Wisdom Teeth Removal in West Hills
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. They usually make their appearance in the late teens or early twenties, long after the rest of the adult teeth have settled into place. By then, many jaws simply don't have room for them. A tooth that comes in sideways, stays trapped under the gum, or only partly breaks through can be hard to clean and uncomfortable to live with. At 805 Dentistry, we help West Hills patients understand what's happening with their wisdom teeth and decide, without pressure, whether removal makes sense for them.
Wisdom teeth removal is the extraction of one or more third molars. Some come out much like any other tooth, which we call a simple extraction. Others are impacted, meaning they're partly or fully blocked by bone or gum tissue. Those may need a surgical extraction, where we gently open the gum and sometimes divide the tooth into smaller sections so it can be removed with less disruption to the surrounding area. We offer both types of extraction as part of our oral surgery services.
Families from West Hills often come to us because we handle so much under one roof. Our team includes oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial radiology, and dental anesthesiology. That means imaging, sedation, and the extraction itself can be coordinated within our practice instead of across several offices. We also accept oral surgery patients without a referral, so you can contact us directly.
Planning starts with a clear picture of the tooth. Along with standard 2D dental imaging, we provide CBCT imaging, a 3D scan that shows a wisdom tooth's position, its angle, and its relationship to nearby teeth and structures. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist interprets scans for impacted teeth and oral pathology, adding an extra layer of review before treatment.
This detailed view helps us explain your situation in plain terms. We can show you why one tooth might come out easily while another needs a surgical approach, and why some wisdom teeth can simply be monitored at your regular exams. We see patients of all ages, from teens whose third molars are just developing to adults whose wisdom teeth have caused trouble for years.
Who is a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal?
A good candidate is someone whose wisdom teeth are causing problems, or are positioned in a way that's likely to. Common situations include:
- Teeth that are impacted or only partially erupted
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness at the back of the jaw
- Food trapping and difficulty cleaning around the back molars
- Decay or gum irritation affecting the wisdom tooth or its neighbor
- Teeth growing in at an angle toward the adjacent molar
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If yours are healthy, fully erupted, and easy to keep clean, we may recommend keeping an eye on them over time. Our goal is to give you an honest assessment based on your exam and imaging. If a wisdom tooth is causing sudden pain, we also offer emergency dental appointments.
Will I be comfortable during the procedure?
Yes, keeping you comfortable is a central part of how we plan every extraction. Local anesthetic numbs the area, and many patients choose to add sedation. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff.
Sedation can be especially helpful if you feel anxious about dental work or are having several teeth removed at once. During your consultation, we'll walk through each option, explain what it feels like, and help you choose the level of sedation that fits your needs and the complexity of your case.
What should I expect during recovery?
Expect a few days of tenderness and some swelling, with gradual improvement as the area heals. Before you leave, we give you written aftercare instructions covering how to manage discomfort, what to eat, and how to keep the extraction sites clean.
Most patients do best with soft foods at first, plenty of rest, and gentle care around the surgical area. If you received sedation, plan to have someone drive you home to West Hills afterward. If anything concerns you while you heal, call our office and we'll talk it through with you.
How can I pay for wisdom teeth removal?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients as well. Our team will review your coverage with you before treatment, so you know what to expect.
Financing is also available for patients who would like to spread out the cost of care. If you're in West Hills and wondering whether your wisdom teeth should come out, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a consultation. We'll take the time to answer your questions and help you plan your next step.