Wisdom Teeth
Voted "Best in San Diego," La Jolla Oral and Facial Surgery is the go-to choice for Wisdom Teeth Removal.
Our practice is AAAHC Accredited to provide optimal care with the highest possible standards.
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Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as "wisdom teeth."
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed.
Unfortunately, this is not normally the case. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness.
The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth.
The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth.
Removal of the impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
I experienced excellent care from the moment I entered your office until I left. Everyone was very helpful and made sure I was well taken care of, the experience was AWESOME!
Kathleen F.
Ask the Doctor - the Importance of an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Ask the Doctor - When should you have your wisdom teeth removed?
Patient Stories
I felt really comfortable.. I wasn't nervous at all because I knew what was going on... It was great.
Lateef
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Drs. Gramins and Lin can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth to see if there are current or predicted future problems.
Studies show that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Drs. Gramins and Lin have the training, license, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
Removal Procedure
Removal of wisdom teeth is usually performed under IV sedation/general anesthesia. In some rare cases laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or local anesthesia may be used for your procedure.
These options, as well as the surgical risks, will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative care instructions, a prescription for pain medication, and antibiotics.
All patients receive a follow-up call after surgery and are encouraged to call our office if questions arise.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Our practice is AAAHC Accredited to provide optimal care with the highest possible standards.
Appreciated everyone being kind and up front on pricing, timing, etc… Dr. Lin did a great job explaining everything to my daughter.
Ashely A.
Pediatric Anesthesia - A walk through the process
Wisdom Teeth Management
