Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Mateo
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last tooth in the back of your mouth in the upper and lower jaw. It is extremely common for wisdom teeth to be “non-functional” because they are the last tooth to erupt into the mouth and there is often not enough space for them. A non-functional tooth does not contact a partner tooth in the opposing jaw and therefore does not help you chew. Further, these non-functional wisdom teeth often become “impacted”, which means they fail to reach the level of your other fully erupted, functional teeth. Unfortunately, these non-functional teeth can still cause problems including pain, infection, and damage to healthy, functional teeth such as your second molars. When the final four teeth become problematic, wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
At Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery, you can have safe and efficient wisdom tooth extractions to ensure that your oral health is protected.
Why is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
When there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt into a functional position wisdom teeth removal is necessary to avoid the complications listed below. The earlier wisdom teeth removal is performed, the less complicated the procedure will be. Your team at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery can use x-ray scans to determine if unerupted molars will become problematic in the future. Wisdom teeth removal can be performed before the teeth erupt.
Wisdom Tooth Removal is Often Aecessary to Avoid the Following Complications
- Damage to Functional Teeth
The most common problem caused by wisdom teeth is creating an area which is difficult or impossible to keep clean no matter how diligent you are with brushing and flossing. As with any tooth in your mouth, if you are not able to keep it clean, it will cause problems. Wisdom teeth you cannot clean can cause chronic inflammation on the back of the second molar tooth which results in painless bone loss over time. If left untreated this will eventually lead to irreparable damage and loss of the functional second molar tooth.
- Infection
Infection is the most common cause for pain associated with wisdom teeth. Infections related to wisdom teeth, like damage to functional teeth, are caused by an inability to keep the wisdom teeth and surrounding gum tissue clean. These infections can range in severity. Mild infections are painful for a week and resolve on their own. Moderate infections require antibiotics to improve. Severe infections can be life threatening and require urgent treatment in a hospital setting. Anytime an infection occurs it can progress to a more severe type.
- Cyst Formation
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to dysfunction of the natural and complex biology involved in tooth development. This dysfunction can lead to the formation of benign cysts in the jaw. While these cysts are typically benign and cannot spread to distant places in your body like cancer, they can be locally destructive and when left untreated often lead to the loss of adjacent teeth. The biggest problem with cysts arising from the wisdom teeth is that they are typically painless and thus are not discovered until they are quite large and already caused significant damage to nearby teeth and bone.
- Possible Crowding
Although the evidence remains inconclusive, many people feel that wisdom teeth can lead to crowding of the front teeth, especially the lower front teeth if left in place after braces. While many factors likely contribute to the relapse of dental crowding after braces, retained wisdom teeth may play a role.
- Jaw Fracture
An impacted wisdom tooth weakens the lower jaw. Simply put, the presence of a wisdom tooth reduces the amount of strong, healthy bone in the posterior part of the jaw. This predisposes the jaw to fracture during a traumatic event.
What is the Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The ideal age for wisdom teeth removal is typically between 14 and 18 years old. This timing depends on a radiographic evaluation of your root development which will be reviewed at your consultation. At this optimal age, you will not have suffered any permanent negative effects from the wisdom teeth including damage to your second molars or infections. In addition, younger patients heal more quickly with a lower risk for serious complications, including nerve injury, compared to older patients.

If you’ve been told that wisdom teeth surgery is necessary, it’s for good reason. Wisdom tooth extractions can treat or prevent infection while also preventing further complications with the teeth, gums, and jawbone.
You can book your appointment for wisdom tooth extractions today. You’ll get the most detailed care with the team at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery, with a focus on your long-term health and the protection of your natural smile.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions for Partially Erupted Teeth
If teeth are poorly positioned, they can become stuck (impacted) while erupting. This creates the need for wisdom tooth extractions.
Impacted teeth leave space in the gums where bacteria will grow and cause infection. Patients experience stiffness, pain, and swelling. Without wisdom teeth surgery, wisdom teeth could cause serious illness.
The partially erupted teeth will also interfere with the alignment of other teeth. This increases the risk of tooth decay. It can cause problems or pain with biting and chewing. Wisdom tooth extractions can resolve or prevent these problems.
Wisdom teeth surgery is easier to perform in younger patients when the third molars aren’t fully integrated with the jaw, but they are available at any age.
Looking for same day wisdom tooth extraction near me? Book your appointment at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery.
How is Wisdom Teeth Surgery Planned?
Surgical planning begins with an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth. Your surgeon will evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if wisdom teeth surgery is necessary.
If you have children, they should be seen in the mid-teenage years, between 14 and 18 years. This is the best time to prevent major complications and experience the easiest recovery.
Wisdom teeth surgery is performed under anesthesia for comfort and safety. The anesthesia options for wisdom tooth removal include local anesthesia and IV sedation (often referred to as going to sleep).
Have you wondered if you’re eligible for same day wisdom tooth extraction near me? Find out by booking your consultation.
What are the Signs That Wisdom Tooth Removal is Needed?
Some telltale signs suggest wisdom tooth removal is necessary.
Look for these signs in yourself or anyone in your family. You can get a complete diagnosis and treatment planning with Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery before wisdom tooth removal is scheduled.
- Pain at the back of the mouth behind molars.
- Inflammation of the gums behind molars.
- Bleeding gums.
- Cysts at the gums at the back of the mouth.
- Pain and stiffness in the jaw.
- Persistent sinus issues.
- Changes in the position of teeth, including crowding, crookedness, or irregular spacing.
Patients often ask, is it possible to have same day wisdom tooth extraction near me? In some cases, the answer is yes. Consult with us today to learn more about your wisdom tooth removal case.
Where Can I Get Same Day Wisdom Tooth Extraction Near Me?
If you’re looking for same day wisdom tooth extraction near me, you can start by booking your appointment at Peninsula Oral and Facial Surgery. Not every patient will be eligible for same day wisdom tooth extraction near me. It depends on your unique case. Surgeries usually take around 45 minutes but may be as much as 2 hours if the extraction is complicated. Even if your surgery isn’t scheduled today, waiting times are relatively short.
Don’t suffer through the pain and long-term complications of problematic wisdom teeth. Book your wisdom teeth removal consultation now.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment, and our staff is experienced in anesthesia techniques.
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