Wisdom Tooth Extractions - Torrance, CA

Removing Unnecessary Teeth to Improve Your Oral Health

At Blue Coast Dental, we provide services for patients of all ages, and as your child grows, there are certain milestones and what we call “rites of passage” many will experience along the way. One of these is wisdom tooth extractions in Torrance, CA. Although not all patients need their wisdom teeth removed, it is often a common and necessary procedure for pre-teens, teenagers, and even some adults. If the word “extraction” sounds scary, don’t worry. Our team of expert dentists and staff make patient comfort our top priority, so if it’s time to say goodbye to those third molars, trust that you’ll have a safe and effective procedure that will result in optimal oral health. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, call our dental office today.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

An extracted tooth

When looking at a diagram of the mouth, you’ll notice there are large molars that appear on each side of the jaw. They are the last ones in the back and are considered your “third molars.” Typically, these are the last to erupt through the gum line, but some patients never experience an eruption. Oftentimes, wisdom teeth can become impacted because, by the time they try to push through, there isn’t enough room for them. When this happens, swelling, pain, and tenderness can occur, resulting in the need for wisdom teeth extractions in Torrance.

Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Animated smile with impacted wisdom tooth

When considering why you might need a wisdom tooth extracted, there are a few reasons, including:

Your tooth is impacted, meaning it has not erupted through the gum line.
It is causing immense pain and sensitivity.
The tooth is pressing against your nearby teeth, causing them to shift and become misaligned.
It is developing out of alignment or at an angle

It may also be necessary to remove wisdom teeth if one of our dentists is concerned about potential oral health problems that could develop in the future.

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

A dentist talking to a male patient

No, they do not. Some people go their entire lives never having to experience wisdom tooth extraction. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, are fully erupted, are positioned correctly and can be easily cleaned, there may be no reason at all to have them removed.

It will ultimately be up to one of our dentists to determine if you need a wisdom tooth extraction.

How Does the Tooth Extraction Process Work?

A young girl giving the thumbs up in the dentist chair

This common procedure is considered routine, and your dentist will be able to perform it in a short amount of time. Administering general anesthesia, we will numb the area(s) in which the teeth need to be removed.

Then, if the tooth has partially erupted, the dentist will gently rock the tooth back and forth until it detaches. However, if the tooth is impacted, a small incision in the gum line will be made and the dentist will begin the removal process. If necessary, your tooth may need to be cut into pieces for easier removal.

Once the tooth is removed, you will bite down on a piece of gauze for 30-45 minutes. This will reduce the amount of bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form. You will most likely experience some swelling and pain, but we will prescribe you with the necessary medication to help relieve discomfort. Make sure to take any pain medication or antibiotics as instructed.

You will want to avoid sipping through a straw or spitting to prevent the blood clot from dislodging. It is also important that you spend an ample amount of time relaxing and resting after your procedure.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions FAQs

From the reasons to get your wisdom teeth extracted to the process itself, reading through the above information can give you valuable insight into what you can expect from this procedure. If you are ready to schedule your appointment, we encourage you to get in touch with us via website or by phone. However, if you still have a few questions on your mind, that’s okay too! Below, we’ve responded to a few of the most frequently asked questions to make finding the answer you are looking for as seamless as possible.

Do Wisdom Teeth Extractions Hurt?

One of the most common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth extractions (or any dental work) is if the procedure will hurt or not. Fortunately, if you’ve been wondering something similar, you’ll be happy to know the process is relatively pain-free! That’s because the first step is to use a local anesthetic to numb the area entirely. Once it’s time to leave the treatment chair, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions designed to keep you as comfortable as possible, including using a cold compress and taking OTC or prescribed pain medication as directed.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Extractions?

Typically, the recovery process takes around three to four days. However, it could take up to a week depending on how many teeth were extracted and whether or not they were impacted. In the days following the procedure, some swelling around the extraction site and in your cheeks is expected. Around the 7–10-day mark, the stiffness and soreness should subside as well.

What Foods Can I Eat Following My Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

After your wisdom teeth are removed, it is of the utmost importance that you avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy items, which can inflame and irritate the extraction site. Instead, stick to soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and other soft foods. You should also quit poor dental habits, like smoking and chewing on ice. Indulging in either of these can significantly delay the healing process and potentially cause complications.

How Can I Speed Up the Healing Process?

The healing process can be a bit boring, especially if you are usually on the go. If you are looking to speed up your recovery, there are a few best practices you can implement:

Focus on resting the first couple of days. Pushing yourself too soon can dislodge the blood clot and cause further complications.
Use a cold compress. Placing an ice pack against the outside of your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time can reduce puffiness and discomfort.
Avoid hot foods and beverages. Items that are extremely warm in temperature can prolong sensitivity and delay healing. If you choose to drink coffee or tea, make sure it’s lukewarm.
Gently rinse with salt and water. After the first day, gently rinse with a mixture of salt and warm water. This solution acts as a natural disinfectant and will keep the area clean.