Wisdom Teeth Removal in Woodland Hills
Third molars usually arrive between the late teens and early twenties, often long after the rest of the smile has settled into place. By then there may not be enough room in the jaw for them. Some come in crooked, some only partway, and some stay trapped under the gum or bone. If you or your teenager in Woodland Hills has started noticing pressure at the back of the mouth, or your dentist has mentioned wisdom teeth at a checkup, we can help you figure out what is happening and what to do next.
Wisdom teeth removal is the extraction of one or more third molars, the last teeth at the very back of each side of the upper and lower jaws. When a wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is easy to reach, we can often remove it with a simple extraction. When a tooth is partially erupted, angled against its neighbor, or still covered by gum or bone, it is considered impacted. In that case we typically need a surgical extraction, which involves gently accessing the tooth beneath the gum.
Knowing exactly where each tooth sits makes the procedure more predictable. That is why we offer CBCT imaging along with 2D and 3D dental imaging in our office. A board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on our team interprets scans for impacted teeth. That detailed view helps us plan each extraction around your specific anatomy rather than guessing from a flat X-ray.
Many Woodland Hills families come to us because they want straightforward answers and a team that handles the whole process. Our office in Thousand Oaks serves patients across the region, including Woodland Hills, West Hills, Calabasas, and Agoura Hills. Our oral surgery services accept patients without a referral, so you can contact us directly to schedule an evaluation.
Because we are a general, family, and cosmetic practice led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, your wisdom tooth care fits into the rest of your dental care. Parents often bring in a teenager for removal and later return for their own cleanings and exams. Having imaging, extractions, sedation, and follow-up care under one roof keeps things simpler for busy households.
Do my wisdom teeth actually need to come out?
Not always. It depends on how your wisdom teeth are positioned and whether they are causing problems now or are likely to later. Some people have enough room for third molars that erupt straight and can be cleaned well. Others have teeth that are impacted, partially erupted, or hard to keep clean, and those situations often call for removal.
During your exam, we look at your imaging, check the surrounding gums and neighboring molars, and talk with you about any symptoms. Common reasons patients consider removal include:
- Pain, pressure, or tenderness at the back of the jaw
- Teeth that have only partially broken through the gum
- Molars growing in at an angle toward neighboring teeth
- Areas behind the last molars that are difficult to brush and floss
- Wisdom teeth found on imaging before they have erupted
If removal makes sense, we explain why and lay out your options. If it doesn't, we let you know what to watch for going forward.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
You can be, but you don't have to be. That choice depends on your comfort level and the complexity of your case. We have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. That range lets us match the level of sedation to the patient, from someone having one simple extraction to someone having all four impacted teeth removed in one visit.
If dental visits make you anxious, please tell us. Anesthesia for patients with dental anxiety is part of what we provide, and we'll go over how each option works so you can decide with confidence. If you choose deeper sedation, plan to have someone drive you home afterward.
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients need a few days of taking it easy, and we'll send you home with clear instructions for your specific procedure. Recovery usually means resting, sticking to soft foods for a while, and being gentle around the extraction sites while they heal. A surgical extraction may call for a little more downtime than a simple one.
We want you to feel supported once you leave our office, too. If something doesn't feel right during healing, call us. We offer emergency dental appointments, so Woodland Hills patients have a dependable place to turn if an urgent concern comes up after treatment.
How can I pay for wisdom teeth removal?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Financing is also available. Because costs vary with the number of teeth, whether they are impacted, and the type of sedation you choose, we review the details with you after your evaluation, before any treatment begins.
Our team is happy to help you understand your coverage and options so there are no surprises. If you live in Woodland Hills and think it may be time to look at your wisdom teeth, contact our office to schedule a visit.