Removing Third Molars
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of molars to grow in with the rest of our permanent teeth. When there isn’t enough room for them to grow into the correct position, they often become impacted or infected during development and require removal. It is usually best to remove wisdom teeth in the mid to late teens to avoid the complications they can cause.
At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, our oral surgeons routinely extract wisdom teeth at our office in Monterey, CA. Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe have years of experience extracting problematic teeth and work with patients of all ages, including young children and teens. We encourage all patients to maintain checkups at a dentist to identify wisdom tooth growth early and monitor their development for timely removal.
When Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Necessary?
Each patient’s wisdom teeth begin to erupt from beneath the gums at different rates. Our third molars start growing as early as age 12 and may finish maturing during the early 20s. Many patients develop all four wisdom teeth in the mouth. However, developing more or fewer wisdom teeth is also common. Unless wisdom teeth have enough room to grow and function normally, oral surgeons recommend early removal, as third molars are not necessary for daily oral function. The complications they can cause far outweigh the benefits of the third set of molars, such as dental crowding or the development of cysts beneath the gums.
Causes of Wisdom Teeth Complications
When wisdom teeth do not grow in the mouth at the proper angle, there is a greater risk that they will be impacted, or remain stuck beneath the gums, and cause complications. A few of the common issues commonly caused by impacted wisdom teeth include:
- Dental crowding (impaction)
- Periodontal gum disease (infections)
- Damage to surrounding teeth and gums
- Cysts, tumors, and other unnecessary growths
Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to keep clean with regular oral hygiene habits, which can lead to problems. The best way to avoid complications is by identifying wisdom teeth early, monitoring their growth, and removing them when necessary.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
During the initial consultation, our surgeons will complete a thorough oral examination and X-ray evaluation of the wisdom teeth. 3D CT imaging allows our doctors to determine each tooth’s relationship with the rest of the healthy teeth in the mouth and develop the most efficient plan for removal. We will also review all options for anesthesia during the procedure, including IV sedation, which allows our patients to rest comfortably while we complete the treatment. Dr. Lewis, Dr. Lloyd, and Dr. LaMothe offer many anesthesia options at our Monterey, CA, office and will help you select the right option for your needs.
The length of the surgery will depend on the number of wisdom teeth requiring removal, their size, and their current position in the mouth. After administering the agreed upon anesthesia, we will carefully remove all teeth and suture the surgical areas. Patients undergoing IV anesthesia should have a responsible adult drive them to and from the office and monitor them until the anesthesia has completely worn off. We will also provide specific care instructions to follow before and after the surgery for your safety and optimal recovery.
Types of Anesthesia
Selecting the right anesthesia option for treatment is an important decision, so we keep patients informed of their options. Below, we have listed the types of anesthesia most commonly used in oral surgery.
Removing Wisdom Teeth in Monterey, CA
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in the extraction of wisdom teeth and work with patients all over Monterey County. If your general dentist has told you that you should have your wisdom teeth evaluated for removal or you are experiencing pain around your wisdom teeth, we encourage you to contact our office for a consultation. We look forward to caring for you and your family at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery.
Stem Cell Banking at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery
Do you want to experience every benefit from your child’s wisdom teeth extraction? If you bank the stem cells stored in wisdom teeth, you can give yourself peace of mind when it comes to health issues in the future. With Stemodontics™, your wisdom teeth will be there when specialized cells in your body need to be replaced. Take a bet on your future health and talk to your team of dental professionals about banking stem cells today!
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
"I came here to see Dr. Lloyd for my wisdom teeth. They were starting to hurt my mouth and I just knew that it was time for them to get out. I’ve been friends with Dr. Lloyd for quite a long time, so I knew there was no other person I’d like to go to. Dr. Lloyd is so funny and he can crack a joke at any given time and make people laugh and feel really comfortable, so that’s why I just really trust him and he’s just a great guy. The actual surgery itself was way quicker than I anticipated, and then my recovery time went perfectly. The team here treated me very, very well. I feel a lot better. If any of my friends in Pacific Grove need to get their wisdom teeth out, I would definitely recommend Dr. Lloyd. "
"I was very nervous when I found out I had to get my wisdom teeth taken out. I heard my friends have stories where they were in pain for weeks after, and then once I got them taken out, I was really fine. I didn't feel much pain. With Dr. Lloyd, I trusted him and knew him already, so really he told me how it was all going to happen before, and then after I got them taken out, he was really there. He called to check up on me for the next couple days and made me really comfortable. My recovery was very fast. I got them taken out on a Friday, and then I was back to baseball practice on that Monday, so I was fine within a couple days. The staff was great. From my consultation, I met the ladies, and they were all great the whole time. They were all very comforting. Definitely, I would recommend the oral surgery. It took me out of pain right away, and it was just very relieving once I got it done."
"I had to get my wisdom teeth out because I was in pain. I was nervous, but then talking with the staff and talking with Dr. Lloyd made me really comfortable. I was in no pain after. Everything was smooth. Dr. Lloyd was really great and nice and made everything comfortable. Dr. Lloyd did call me after and asked how I was doing. Everything was fine. The staff here was really nice. They made sure I had everything I needed. It did turn out better than what I expected."
"I came here to see Dr. Lloyd to get my wisdom teeth extracted. I was nervous about getting my wisdom teeth extracted. All my friends did not have the best experience. My procedure was effortless and easy. Dr. Lloyd was a great surgeon, and he treated me with a lot of care and respect. The people at MOSA Oral Surgery reassured me about my wisdom teeth extraction by getting it over quickly without having me dwell on it, and that was actually really helpful. For any of my friends in Carmel, Monterey, or even Salinas needed their wisdom teeth taken out, I would refer them to MOSA Oral Surgery."
"I came to MOSA to get my wisdom teeth out. When I first walked in, I felt like MOSA was really classy and elegant. At first I was nervous, but I knew that I was in really good hands. Dr. Lloyd is a really nice doctor. If you’re nervous, he’ll talk to you and make sure that you’ll be okay for the procedure. The team is also really cool. They were all really nice, and they made sure that I wasn’t nervous anymore. My procedure was really easy. My recovery was really easy as well. I feel like a brand new person. I’d rate my experience here five stars. If I had any friends that needed to get their wisdom teeth out, I’d definitely tell them to come to MOSA."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I eat normally after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
Right after wisdom teeth removal, it's best to stick to soft and liquid foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes for a few days. As your mouth heals, you can gradually add more solid foods. Your oral surgeon will give you specific recommendations based on your recovery.
2. What is a dry socket after tooth extraction?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot protecting the extraction site is lost too soon, exposing the bone and causing pain. To avoid this, avoid activities like rinsing too hard, using straws, or smoking after your extraction.
3. What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery can vary, but mild swelling, discomfort, and a stiff jaw are common for the first few days. Most people can go back to normal activities within a day or two, though it can take up to two weeks for full healing. Follow your surgeon's instructions, take prescribed meds, use ice packs for swelling, and avoid heavy activities.
4. How long does the wisdom teeth extraction procedure take?
The time needed for wisdom teeth removal depends on factors like tooth position and complexity, typically taking 45 minutes to over an hour. Your oral surgeon will provide a more accurate estimate based on your individual case.
The Central Coast’s Premier Oral Surgery Practice
MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery proudly serves Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding communities by providing quality oral surgery services that can change lives. Whether you need a simple extraction or a complex procedure, we are ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We invite you to take the first step toward enhanced oral health and contact our office to schedule a consultation today.