Wisdom Teeth

Treating severe tooth pain, advanced decay, or gum disease may sometimes require oral surgery. A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth when it can no longer be saved or when keeping it would compromise your oral health.

At Smile Arc Dental Group, we provide safe and comfortable tooth extractions and oral surgery services for patients throughout the San Diego area. Whenever possible, we aim to preserve natural teeth. However, extraction may be necessary in cases of extensive decay, advanced periodontal disease, trauma, or infection.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

A tooth may need to be removed if it is:

• Severely decayed beyond repair
• Loosened due to advanced gum disease
• Fractured below the gum line
• Infected and unresponsive to root canal treatment
• Causing crowding or alignment issues

Wisdom teeth are also commonly removed if they are impacted or affecting surrounding teeth.

Comfortable & Safe Extraction Procedures

Dental extractions are performed in our office using local anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable. For patients who feel anxious or require more complex treatment, sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or general anesthesia may be available.

Recovery time is typically short. Most patients experience mild swelling or discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth healing process.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 , often called the “Age of Wisdom.” While some individuals have adequate space for proper eruption, many do not.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Often Need Removal?

In many cases, the jaw does not have enough room to accommodate wisdom teeth. When they cannot erupt properly, they may:

• Grow sideways
• Partially emerge through the gum
• Remain trapped beneath the gum and bone (impacted)

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, swelling, jaw stiffness, and pain. Partially erupted teeth create openings where bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of infection and gum disease.

Potential Complications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth may cause:

• Damage to neighboring teeth
• Shifting of natural alignment
• Cysts or tumors around the tooth
• Jawbone destruction

Early removal is often recommended to reduce surgical risks and prevent future complications.

What to Expect After Wisdom Tooth Surgery

Wisdom tooth removal may be performed under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or general anesthesia depending on your needs. After surgery, mild swelling and discomfort are normal. Cold compresses and prescribed medication help manage symptoms.

You may need to follow a modified diet initially and gradually return to normal eating habits as healing progresses. Our team is always available to answer questions and support your recovery.