Wisdom Teeth Removal at Coastalview Dental
Safe, comfortable care for your long-term oral health
Tooth extractions may sound intimidating, but they are sometimes necessary to protect your oral health. At Coastalview Dental, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, performing detailed assessments and communicating options available, before recommending any extraction.
Our dentists use modern techniques and gentle methods to make every procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re managing discomfort, infection, or preparing for orthodontic treatment, our team will guide you through your options step by step.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
By about age 18, most adults have 32 teeth, but the jaw can usually accommodate only 28. The last to appear are the wisdom teeth (third molars), which often become impacted or misaligned. When this happens, removal may be recommended to prevent future complications.
Common concerns include:
Teeth erupting at the wrong angle
Partial eruption that leaves gum tissue exposed
Impaction beneath the gum or bone
Pressure on neighboring teeth or orthodontic alignment
Untreated impaction can lead to:
Gum infections (pericoronitis)
Tooth decay or abscesses
Bone loss or cyst formation
Jaw pain, swelling, or headaches
Bite changes or crowding
If these issues are detected, your dentist will review all findings and discuss whether extraction is the best option. Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent more complex dental issues later in life.
What to Expect: Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If your Coastalview Dental dentist identifies that your wisdom teeth are causing or may cause future concerns, we are able to facilitate a consultation with a trusted oral surgeon for evaluation and treatment planning.
During this visit, the surgeon will:
Review your X-rays and medical history
Discuss the position and condition of the teeth
Explain treatment options and answer any questions
Outline post-operative care and recovery
Most extractions can be performed right here at Coastalview Dental. If your case requires advanced surgical management, we’ll coordinate your care seamlessly with a local oral surgery partner to ensure your treatment remains consistent, convenient, and fully supported.
After Surgery: Recovery & Home Care
Proper after-care supports smooth healing and minimizes discomfort. Your dental team will review personalized recovery instructions before you leave the office.
Immediately after surgery:
Bite on gauze for one hour and replace as needed
Avoid rinsing or spitting to protect the clot
Apply ice packs (20 minutes on/off) for the first 24 hours
Take prescribed pain medication before the anesthetic wears off
Rest for 12–24 hours; avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 days
Do not smoke for at least 48 hours
Bleeding & swelling:
Slight bleeding or pink saliva is normal. If bleeding continues after several hours, replace gauze and bite firmly or use a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes.
Swelling typically peaks after 2–3 days and should gradually subside. Call us if swelling worsens or feels hot and firm.
Diet & hygiene:
Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes. Avoid straws and hot liquids.
Begin gentle saltwater rinses the day after surgery and resume brushing carefully, avoiding the surgical site.
General Tooth Extractions
A tooth may need to be removed for several reasons, including:
Severe decay or fracture beyond repair
Advanced gum disease
Infection or abscess
Poor positioning or impaction
Preparation for orthodontic treatment
At Coastalview Dental, we focus on your comfort and healing throughout the procedure. If a replacement tooth is needed, we’ll discuss restorative options such as dental implants or bridges to restore function and appearance.
Anxiety & Comfort
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about oral surgery. At Coastalview Dental, we take the time to understand your concerns and ensure your visit is as calm and reassuring as possible.
Our treatment rooms are equipped for comfort, and if additional sedation or complex care is needed, we’ll coordinate with a trusted local specialist to provide a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Book a Consultation
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or discomfort near the back of your mouth, contact Coastalview Dental in Encinitas to schedule a consultation.
Our dentists will evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine the safest, most effective treatment plan for your oral health.