Relief from wisdom tooth pain, and a plan before problems start
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, usually arriving in the late teens or early twenties. For some people they come in straight and cause no trouble. For many others, there simply isn’t enough room. At Happy Teeth, Dr. Bruce Edward King monitors wisdom teeth with digital X-rays, explains whether removal makes sense, and handles extractions in our Mar Vista office, so you’re not left guessing.
Wisdom tooth pain? Call (310) 391-0699. We often see urgent cases the same day.
Signs your wisdom teeth may need attention
- Pain or pressure at the back of your jaw
- Red, swollen, or tender gums behind your last molars
- Bad taste or bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Food getting trapped behind your back teeth
- Crowding or shifting of your other teeth
- Headaches or jaw aches with no other clear cause
Even without symptoms, X-rays can show wisdom teeth that are growing at an angle, pressing on neighboring molars, or forming a cyst. Those situations are often easier to treat early.
Do you need your wisdom teeth removed?
Not always. Dr. King recommends removal when a wisdom tooth:
- is impacted (trapped under the gum or bone) and pushing against other teeth
- is only partly erupted, creating a pocket where bacteria and food collect
- has decay or gum disease that can’t be cleaned properly
- is causing repeated infections (pericoronitis)
- threatens orthodontic results or the health of the second molar next to it
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and easy to clean, we may simply keep an eye on them at your regular checkups.
What to expect
Evaluation
We’ll take digital X-rays to see the position of each tooth, its roots, and nearby nerves. Dr. King will explain what he sees and whether the teeth can be removed in our office.
The procedure
Most extractions are done with local anesthetic to numb the area completely, and sedation is available when appropriate to help you relax. You’ll feel pressure but shouldn’t feel sharp pain. Erupted wisdom teeth can often be removed in a single short visit.
Complex cases
When a wisdom tooth is deeply impacted or sits very close to a nerve, the safest choice may be an oral surgeon. In those cases, we coordinate the referral for you with a trusted surgeon nearby, so you’re seen quickly. We’re still here for your follow-up care.
Recovery and aftercare
Most people feel back to normal within three to five days. To heal well:
- First 24 hours: bite on gauze to control bleeding, rest, and keep your head raised.
- Swelling: use a cold pack on your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, for the first day.
- Food: stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies (no straw), mashed potatoes, and soup that isn’t hot.
- Avoid straws, smoking, vaping, and spitting forcefully for at least 72 hours. Suction can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket.
- Cleaning: after the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
Call us if pain gets worse after day three, if you have a fever, or if bleeding won’t stop. For more tips, read our guide to things to avoid after a tooth extraction.
Cost and insurance
Fees depend on how many teeth are removed and whether they’re erupted or impacted. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of medically necessary extractions. We’ll review your benefits and give you a clear estimate before treatment. Financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry.
Wisdom teeth FAQ
What age should wisdom teeth be checked? Ideally in the mid-to-late teens, when the roots are still forming and removal is usually simpler. Adults can have them evaluated at any age.
Will I be asleep? Most patients are comfortable with local anesthetic, and sedation is available when appropriate. We’ll discuss which option suits you.
How long does the procedure take? A simple extraction can take less than 30 minutes. Your appointment time depends on how many teeth are involved.
What is a dry socket? It happens when the blood clot in the socket comes loose too early, exposing the bone. It’s painful but treatable. Avoiding straws and smoking greatly lowers the risk.
Can I go to work or school the next day? Many people return after a day or two of rest. If your job is physically demanding, plan for a few more days.
Ready to find out if your wisdom teeth should come out? Call (310) 391-0699 to schedule an evaluation at Happy Teeth, 3793 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066.
