530-626-3300True Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery has two offices conveniently located in our area. We regularly perform safe and comfortable wisdom tooth extractions in Placerville and El Dorado Hills, California, where you can expect outstanding treatment from our experienced team and highly skilled oral surgeon, Dr. Jason Straw.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop. The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth, so an additional four trying to push their way in can cause problems. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specially trained to extract these teeth and administer IV sedation so that you can relax during the procedure and not experience discomfort.
Some people develop all four wisdom teeth, while others develop between one and four, more than four or none at all. It is important to attend checkups with your dentist, who can take X-rays and monitor the development of these molars.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are large, healthy teeth that only get removed because there is not enough room for them. It is very rare that a wisdom tooth will develop without causing any issues. The roots of a wisdom tooth are unpredictable and can grow into the roots of nearby teeth or nerves. Because of this, wisdom teeth need to be removed before they cause damage to your oral health.
An impacted tooth means that it has become trapped under the gum and cannot properly erupt into the dental arch. The most common teeth to become impacted are wisdom teeth and canines. Canine teeth are crucial for biting and are treated with an expose and bond procedure. Meanwhile, wisdom teeth are not necessary for a fully functioning smile and are simply removed. An impacted wisdom tooth must be removed by an oral surgeon because they are beneath the gums and grow in at an angle toward other teeth. This can push them out of alignment and cause damage.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
If you are experiencing any of the following, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
- Pain or swelling in the back of the mouth
- Ongoing bad breath, indicating an infection
- If you can see a wisdom tooth poking through the gums
- Tender, swollen or bleeding gums
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
First, you will meet with Dr. Jason Straw for a consultation appointment. We will perform an oral examination and take 3D images of your mouth to show us the exact position and size of your wisdom teeth. Most patients undergo IV sedation for this procedure, which will render you in a semiconscious state unable to feel pain. You will wake up when it is over and be driven home by your prearranged driver, who should remain with you for 24 hours.
If the wisdom tooth is visible above the gums, our oral surgeon will remove it with forceps. Impacted wisdom teeth may be broken into smaller pieces before removal, and they may require a small incision to access the full tooth. Any incisions will be stitched closed. The total length of the procedure depends on how many wisdom teeth you have, but it is usually completed in less than an hour.
You can expect to feel sleepy for the remainder of the day and should follow the postoperative instructions carefully. These will detail the foods you should avoid and how to manage pain and swelling. If you ever have questions at any point during treatment, please call our office.
Hear From Wisdom Tooth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experiences undergoing wisdom tooth removal at our office.
Meet Anton
March 2022
Anton’s Story
Anton felt at home because the staff was nice and welcoming. His wisdom teeth removal went great, and he is so glad he had his procedure done with Dr. Straw.
“Hello, my name is Anton. I’m from El Dorado Hills, and I came to True Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first came here, I felt very welcome. [I] felt very comfortable because the staff was very nice and welcoming [and] made me feel at home. Dr. Straw really knows his stuff, and he makes me feel comfortable. It was a very successful procedure. The recovery went very well. I’m so glad I got my procedure done here at True Oral Surgery. They did such a great job here, and I love it.”
Meet Vivian
October 2020
Vivian’s Story
Dr. Straw helped Vivian to feel confident in the procedure.
“Hi, my name is Vivian. I’m from El Dorado Hills, and I came to True Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. I would describe this practice as very professional; it was really nice the entire time. Dr. Straw made me feel very confident in the procedure. The staff here is super friendly, and they always made sure I was comfortable. The procedure went very well, and the recovery was so easy. I’m very happy I chose to get my wisdom teeth done at True Oral Surgery because the entire experience, as a whole, was awesome. To my friends in Cameron Park and Diamond Springs who need their wisdom teeth removed, I highly recommend Dr. Straw.”
Meet Kaitlyn
October 2020
Kaitlyn’s Story
Kaitlyn found the practice to be modern and inviting.
“Hi, my name is Kaitlyn and I’m from Orange County, California. I came to True Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. The practice here is very modern and very inviting. Dr. Straw was very accommodating, super friendly and nice. The staff treated me like family and always greeted me with a smile. My procedure was super successful, and the healing process was very smooth. My overall experience here was remarkable. Out of five stars, I’d give True Oral Surgery six.”
Meet Joshua
October 2020
Joshua’s Story
Joshua found the office to be very professional and welcoming.
“Hi, my name is Joshua, and I’m from El Dorado Hills, and I came to True Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. The practice here is very professional and organized. The doctor here put my mind at ease and worked to give me an amazing smile. The staff here are lively and fun. Made me very comfortable. The procedure went great. I was in and out in no time. It was a major success! My overall experience here was outstanding. I’m so happy I got my procedure done here at True Oral Surgery.”
Reviews From Our Wisdom Tooth Removal Patients
Renee Reviews Her Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure: Watch Review
“Hi, my name is Renee, and I’m from Orange County, and I came to True Oral Surgery for my two children to get their wisdom teeth removed. My overall experience here at True Oral Surgery was absolutely amazing. One of my children suffers from anxiety, so coming here, she felt so comfortable. The staff made her feel welcome; they held her hand through all of the procedure from beginning to end. It was truly an amazing experience. Dr. Straw was so professional, and he has this quirky personality that makes any kid feel at ease. The procedures went absolutely amazing. They followed up the next day with us to make sure my kids were doing well. If you live in Placerville or Canyon Park and need oral surgery, I highly recommend True Oral Surgery. ”
Shreya Reviews Her Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure: Watch Review
“Hi, my name is Shreya, and I’m from Folsom, and I came to True Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. The practice here is very modern and inviting. It’s a great atmosphere to put your mind at ease. The doctor here made me feel really comfortable before and after the procedure, and my wisdom teeth removal went really smoothly. The staff here are really open, and they made me feel very welcome and comfortable. To my friends and family in Cameron Park and Diamond Springs, I recommend True Oral Surgery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients undergo IV sedation, which causes them to be unaware of the procedure and not feel any pain or discomfort. For more complex surgeries, we may recommend general anesthesia, which renders the patient completely unconscious for the duration of the surgery. Oftentimes, patients wake up in the recovery area without any recollection of the procedure and go home to rest later that day. Patients can often manage pain with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.
How much does it cost to get wisdom teeth removed?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on how many you need removed, your choice of anesthesia and your insurance. We go over all of these details during your consultation so you have an accurate cost estimate upfront.
When should you have wisdom teeth removed?
These molars typically develop during the late teen or early adult years. Your general dentist tracks their development and will refer you to an oral surgeon when it is time to have them removed. Be sure to attend these regular checkups so your wisdom teeth get noticed before they start causing problems.
How long does it take to recover after getting wisdom teeth pulled?
You can expect to return to your normal routine a few days after surgery. Follow your instructions for diet recommendations and how to manage swelling. Most patients return to their normal diets a week after surgery or as tolerated. It is important to keep the extraction sites clean to promote proper healing, so be sure to follow the postoperative instructions closely.
