Expert Third Molar Extraction
Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars to develop, are a common rite of passage but can often lead to significant dental challenges. Due to a lack of space in the modern jaw, these teeth frequently fail to erupt properly, putting your long-term oral health at risk. At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, our team specializes in managing wisdom teeth, and we encourage early evaluation at our Santa Cruz office to prevent problems before they begin.
Our expert oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe, have years of hospital-based training beyond dental school in performing complex oral surgery. They are committed to providing every patient with an outstanding treatment experience, ensuring your wisdom teeth removal is as safe, comfortable, and efficient as possible.
Why Extract Wisdom Teeth?
It is very common for wisdom teeth to become impacted, or stuck beneath the gum line, leading to a host of complications. An early wisdom tooth extraction is a preventive measure to protect your smile. A few of the most common issues include:
- Dental Crowding and Damage: An impacted wisdom tooth can grow at an angle, pushing against adjacent teeth. This pressure can damage tooth roots, undo years of orthodontic work, and disrupt the natural alignment of your smile.
- Infection and Tooth Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets that are difficult to clean, trapping bacteria and leading to painful gum infections (pericoronitis) and tooth decay in both the wisdom tooth and the vital second molar in front of it.
- Cysts and Tumors: Though less common, cysts or tumors can form in the tissue surrounding an impacted tooth. If left untreated, these growths can cause significant damage to the jaw bone, requiring more extensive surgical care to resolve.
Some people have all four wisdom teeth, while others have fewer or more. This variation makes a professional evaluation with an oral surgeon essential for every young adult.
What Signs & Symptoms Require Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You may need your wisdom teeth removed if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Pain: A dull, throbbing ache or sharp pain located at the very back of your mouth.
- Gum Inflammation: Gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleed easily around the back molars.
- Jaw Discomfort: Stiffness, soreness, or difficulty opening your mouth wide.
- Bad Breath or Taste: A foul taste or odor that persists even after brushing, caused by trapped bacteria.
- Shifting Teeth: Noticeable crowding or movement in your other teeth as wisdom teeth push for space.
- Sinus Issues: Pressure, pain, or congestion in the sinus area, which can be related to upper wisdom teeth.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to schedule a consultation at our Santa Cruz office.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
Your first step is a consultation with Dr. Lewis, Dr. Lloyd, or Dr. LaMothe. During this visit, we will perform a thorough oral exam and use our advanced CT machine to capture precise 3D images of your teeth and jaw. This allows our oral surgeon to map the exact location of each tooth and plan the tooth extraction for maximum safety and efficiency. We will also discuss your anesthesia options in detail, from local anesthesia to sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, to ensure your complete comfort.
Before your procedure, we will provide clear pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Following these guidelines is crucial for a successful surgery and helps minimize post-operative pain and reduce the risk of complications. We will ensure all your patient information is reviewed and any questions you have are answered.
On the day of your surgery, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from our dental office. After the agreed-upon anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will perform the wisdom teeth removal and suture the sites. The length of the procedure depends on the number and complexity of the extractions. Your recovery begins immediately, and you can expect gradual improvement each day by following our care instructions.
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.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Santa Cruz, CA
At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, our team prioritizes your long-term oral health. Dr. Lewis, Dr. Lloyd, and Dr. LaMothe routinely perform wisdom teeth extraction for teens and adults throughout the Santa Cruz area. If your general dentist has recommended removal, or if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward a healthier smile.
Stem Cell Banking at MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery
Did you know that your wisdom teeth contain a powerful supply of your own stem cells? Through our partnership with Stemodontics™, you have the opportunity to bank these cells during your wisdom teeth removal procedure. This simple choice gives you peace of mind, preserving valuable cells that could be used for future regenerative therapies. Ask our team how you can invest in your future health 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
"My wisdom tooth, off and on, was acting up. I couldn't eat on the right side because the wisdom tooth was embedded underneath another tooth. Dr. Lewis, I think, is most professional. His staff was also very helpful. I had no more pain afterwards – none whatsoever. In today's world, we forget that there are doctors like Dr. Lewis that make sure that the patient, at least I, was well taken care of."
"I came to see Dr. Lewis because I needed to get my wisdom teeth out when I was 15. He took me in and told me how it was going to go and told me the steps, and he put me to sleep, and I woke up, and everything was fine. The recovery was quicker than I expected. He's a great surgeon, and the recovery was perfect. The staff was amazing; they were really nice. I remember one of the ladies was super sweet to me. When she brought me in, she was the one who made me fall asleep, and I think she held my hand during it, I'm pretty sure. I would definitely recommend MOSA Oral Surgery."
"I came to see Dr. Lloyd to get my wisdom teeth out. So, I came in here the morning of at 8 a.m., and they had me sit here for about 20 minutes just to calm me down, and then they took me back, and we talked for a few minutes. My mom came with me, and they just started making jokes, making me laugh while they were doing all the prepping, and then they put the needles in, and then I woke up, and I was fine. The way that they treat you is like family. It's like a giant Italian family here. Everyone is so sweet, and they're all funny, and they always crack jokes to make you just less stressed about the whole process. Dr. Lloyd — opening up to him and just talking to him about it, you can tell that he's a really soft person, and he's hilarious. I'd recommend MOSA Oral Surgery."
"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 Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth out. When I first walked in, everyone here was really nice. I was really nervous to get my wisdom teeth out. The doctor and team here helped calm me down by asking me questions before I went under. My surgery went really easy. Dr. Lloyd is a very nice person. He's a very good doctor. I was really comfortable when he took out my wisdom teeth. My recovery was really good. I was happy. If any of my friends in Marina would want to get their wisdom teeth out, they should come to MOSA Oral Surgery because it's really nice, and they make you feel really comfortable. You're in good hands when you're here."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a dry socket after tooth extraction?
A dry socket is a painful complication that occurs if the protective blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. Following all post-operative instructions, such as avoiding straws and smoking, is the most effective way to prevent this from happening.
2. What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery typically involves a few days of rest with manageable swelling and discomfort. We will provide detailed instructions on how to manage post-operative pain, what foods to eat (such as soft, non-dairy products), and how to keep the area clean to ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process.
3. What happens if wisdom teeth erupt while I have braces?
Erupting wisdom teeth can create pressure that works against your orthodontic treatment, potentially causing crowding and shifting. We collaborate closely with local orthodontists to time the wisdom tooth removal perfectly, ensuring your investment in a straight smile is protected.
4. How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Santa Cruz, CA?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on factors like how many teeth are being removed, the complexity of the impacted wisdom teeth, and the type of anesthesia you choose. We will provide you with a transparent, detailed cost estimate during your consultation.
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.