Wisdom Tooth Removal in West Covina

At Dentist of West Covina, we know the pain of a throbbing wisdom tooth. You're not alone! A large portion of the adult population experiences the need for wisdom tooth removal. This obnoxious, unhealthy situation is most often dealt with through wisdom tooth removal.

To reduce pain, improve your oral health and overall sense of well-being, our office provides you with the safest, gentlest, and most effective wisdom tooth extraction possible.

What's The Difference Between Wisdom Teeth And Molars?

Wisdom teeth are often called the third molars. The primary difference between molars and your third molars is that wisdom teeth are the last to develop and often do not grow in properly.

These are the last set of teeth to erupt, if they do at all. Many times, wisdom teeth never crown above the gumline, or do so in much later than other teeth, which is part of why adults and teens often require their removal.

Wisdom teeth can develop normally and become a healthy, functional part of your oral cavity. Other times, the teeth may become impacted, become infected, or cause other oral health issues.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Appear?

Everyone is different, so wisdom teeth will start to emerge at different times. For many, they begin showing themselves in the late teen years. For others, its early adult years. Typically, the eruption will occur between 17 and 23 years of age.

What's the Difference Between An Erupted And Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

When the tooth cuts through the gum and starts to show visibly in the mouth, the tooth is deemed "erupted." Eruption simply means emerging. This erupted tooth may be properly functioning and not need removal. However, they may develop crookedly or only partially erupt. When this happens, the wisdom tooth will need to be removed.

An impacted wisdom tooth, on the other hand, is a wisdom tooth that does not emerge properly, due to a lack of space for normal development. The tooth develops in the wrong position and this is referred to as an impacted tooth.

Why Do I Need Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but a large portion of the population does. There are multiple complications, beyond the pain of an impacted wisdom tooth, that may result in this need for removal.

When your mouth is overcrowded or you have an impacted wisdom tooth, we will recommend wisdom teeth removal.

Additionally, you may need your wisdom teeth removed if you constantly have sinus complications, such as pain, pressure, or persistent congestion.

Can Early Wisdom Tooth Removal Prevent Oral Health Complications?

If wisdom teeth are removed at the first sign of trouble, this removal can help prevent infection, overcrowding of teeth and a potential need for orthodontic treatment.

Can Wisdom Tooth Removal Prevent Or Diminish Pain?

Wisdom tooth removal can prevent pain from occurring down the road and reduce underlying or overt pain you may be experiencing now.

What's The Cost For Wisdom Tooth Removal?

There are several factors that affect the cost of wisdom tooth removal.

Is the tooth impacted or erupted?
How many need to be removed?
Is there an infection?

Most dental insurance plans do cover wisdom tooth removal.

What Can I Expect For My Wisdom Tooth Removal?

When you come into our office, we will do everything we can to ensure your comfort. You will consult with our dentist after x-rays and an examination, during which your treatment options will be discussed, including which wisdom teeth need to be removed now.

Once your treatment plan has been chosen, you will return to our office for the extraction. We will administer the desired sedation option to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Then we will carefully and expertly make an incision in your gum. The tissue that connects the wisdom tooth to the bone will be gently removed, and the wisdom tooth itself will be extracted.

We will apply self-dissolving sutures, followed by gauze, to minimize any bleeding. This will also protect your gums from debris and bacteria, reducing your risk for infection post procedure. A pain medication will be prescribed, with detailed instructions for use, and you'll be on your way to recovery.