Wisdom Teeth Removal

Schedule a wisdom teeth removal service consultation

If you have pain in the back of your mouth, swollen gums, jaw discomfort, or suspect your wisdom teeth are causing problems, schedule an evaluation with Vaksman Dental Group.

Call Vaksman Dental Group at (650) 588-3710 or book an appointment online to schedule your wisdom teeth removal service consultation in South San Francisco.

What is wisdom teeth removal service?

Wisdom teeth removal is a dental procedure used to remove one or more third molars when they are painful, impacted, infected, difficult to clean, or causing problems for nearby teeth and gums.

The procedure may be recommended when wisdom teeth are partially erupted, trapped under the gums, growing at an angle, damaging nearby teeth, or creating recurring inflammation around the back of the mouth.

At Vaksman Dental Group, wisdom teeth removal begins with a dental exam and X-rays so we can understand the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend the safest next step.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of the mouth. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom, although some people have fewer or none at all.

These teeth often appear in the late teen years or early adulthood. In some cases, there is enough space for them to come in properly. In other cases, there may not be enough room, which can cause the teeth to become impacted or only partially erupt through the gums.

When wisdom teeth do not come in correctly, they may create pain, swelling, infection, cavities, gum problems, or pressure on nearby teeth.

Common signs you may need wisdom teeth removal

You may need a wisdom teeth evaluation if you notice:

• Pain in the back of the mouth
• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Difficulty opening your mouth comfortably
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
• Food getting trapped behind the back molars
• Gum irritation around a partially erupted tooth
• Pressure near the back teeth
• Repeated infections around the gums
• Tooth decay near the wisdom tooth
• Pain that comes and goes around the jaw
• Swelling around the jaw or cheek

Some wisdom teeth cause symptoms right away. Others may create problems slowly over time. A dental exam and X-rays can help determine whether wisdom teeth removal is needed.

What are impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that do not fully come through the gums or do not have enough room to grow in normally. They may be trapped under the gum tissue, partially visible, or angled toward nearby teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth may grow:

• Straight but trapped under the gums
• At an angle toward the second molar
• At an angle toward the back of the mouth
• Horizontally inside the jaw
• Partially through the gums

When a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted, it can be harder to clean. This may allow bacteria and food particles to collect around the area, increasing the risk of gum irritation, infection, cavities, and discomfort.

Wisdom teeth removal options at Vaksman Dental Group

Every wisdom tooth case is different. Some wisdom teeth can be monitored during routine dental visits, while others may need to be removed if they are painful, impacted, infected, difficult to clean, or affecting nearby teeth.

How we evaluate wisdom teeth

Your wisdom teeth consultation begins with a conversation about your symptoms and a dental exam. We will ask when your pain started, whether symptoms come and go, and whether you have noticed swelling, pressure, or difficulty chewing.

Your evaluation may include:

• Review of your symptoms and dental history
• Examination of the back teeth and gums
• X-rays to evaluate wisdom tooth position
• Assessment of gum inflammation or infection
• Review of nearby teeth for cavities or damage
• Discussion of whether removal is recommended
• Explanation of treatment options and next steps

The goal is to determine whether your wisdom teeth should be removed, monitored, or referred for specialized surgical care if the case is more complex.

When is wisdom teeth removal recommended?

Wisdom teeth removal may be recommended when a wisdom tooth is causing symptoms or has a high risk of creating oral health problems.

Common reasons for removal include:

• Pain or swelling
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Repeated gum infections
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease around the back molars
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Cyst formation around an impacted tooth
• Difficulty cleaning the area
• Pressure or crowding concerns
• Jaw discomfort linked to wisdom teeth

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, easy to clean, and not affecting nearby teeth, your dentist may recommend monitoring them during routine visits, including dental cleanings and exams.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal?

The exact process depends on how many wisdom teeth need to be removed and how they are positioned. Some wisdom teeth are easier to remove if they have fully erupted. Others may require a more involved extraction if they are impacted under the gum or bone.

In general, the process may include:

1. A dental exam and X-rays
2. Review of your medical history
3. Discussion of your treatment plan
4. Numbing the area before the procedure
5. Careful removal of the wisdom tooth or teeth
6. Post-treatment instructions for healing
7. Follow-up guidance if needed

Before treatment, our team will explain what to expect and answer your questions so you feel prepared. If your wisdom tooth pain is urgent, our emergency dental services may help you get evaluated sooner.

Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?

Your comfort is important. The treatment area is numbed before wisdom teeth removal to help reduce discomfort during the procedure. After the extraction, it is normal to experience some soreness, swelling, tenderness, or mild bleeding as the area begins to heal.

Our team will provide aftercare instructions so you know how to care for the extraction site, manage swelling, choose appropriate foods, and reduce the risk of complications.

If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, worsening swelling, or symptoms that concern you after treatment, contact the dental office promptly.

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal

Recovery depends on the complexity of the extraction and your individual healing process. Many patients need to rest after the procedure and follow a soft-food diet for a short period.

After wisdom teeth removal, you may be instructed to:

• Rest for the remainder of the day
• Use cold compresses as directed
• Eat soft foods
• Avoid drinking through a straw
• Avoid smoking or vaping
• Avoid vigorous rinsing at first
• Keep the extraction area clean as instructed
• Take medications only as directed
• Follow all post-operative care instructions

Following your aftercare instructions is important for proper healing and reducing the risk of problems such as dry socket or infection.

What foods can you eat after wisdom teeth removal?

After wisdom teeth removal, soft foods are usually recommended while the area begins to heal. Your dentist will provide specific instructions based on your case.

Common soft-food options may include:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Soup that is not too hot
• Oatmeal
• Soft pasta
• Cottage cheese
• Protein shakes
• Smoothies without a straw

Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, sticky, or very hot foods until your dentist says it is safe to return to your normal diet.

Wisdom teeth removal vs monitoring

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. The best decision depends on your symptoms, X-rays, tooth position, oral hygiene, and risk of future problems.

Why choose Vaksman Dental Group for wisdom teeth removal?

Vaksman Dental Group is a South San Francisco dental practice serving patients throughout the Bay Area. Our team provides comprehensive dental care in a welcoming environment, with a focus on comfort, communication, and long-term oral health.

Patients choose our office for wisdom teeth evaluations and removal because we offer:

• Personalized dental exams and X-rays
• Clear explanations of your treatment options
• Gentle, patient-centered care
• General, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dental services in one office
• Same-day services and emergency appointments when available
• PPO insurance acceptance
• Membership plans for patients without insurance
• Flexible payment options
• Convenient South San Francisco location

We also help patients understand their dental insurance and payment options before treatment, so they can make informed decisions with greater confidence.

Our goal is to help you understand whether wisdom teeth removal is needed and make your treatment experience as comfortable and clear as possible.

When should you call a dentist about wisdom teeth?

You should schedule a dental visit if you have pain, swelling, pressure, bad breath, gum irritation, or repeated discomfort around the back molars.

Call a dentist promptly if you experience:

• Severe wisdom tooth pain
• Swelling around the jaw or cheek
• Signs of infection
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Pain when chewing
• A bad taste that does not go away
• Bleeding or tender gums near the wisdom tooth
• Fever or worsening symptoms

Early evaluation can help prevent wisdom tooth problems from becoming more painful or complicated.