Wisdom Teeth Removal
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts – El Segundo CA
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Cheung or Dr. Ho can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Is Tooth Pain Preventing You From Enjoying Life?
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Possible Crowding:
Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What If I Don’t Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed As A Teenager Or Young Adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense.When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
What Happens On The Day Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State of the art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.
On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.
Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.
We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.
What Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost And Is It Covered By Insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
What If I Have Questions Before Surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at El Segundo Office Phone Number 310-670-0220 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
Read Our Patient Reviews
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts
Patient Review By Emily G
Greatest Experience Ever !! The Dr and Staff makes things so easy. Definitely would recommend.
- Emily G
Patient Review By Ethan C
Every staff member seemed to enjoy what they do. They made me fell very welcome and safe. Honestly a great team relationship at this establishment.
- Ethan C
Patient Review By Evelin F
Overall a great experience. thank you
- Evelin F
Patient Review By Blanch L
Story time! So about a month ago I started to have pain in my right lower side of my mouth due to never getting my wisdom teeth pulled. I was referred to So Cal oral surgical arts by my primary dentist. When I first called, I spoke to Linda, She was very helpful! She was able to explain the rundown for me and scheduled me for a consultation. On the day of my consultation, I had to take a X-Ray, I met Ale and she helped me with that. She was super cool and really nice! then I met Dr. Ho. Very nice guy. Knowledgeable and straight forward. Explained the pros and cons of the surgery at ease. On the way out, I scheduled my surgery with the help of Mari. She was very nice and helpful! Mari was able to meet my needs with my schedule and make a date for my surgery. She also Explained the Don'ts the night before. Surgery time! On the day of my surgery, Mari made sure that I didn't eat or drink anything 6 hours before, otherwise I'd have to reschedule. The wait time was short and I went in. I was greeted by Val. Shes got me ready to go for my surgery and hooked me up to the BP and o2 sat machine. Super nice and easy to talk to! She was able to calm my anxiety and reassured me that ill be okay and how i would feel after the procedure and stuff. Once I was done, Val walked me out to the waiting room and explained to my wife and I about how to take care of my self for the next couple of days. I scheduled my follow up with Mari for next week. All in all, my experience here at this location was 5 stars! I myself, work in the medical field. What I can say is this... Without the help of my CNA's at my job, I will fall. Same thing here, Without the help of the front desk and the assistants in the back, they would fall. They are your backbone. So Thank you to Mari, Linda, Val and Ale for doing a wonderful job and helping me get through my surgery at ease.
- Blanch L
Patient Review By Kanisha L
I am like the BIGGEST coward when it comes to getting dental work done...Dr. Cheung and his staff assured me I was in good hands and I ABSOLUTELY was!...I wasn’t experiencing any pain when I got there, and have not felt any pain since my wisdom tooth removal...I wish I could sign this office up for all my dental services!...A1, 5 Star dental service!...
- Kanisha L
Patient Review By Lyanne C
I was really nervous about my wisdom teeth removal at first, but I'm glad that my experience here made it go by really smoothly.
- Lyanne C
Patient Review By Isidro D
Amazing staff and doctors. The staff I would highly recommend for your procedures done with would be with Dr. Tsai and Jailine assisting. Thanking you for the great experience!
- Isidro D
Patient Review By Fariba T
Dr. Ho is the best. My son was so worried because his friends had bad experiences with their wisdom tooth removal with their doctors. My son was so relieved When he came home, my husband was very impressed too, it was his first time there. Thank you so much doctor. I will send you patients. My sister is a dentist at western dental , I will tell her how great everything went.
- Fariba T
Patient Review By Ana I
Doctor and staffs were so welcoming and make you feel very comfortable. My procedure was overall really good.
- Ana I
Patient Review By brian h
such a great staff
- brian h
Patient Review By Beatriz F
My wisdom tooth was extracted by Dr. Cheung. I was very surprised with the procedure, it was quick and painless, couldn't have gone smoother. Dr. Cheung did a great job with the removal, extremely skilled and personable. His staff was efficient and knowledgeable and friendly I instantly felt at ease, I highly recommend them.
- Beatriz F
Patient Review By Cecilia D
Everyone here was nice and I felt very comfortable. Dr. Sagong was great. I would definitely come back here if needed.
- Cecilia D
Patient Review By Christian W
Friendly and courteous staff. Great skill and knowledge from doctor.
- Christian W
Patient Review By AMOYA A
I was nervous at first but they assured me that everything was going to be ok and walked me through the procedure step by step a few times before to ensure that I understood what will happen. They offer really great service in a clean environment.
- AMOYA A
Patient Review By Aaron L
I can't say enough about Dr. Ho. The sheer thought of having my wisdom tooth extracted wasn't the most comforting emotion. The location of my impaction was close to the nerve which Dr. Ho advised me of the possible complications. Before Dr. Ho arrived the staff had me watch a video to educate me about the procedure. Once Dr. Ho arrived he was straight forward about the possible side effects of nerve damage. Being my only option was to extract the wisdom tooth I simply didn't have a choice. Dr. Ho made me feel relaxed about the surgery and was beyond professional. I elected to go under and next thing I remembered was being awaken by the assistant. I had no pain and minor bleeding and swelling. Dr. Ho is very gentle and his level of schooling made me feel at ease even more. Dr. Ho is truly God sent and turned my suffering into relief. I HIGHLY recommend this guy to anyone that is need of Oral surgery, reconstruction and cosmetics. Thank you so much Dr. Ho...I Love You Man!!!
- Aaron L
Patient Review By Cary S
I just had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted. The procedure was quick and painless. Dr. Yagoubian was very friendly as well as his assistants. I would highly recommend this dental group to anyone in need of dental work. 5 Stars!
- Cary S
Patient Review By Cory e
My daughter is coming in tomorrow for the same procedure. i will recommend this group of physicians to everyone... especially Dr. Cheung. I trust him so much being in his hands! That is a great feeling to have when bringing your kids in to have any procedure done. Thank you!!!!!!
- Cory e
Patient Review By Nina M
Great Staff and wonderful doctor. made the experience so much better than I thought it would be.
- Nina M
Patient Review By Niloofar S
I had an excellent experience Dr. Benjamin was superfast and he is No. 1. I didn't feel anything. The nurse was very kind and I am so happy.
- Niloofar S
Patient Review By Daniel C
The staff was very friendly and very professional. We were referred to this office and are so thankful for their service. We would definitely recommend this office to others.
- Daniel C
Patient Review By Saurabu G
I had dental implants from Dr. Cheung and my experience was great. The staff was professional, kind, caring & would take time to explain and listen to my concerns. I would definitely recommend them to my family & friends.
- Saurabu G
Patient Review By Arline M
Everyone was very nice. The set up of procedure impressive. Decor beautiful, and clean-very!
- Arline M
Patient Review By Maria H
I've been coming to Dr. Cheung's office for several years. He has seen all my family, my husband, daughter, and I am so happy with the results after having my teeth removed and getting dental implants. The staff makes you feel like your part of a family.
- Maria H
Patient Review By Megan P
My visit was excellent, staff very kind and extremely accommodating. Dr. Ho was very nice, and did a great job.
- Megan P
Patient Review By Jesus A
Dr. Ho knew exactly what he was doing, and that made it easier on me. He provided very helpful information, very knowledgable, and the procedure was so fast and easy. Definitely coming back for the remainder of my wisdom teeth extractions.
- Jesus A
Patient Review By Mateo E.
First surgery experience and wouldn't have had a better experience
- Mateo E.
Patient Review By steven r.
pretty good experience, great customer service, they answered all my questions and they were very helpful.
- steven r.
Patient Review By Jesica L.
My wisdom teeth surgery went very smooth. Dr. Cheung was very gentle. Dr. Cheung called me that night to follow up with me!
- Jesica L.
Patient Review By Ignacio L.
I had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. Cheung. My surgery went by so fast, I don't even remember falling asleep. The Staff members were so nice and helpful. They made me feel comfortable throughout my whole visit. Thank you for the great patient care!
- Ignacio L.
Patient Review By Bob S.
Amazing!
- Bob S.