral Surgery, Dr. Ahn regularly extracts wisdom teeth in the comfort of our state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Ahn is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is qualified to administer all types of anesthesia to ensure your comfort. If you or your child have wisdom teeth, contact our office in Aliso Viejo, CA, to schedule a consultation and see if wisdom teeth extraction is necessary.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. The average mouth doesn’t have enough room for an extra set of molars, which can become problematic as these teeth try to squeeze in. Wisdom teeth roots are unpredictable and can damage nearby teeth, roots, and nerves. Most people develop between one and four wisdom teeth, while others develop more than four or none at all.
Why Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
It is very rare that wisdom teeth develop properly and do not cause any problems. Many people suspect the eruption of their wisdom teeth when they start to feel pain or swelling toward the back of their mouth. However, it’s important to know that wisdom teeth may not cause any symptoms at all and still be recommended for removal.
If left untreated, wisdom teeth can cause many oral health complications, including:
- Impaction. When a tooth becomes trapped beneath the gum, it is considered to be impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth will not erupt naturally and require surgical removal.
- Infection. Impacted or partially erupted teeth are difficult to clean around, which can lead to infection, gum disease, or tooth decay.
- Nerve Damage. Wisdom teeth have large, unpredictable roots that can potentially grow toward and damage the nerves in the mouth and jaw.
- Root Damage. These large roots can also grow toward the healthy roots of other teeth, which can cause damage.
- Tumors and Cysts. A lot of bacteria between a tooth and the gum can cause painful cysts or tumors to form.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
We will take 3D scans of your mouth during the consultation and create your custom care plan. Dr. Ahn will explain the details of your procedure and help you select the right type of anesthesia. There are many options available, including local anesthesia, general anesthesia, laughing gas, and IV sedation.
On the day of your surgery, your doctor will administer the chosen form of anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will remove visible wisdom teeth using forceps. To remove an impacted wisdom tooth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and extract the tooth.
Your recovery begins as soon as your procedure ends, and we will provide post-operative instructions to guide you through the recovery process. After the procedure, a responsible adult must drive you home if you underwent IV sedation and should remain with you for 24 hours.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several options for anesthesia and sedation.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the number of teeth that need to be extracted, your choice of anesthesia, and the details of your insurance coverage. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of wisdom teeth removal. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to find out the extent of your coverage. During your consultation, we will provide you a cost estimate for your treatment and discuss your payment and financing options.
Bank Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth
OC Oral Surgery has partnered with Stemodontics® to give you and your child the opportunity to bank stem cells from wisdom teeth. Stem cells can differentiate into other types of cells to heal the body and can potentially be used in regenerative medicine and other therapies. These molars house a plethora of stem cells; once extracted, the stem cells within them can be stored for future use.
If you or your child encounter illness or injury in the future, simply contact Stemodontics to have the stem cells shipped to your healthcare provider, who can then use these cells for potentially life-saving medical treatment. During your consultation, we will talk about your options for stem cell banking. By choosing to bank stem cells from wisdom teeth, you invest in your or your child's future health.
Stem cells can potentially be used in life-saving regenerative medicine, and you can bank these powerful cells from wisdom teeth. Watch the video to learn more!
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Aliso Viejo, CA
Our oral surgery office is located in Aliso Viejo, CA, right off of California State Route 73 at La Paz Road, near Mission Viejo, CA. We proudly serve patients of all ages in Orange County and invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation for your or your child's wisdom teeth removal. Dr. Ahn will closely evaluate your oral health and create a custom care plan for your needs.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
"My name is Claire, I live in Rancho Santa Margarita, and I got my wisdom teeth removed. The overall environment is very clean and comfortable and welcoming and the doctors and staff at OC Oral Surgery made me feel at ease. They do a very good job of ensuring that you feel safe, and overall they were very warm and welcoming. Dr. Ahn did a great job with my surgery. It was a very quick and easy procedure and recovery process. To my friends and family in Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, and Dana Point, I would definitely recommend coming to OC Oral Surgery."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right age for wisdom teeth removal?
We recommend having wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible. As third molars develop, they become more firmly embedded in the jaw, which can make extraction more complicated. Additionally, younger patients tend to recover faster. Make sure you attend routine visits with your dentist, who will take X-rays to track the development of wisdom teeth and refer you to an oral surgeon when it's time to have them removed.
How can I prevent a dry socket?
Dry socket occurs when the forming blood clot within an empty tooth socket becomes dislodged. This condition can be painful because bone and nerves are exposed. You can prevent a dry socket by not smoking or using straws after surgery, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot. If you suspect a dry socket, contact our office immediately.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
We will remove your wisdom teeth while using anesthesia or sedation, so you will not feel discomfort during surgery. Some degree of swelling and discomfort can be expected following any surgical procedure, but this will subside quickly. During your recovery, you can manage any pain with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
When can I return to work or school after wisdom teeth removal?
Many patients return to work or school 1–2 days after their wisdom teeth removal. You should take as much time as you need to recover. Although you can resume your normal activities when you feel comfortable, remember that it will take about 2 weeks for the surgical sites to heal, and you should follow your instructions regarding dietary and activity restrictions accordingly.
Your Trusted Oral Surgery Experts in Orange County
OC Oral Surgery is committed to providing our patients with personalized oral surgery treatment and achieving exceptional clinical outcomes. Contact our office in Aliso Viejo, CA, to get started and to see how oral surgery can benefit your health and confidence.