Expert Care for Your Oral Health at Foundation Dental Specialists

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Pasadena CA

At Foundation Dental Specialists, we provide gentle, precise wisdom tooth extraction in Pasadena to help patients protect their oral health and avoid long-term dental complications. Wisdom teeth—also called third molars—are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no issues with these molars, many experience problems when the teeth become impacted, grow at an angle, or cause overcrowding.
Appointments

At Foundation Dental Specialists, we understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can be daunting. Our experienced dentists utilize gentle techniques and offer sedation options to ensure a comfortable and painless procedure.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Common Issues

Wisdom teeth were once essential for our ancestors’ diets, but today they often cause more harm than good. Modern jaws are typically smaller, leaving little room for these extra molars to grow in properly.

You may need wisdom tooth extraction if you are experiencing:

  • Persistent jaw pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
  • Swelling or tenderness around the gums
  • Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing comfortably
  • Gum infection, redness, or bleeding near the molars
  • Shifting or crowding of other teeth
  • Headaches or ear pain caused by tooth pressure

Early evaluation is important. At Foundation Dental Specialists, we use advanced imaging to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is the best course of action.

Wisdom Teeth

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

At Foundation Dental Specialists, your wisdom tooth extraction in Pasadena is handled with precision, comfort, and patient safety in mind. Here’s what you can expect:

Consultation and Examination
We begin with a comprehensive oral exam and digital imaging to evaluate the position, shape, and condition of your wisdom teeth. We’ll discuss your symptoms, dental history, and the best approach for removal.
Image description
Anesthesia and Sedation Options
To ensure comfort, we offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and IV sedation for more complex cases. Your dentist will explain each option so you can choose the level of comfort that’s right for you.
Image description
Tooth Removal
For fully erupted wisdom teeth, removal may be quick and straightforward. Impacted teeth may require a small incision in the gum and careful sectioning of the tooth for easier extraction. Our surgical techniques are minimally invasive to promote faster healing.
Image description
Cleaning and Suturing
Once the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned to remove debris or infected tissue. Stitches may be placed to aid healing.
Image description

Recovery and Healing After Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and slight bruising in the first few days following a wisdom tooth extraction. These symptoms usually peak within 48–72 hours and gradually improve.

For a smooth recovery, we recommend:

  • Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling
  • Eating soft foods for several days
  • Avoiding smoking, drinking through a straw, or vigorous rinsing
  • Taking prescribed or recommended over-the-counter pain medication
  • Following all aftercare instructions provided by our team

Complete healing generally occurs within 1–2 weeks. If you experience prolonged pain, excessive swelling, or signs of infection, we encourage you to contact us promptly.

Why Wisdom Tooth Extraction Is Important

Preventing overcrowding
Maintains the alignment of your other teeth.
Reducing infection risk
Eliminates areas where bacteria can easily accumulate.
Relieving pain and swelling
Addresses ongoing discomfort from impacted teeth.
Protecting adjacent teeth
Prevents decay or root damage caused by pressure from wisdom teeth.

Advanced Technology for Precision and Comfort

At Foundation Dental Specialists, we use advanced dental technology—including high-resolution digital X-rays for precise imaging and modern sedation techniques—to make wisdom tooth extraction safer, faster, and more comfortable. Digital imaging allows us to clearly see the position of your wisdom teeth and surrounding structures, enabling more accurate treatment planning.

Our sedation options help reduce anxiety and ensure a calm, pain-free experience throughout the procedure. Every step is designed to deliver the highest level of care while minimizing discomfort and promoting a smooth, efficient recovery.

Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Pasadena Today

If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, don’t wait until the problem worsens. At Foundation Dental Specialists in Pasadena, we make wisdom tooth removal comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your needs.

​If you’re experiencing discomfort or are unsure whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. Our specialists can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of care for you.

Doctor holding test tubes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wisdom tooth extraction painful?

The procedure itself is not painful because we use local anesthesia and sedation options to keep you comfortable. Some soreness and swelling are normal afterward, but these symptoms can be managed with medication and proper aftercare.

Most patients start feeling better within a few days, with swelling and soreness subsiding in about a week. Complete healing usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your overall health.

Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods until your dentist clears you to resume a normal diet.

Yes, many patients choose to have all four removed in a single appointment to avoid multiple recovery periods. Your dentist will assess your case and recommend the best approach for your comfort and healing.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause ongoing pain, infections, cysts, and damage to neighboring teeth. Leaving them untreated often leads to more complicated dental problems in the future.

Schedule Today!

Get In Touch

Request An Appointment

**Requested time is not final until you receive confirmation from our office.