Wisdom Teeth Removal in Simi Valley
Wisdom teeth usually show up in the late teens or early twenties, and for many people there simply isn't enough room at the back of the jaw for them. A third molar may come in sideways, stay trapped under the gum, or break through only partway, leaving a spot that's hard to clean. If you or your teenager is feeling pressure behind the back molars, or your dentist has mentioned impacted teeth on an X-ray, our team at 805 Dentistry can evaluate the situation and handle the removal under one roof. Simi Valley families come to our Thousand Oaks office for exactly this kind of care, and you don't need a referral to schedule.
Wisdom teeth removal is the extraction of one or more third molars, the last teeth to develop at the very back of the mouth. Some come in straight and fully erupted, and removing them is a simple extraction. Others are impacted, meaning bone or gum tissue blocks them. Those typically require a surgical extraction, where the tooth is reached through the gum and sometimes removed in sections.
Not every wisdom tooth has to come out. The decision depends on how the tooth is positioned, whether it has room to function, and whether it is affecting the teeth and tissue around it. We look at each tooth individually rather than assuming all four need the same approach. That is especially relevant for the younger patients we see, since our practice cares for children and adults of all ages.
Your first visit starts with an exam and imaging. Along with standard 2D X-rays, we offer CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows the exact angle of each wisdom tooth and its relationship to nearby nerves, sinuses, and neighboring molars. We also have a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on staff who interprets scans for impacted teeth and oral pathology. That detail helps us plan the extraction before treatment day.
From there, we walk you through what we found and what we recommend. Many Simi Valley patients appreciate that imaging, consultation, sedation, and surgery are all handled by the same practice, so there's no shuffling between offices or waiting on records to transfer. If your general dentist has already taken images, our radiology team can also interpret scans submitted by outside providers.
Who is a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal?
Good candidates are patients whose wisdom teeth are impacted, partially erupted, crowding other teeth, or difficult to keep clean. Common situations we evaluate include:
- Wisdom teeth trapped beneath the gum or bone
- Teeth erupting at an angle toward the neighboring molar
- Partially erupted teeth that trap food and bacteria
- Recurring soreness, swelling, or pressure in the back of the jaw
- Teenagers and young adults whose imaging shows limited room for the third molars
Some patients come in only after the pain starts. We offer emergency dental appointments, so if a wisdom tooth flares up suddenly, call us and we'll work to see you promptly.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
That depends on what makes you most comfortable, and we offer several options. Our office provides nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff.
Many patients feel nervous about oral surgery, and that's understandable. Nitrous oxide can take the edge off for a straightforward extraction, while IV sedation or general anesthesia may be a better fit for multiple impacted teeth or for patients with significant dental anxiety. We'll review your health history and the complexity of your case before recommending a level of sedation, and we'll explain how to prepare for your appointment.
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery is a process of letting the extraction sites heal, and following your aftercare instructions makes a real difference. Before you leave, we'll give you written guidance on managing bleeding, swelling, and discomfort, along with what to eat and how to keep the area clean.
If you had sedation, plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Over the following days, take it easy, stick to soft foods, and avoid anything that could disturb the healing sites. If something doesn't feel right, contact us. You can reach the same team that performed your procedure.
How can I pay for wisdom teeth removal?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your plan applies. Patients without insurance are welcome too, since we accept self-pay patients.
We also offer financing for patients who prefer to spread out the cost. Ask about it during your consultation so you know your options before treatment begins. Whether you're scheduling for yourself or your teenager, our Simi Valley neighbors can count on clear answers about cost from the start.