Impaction
The tooth is trapped under the gum or bone and cannot erupt normally. Impacted teeth often grow at angles, pushing against neighboring teeth and causing damage.
01 — WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL
Wisdom tooth removal in Downey.
Comfortable third molar extraction for teens and young adults, most cases handled in our office, complex cases referred to a trusted oral surgeon.
02 — WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH
The teeth that often do not fit.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically erupt between ages 17 and 25. They are evolutionary leftovers, our ancestors needed them to chew tough plant material, but modern jaws are often too small to accommodate them. As a result, most adults need at least some of their wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom teeth cause problems when there is not enough room for them to erupt properly. They may grow at angles, push against neighboring teeth, become trapped under the gum (impacted), or partially erupt and create pockets where infection can develop. Untreated wisdom tooth issues can damage adjacent molars, cause cysts, and lead to jaw pain.
Most wisdom tooth removals at our practice are handled by Dr. Hadis Reyhani or Dr. Kiro Farag in our office. Cases involving deeply impacted teeth, difficult positioning, or complex anatomy may be referred to an oral surgeon who specializes in surgical extractions. We make that recommendation honestly when it is in your best interest.
Most patients have wisdom teeth evaluated in their late teens, when the teeth are forming but before they have caused problems. This is the ideal time for proactive removal if needed, healing is faster, complications are less likely, and the procedure is generally easier than waiting until problems develop in adulthood.
03 — WHEN REMOVAL IS NEEDED
Reasons wisdom teeth are removed.
Not every wisdom tooth needs removal. Here are the situations where extraction is typically recommended.
Insufficient Space
The jaw does not have enough room for the wisdom tooth to erupt without causing crowding or shifting of other teeth. Common in patients who have had previous orthodontic treatment.
Recurring Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create flaps of gum tissue where bacteria accumulate. This causes recurring infection (pericoronitis), pain, and swelling that returns despite cleaning.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Wisdom teeth pushing against second molars can cause decay, root resorption, and damage to teeth that have value. Removing the wisdom tooth protects the molar in front of it.
Cysts or Tumors
Impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts in the surrounding bone, which can damage nearby teeth, nerves, and bone if untreated. Removal addresses both the cyst and the underlying tooth.
Difficulty Cleaning
Wisdom teeth that have erupted but are positioned awkwardly often cannot be properly cleaned, leading to chronic decay and gum disease specifically around those teeth.
04 — WHEN THEY CAN STAY
Not every wisdom tooth needs removal.
Some wisdom teeth erupt fully, are positioned well, and can be maintained without extraction. Here is when keeping them makes sense.
- The tooth has fully erupted in a normal position
- There is enough space in the jaw for the tooth to function
- The patient can clean the tooth properly with normal brushing and flossing
- The tooth is not damaging or pressing against neighboring teeth
- There is no current infection, decay, or gum disease around the tooth
- The patient is comfortable maintaining the tooth long-term
- There is no orthodontic plan that would benefit from removal
We do not recommend removing wisdom teeth simply because they exist. We evaluate each tooth individually based on position, function, hygiene access, and current and future risk. Many patients keep one or more wisdom teeth without issues for decades.
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05 — THE PROCESS
Your wisdom tooth removal, step by step.
Most cases involve removing 2 to 4 wisdom teeth in a single appointment.
- 01
Consultation & Imaging
3D imaging or panoramic X-ray to evaluate tooth position, root anatomy, and relationship to nerves and sinuses. We discuss your specific case and the recommended approach, in-office or referral to an oral surgeon.
- 02
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia for routine cases, often combined with sedation for patient comfort and to minimize anxiety. Some cases benefit from IV sedation, performed by an oral surgeon. Discussed at the consultation.
- 03
Extraction
Each wisdom tooth is removed individually. Simple extractions take 5 to 10 minutes per tooth. Surgical extractions for impacted teeth may take 15 to 30 minutes per tooth and involve cutting through gum tissue and sometimes removing a small amount of surrounding bone.
- 04
Closing
Stitches close the surgical sites. Most stitches dissolve on their own within 7 to 10 days. Gauze pads are placed to control initial bleeding.
- 05
Recovery
Most patients rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure, with significant improvement by day 3 and full recovery within 7 to 10 days. We schedule a follow-up to check healing about a week after the procedure.
06 — RECOVERY
Recovery and aftercare.
Recovery from wisdom tooth removal follows a predictable timeline. Here is what to expect.
First 24 Hours
Bite gently on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Stick to soft, cool foods. Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Do not spit, smoke, or use straws, all can dislodge the protective blood clot.
Days 2 to 4
Swelling typically peaks at day 2 to 3, then decreases. Pain decreases significantly. Continue soft foods. Begin gentle salt-water rinses 24 hours after the procedure to keep extraction sites clean. Most patients return to non-strenuous work or school by day 3.
Week 1 and Beyond
Most discomfort and swelling resolve by day 7. Stitches dissolve or are removed. Gradually return to normal foods. Sockets continue to heal over the following weeks. Schedule the follow-up appointment to confirm proper healing.
07 — COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions about wisdom teeth?
Wisdom tooth removal is a rite of passage for many young adults. Here are the questions parents and patients ask most often.
Ask a QuestionMost patients have wisdom teeth evaluated in their late teens (ages 16 to 19), when the teeth are forming but before they have caused problems. This is the ideal time for proactive removal if needed, healing is faster, complications are less likely, and the roots are not yet fully developed (which makes extraction easier). We evaluate each patient individually and recommend timing based on tooth development and risk factors.
Most patients have all four wisdom teeth removed in a single appointment to consolidate one healing period rather than multiple. However, some patients only need one or two removed (if the others are well-positioned and unlikely to cause problems). We evaluate each tooth individually and recommend only what is needed.
A routine wisdom tooth removal appointment for all four teeth typically takes 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish. Each tooth takes 5 to 30 minutes depending on whether it is fully erupted (faster) or impacted (longer). Setup, anesthesia, and recovery time add to the total appointment length.
Most routine cases use local anesthesia (numbing the area) often combined with oral sedation. Patients with significant anxiety or complex impacted cases may benefit from IV sedation, which is typically performed by an oral surgeon at a referral office. We discuss anesthesia options at your consultation based on your case complexity and comfort preferences.
Most patients are functioning normally by day 3 to 5 after the procedure, though full healing of the extraction sites takes 7 to 10 days. Significant swelling typically peaks at day 2 to 3 and resolves by day 5 to 7. Most college and high school students plan the procedure for a long weekend or school break to allow full recovery before returning to normal activities.
Most patients take 2 to 4 days off after wisdom tooth removal. Sedentary work or school can typically be resumed by day 3, while jobs requiring physical activity, public speaking, or heavy lifting may require longer time off. We provide a recommended return-to-activity timeline at your appointment.
Cost depends on whether the procedure is performed in our office or referred to an oral surgeon, whether sedation is used, and the complexity of each tooth (simple eruption vs. surgical impaction). Most dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth removal, often at 50 to 80 percent of the cost. We provide a clear cost breakdown at the consultation.
Most dental insurance plans cover medically necessary wisdom tooth removal, especially for impacted teeth or teeth causing problems. Coverage for prophylactic removal (extraction before problems develop) varies by plan. Some plans require pre-authorization. We verify your specific benefits before treatment so you have a clear understanding of coverage.
08 — WHY US
Honest evaluation, comfortable care.
Some wisdom teeth need to come out. Some do not. We evaluate each case individually rather than recommending blanket removal.
Honest case evaluation
We do not recommend removing wisdom teeth that do not need to be removed. Each tooth is evaluated individually based on position, function, and risk.
Most cases handled in-house
Routine wisdom tooth removals are completed at our Downey office. Dr. Hadis Reyhani and Dr. Kiro Farag handle most cases without requiring a referral to an outside oral surgeon.
Specialist referrals when appropriate
Complex impacted cases benefit from an oral surgeon's specialty training. When that is the right path, we refer to a trusted local surgeon and coordinate care.
Bilingual care for parents and teens
Wisdom tooth removal often happens in adolescence when parental involvement is essential. We discuss treatment plans, costs, and aftercare in your preferred language, English or Spanish.
09 — EXPLORE MORE
You may also be interested in.
Tooth Extractions
When other extractions are needed, we approach them with the same care, planning, and replacement coordination.
Learn moreSedation Dentistry
Sedation options that keep teens and adults comfortable during longer or more complex procedures.
Learn moreDental X-Rays
Modern panoramic and 3D cone-beam imaging to plan wisdom tooth removal precisely and safely.
Learn more
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New patients welcome. Same-week appointments available for most visits.