Protecting Your Oral Health from Problematic Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth — also called third molars — are the last teeth to emerge, typically in the late teens or early twenties. While they develop without issue for some people, many patients don't have enough space in the jaw to accommodate them. The result can be pain, crowding, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth.
At California Oral and Implant Surgery, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have performed hundreds of wisdom teeth extractions for patients throughout California, MD and Southern Maryland. Whether your wisdom teeth are partially erupted, fully impacted, or simply causing discomfort, we provide thorough evaluations and individualized treatment plans — from simple extractions to complex surgical cases.
When is Wisdom Teeth Removal Recommended?
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth may be trapped in the jawbone or gums, growing at an angle or remaining fully submerged, which can damage adjacent teeth.
- Crowding and Damage: Lack of space can cause wisdom teeth to push neighboring teeth, leading to misalignment and bite problems.
- Pain and Discomfort: The pressure from emerging wisdom teeth can cause persistent jaw pain, headaches, and sensitivity.
- Infection and Disease: Their location makes them difficult to clean, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease (pericoronitis), and the formation of cysts or tumors.
What to Expect at California Oral and Implant Surgery
Your visit begins with a comprehensive exam and diagnostic imaging to evaluate the position and root development of your wisdom teeth. From there, your surgeon will walk you through your options and recommend a treatment approach tailored to your case.
The procedure is performed under your choice of local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia — whichever makes you most comfortable. Our California, MD office is fully equipped for in-office surgical care, so most patients complete the procedure in a single visit. Afterward, we provide clear post-operative instructions and remain available to answer any questions during your recovery.
California Oral and Implant Surgery serves patients from Lexington Park, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, La Plata, Waldorf, and across Southern Maryland. If you're ready to address wisdom tooth pain or have been told extraction may be in your future, we're here to help.