Wisdom teeth removal in San Jose, CA

Wisdom teeth removal is often recommended to avoid costly and uncomfortable oral health problems that can arise when these molars remain untreated. We offer wisdom teeth extractions in Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Milpitas, California, at all of our state-of-the-art office locations.

Removing wisdom teeth in San Jose, CA

The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth, and when wisdom teeth develop, there usually isn’t enough room to accommodate an extra set of molars. This is why many dental professionals recommend removing wisdom teeth early. Younger patients often recover quicker and their wisdom teeth have not yet fully developed, which tends to lead to a smoother procedure and faster recovery.

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are large, and their roots are unpredictable. They can damage the health of nearby teeth and cause a variety of health complications that may require costly dental care in the future. If you or your child are in need of an evaluation, contact us for an appointment. We will provide a thorough oral exam and take 3D scans of your face and mouth to accurately detect the state of your wisdom teeth.

To read common questions about having your wisdom teeth removed, visit our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ page.

Common symptoms of wisdom teeth

There are many reasons to have wisdom teeth extracted. In some cases, you will be able to see the top of the tooth poking up through the gums. Other patients have no symptoms of wisdom teeth, which is why it’s important to attend regular dental checkups to track the development of your teeth.

If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us for an appointment:

  • Seeing the top of a wisdom tooth poking up through the gum
  • Ongoing bad breath
  • Cysts, or tumors near the back of the mouth
  • Pain, swelling, or pressure near the back of the mouth

Dr. Beech and Dr. Reid are both board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), which holds them to the highest standards of patient care. When you visit Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery you and your child are in excellent hands.

Wisdom teeth removal procedure in San Jose

Many patients undergo general anesthesia, which allows them to sleep comfortably during their surgery and wake up when it is over. If you choose to undergo general anesthesia, you must have a responsible adult present in the office during and after your procedure to drive you home. A typical extraction takes between 30 and 60 minutes, but this will vary depending on the number of teeth that need to be removed and if the teeth are impacted or visible above the gum line.

During your consultation, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and face so that we can see the exact position and size of your wisdom teeth. We will discuss your options for anesthesia and provide you with detailed pre and post-operative instructions, which will guide you through your treatment with us.

On the day of your surgery, we will administer the selected form of anesthesia. If a tooth is visible above the gum line, your doctor will loosen it with forceps and simply remove it. If you have impacted teeth, your doctor will make small incisions in your gum and remove a small amount of bone, if needed, to remove the teeth. Any surgical sites will be stitched closed, and you will rest comfortably in our recovery area while the anesthesia wears off.

You will likely feel sleepy for the rest of the day and should follow your post-operative instructions closely to ensure proper healing. You may receive a prescription for pain medications although over-the-counter pain medication may be sufficient.

EXPAREL® for opioid-free pain management

Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery is dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic in America by offering EXPAREL, a long-lasting, non-narcotic option for pain management. EXPAREL is administered directly to the surgical site by your doctor during surgery and begins working before the anesthesia wears off. It numbs the area for several hours after surgery and is chosen by many patients looking to safely manage pain and avoid the need for opioids.

With EXPAREL, you can reduce or completely eliminate your need for prescription pain medication or opioids after surgery. You can learn more about EXPAREL on our anesthesia options page or on EXPAREL’s official website.

Wisdom teeth removal cost in San Jose

The cost of your wisdom teeth removal procedure will vary depending on how many teeth need to be extracted, your choice of anesthesia, and the details of your insurance coverage. Our office is conveniently in-network with Cigna PPO and Delta Dental PPO and we are happy to discuss payment plan options with you.

We will outline the cost of your procedure during your consultation, as well as answer any questions that you have regarding the procedure, insurance details, payment plans, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment in San Jose, CA, with our board-certified oral surgeons.

Benefits of removing wisdom teeth

When you remove wisdom teeth early, you are taking a positive step toward protecting your oral health. Leaving third molars untreated can lead to costly surgical procedures in the future and even put the health of your other teeth at risk.

Benefits of removing wisdom teeth include:

  • Relieve pain or swelling
  • Prevent cysts, tumors, and infection
  • Protect the health of nearby teeth
  • Preserve the alignment of your teeth

Stem cell banking with Stemodontics®

After your wisdom teeth are removed, you can have the stem cells harvested from them. These cells can differentiate into different cells in the body and can be stored in a secured laboratory for future use. Our practice is a certified Stemodontics provider, and we are happy to discuss your options for stem cell banking following wisdom teeth extraction. Visit our stem cell page to learn more or go to the Stemodontics website to enroll today.

Wisdom teeth FAQ

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If wisdom teeth align properly, there is enough room in the mouth, and gum tissue is healthy, they do not have to be removed. However, this is rarely the case. Wisdom teeth should be removed when they cannot properly emerge. They may grow in any direction or become impacted, which can result in swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness, not to mention the pressure from the erupting teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the natural alignment of the teeth.

Do I need X-rays?

In order to get a clear picture of the shape, size, and development of your wisdom teeth, we will take 3D scans of your face and mouth during your consultation appointment. Our office is equipped with advanced technology that exposes patients to less radiation, takes scans quickly, and minimizes risks during surgery. Visit our 3D scanning page to learn more.

What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth coming in?

Some symptoms include pain in the jaw, tenderness, swelling around the gums, discharge if an abscess or infection is present, or you may be able to see it poking through the gum behind your second molar. In some cases, people don’t have any visible or noticeable symptoms of wisdom teeth pain.

What’s the difference in wisdom teeth removal versus other teeth?

Wisdom teeth don’t grow like other teeth. If they become impacted, they have a more angled position that will need to be sectioned into pieces before extracting. If the tooth hasn’t erupted yet, it will require an incision in the tissue to access the tooth. Additionally, the anatomy of a wisdom tooth’s root can be shaped in a variety of ways, grow separately, or fuse together. Irregularly shaped roots can be difficult because of their relativity to the nerve.

How much will it cost?

Every patient is different and many factors are taken into consideration, such as insurance and the extent of the surgery. Contact our office to schedule an appointment, where we will determine the cost for your specific procedure.

Will it hurt?

There are a variety of different anesthesia options that could be used during your procedure to maximize your comfort and ensure you experience as little pain as possible. We want you to feel comfortable and at ease during your time with us. Many patients undergo general anesthesia during this procedure, allowing them to sleep comfortably and wake up when it is over. Generally, our patients experience minimal pain and discomfort both during and after their procedure.

How do I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?

Follow the pre-operative instructions that we provide very closely to reduce the risk of complications during your procedure. If you are undergoing general anesthesia, it’s important not to have anything to eat or drink 8 hours prior to surgery. If you have questions after reading the pre-operative instructions, please contact our office. We are happy to help, and we want to do everything we can to ensure you have a positive and comfortable surgical experience.

How long will it take to recover?

The recovery period is typically between 3 and 5 days; however, this may vary depending on the extent of your procedure. Following our detailed post-operative instructions closely will ensure a smooth, speedy recovery.

Other questions?

We’re here to help! Contact us with any questions or concerns.

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