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Los Angeles213-380-1996
Downey562-803-9999

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Los Angeles and Downey, CA

Relieve Pressure and Protect Nearby Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling or damage when they do not have enough room to emerge properly. An evaluation can determine whether the teeth should be removed or monitored.

Dr. Won Jung Jeong and Dr. Debora Jeong provide routine, surgical and wisdom tooth extractions at Mission Dental Group in Los Angeles and Downey, CA.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the mouth. They usually develop during the late teenage years or early adulthood.

Some wisdom teeth emerge normally and remain healthy. Others become trapped beneath the gums, grow at an angle or only partially emerge. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth.

Signs of a Wisdom Tooth Problem

Contact our office for an evaluation if you experience:

  • Pain or pressure behind the back molars
  • Swollen, tender or bleeding gums
  • Jaw discomfort or stiffness
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • An unpleasant taste or persistent bad breath
  • Food becoming trapped around a partially erupted tooth
  • Swelling near the back of the jaw

Wisdom teeth can also cause problems without noticeable symptoms. Dental imaging allows our dentists to evaluate their position and development.

Why Wisdom Teeth May Need Removal

Removal may be recommended when a wisdom tooth:

  • Is impacted beneath the gum or bone
  • Causes recurring pain or inflammation
  • Develops decay
  • Contributes to gum disease
  • Damages a neighboring tooth
  • Forms or contributes to a cyst
  • Is difficult to clean properly

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be extracted. Healthy teeth that emerge properly may be monitored during routine examinations.

Experienced Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Dr. Won Jung Jeong has practiced dentistry since 1993 and has completed approximately 10,000 tooth extractions, including about 3,000 wisdom tooth removals. He provides routine and surgical extractions as part of his oral surgery care.

Dr. Debora Jeong has practiced since 2023 and has completed approximately 1,000 extractions, including about 300 wisdom tooth removals. Both dentists evaluate wisdom teeth and provide extraction care based on the position and complexity of each tooth.

How Wisdom Teeth Are Evaluated

Your dentist examines the gums and reviews imaging to determine:

  • Whether the wisdom teeth have emerged
  • The direction in which they are growing
  • Their proximity to neighboring teeth and other structures
  • Whether infection, decay or bone changes are present
  • Whether removal or continued monitoring is appropriate

Cone beam computed tomography may be used when a detailed three-dimensional view is needed for surgical planning.

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Numbing the Treatment Area

The area around the wisdom tooth is numbed before treatment. Mission Dental Group does not provide sedation, so your dentist will explain what to expect and discuss whether treatment in our office is appropriate for your needs.

Removing the Tooth

A fully erupted wisdom tooth may be removed similarly to another extraction. For an impacted tooth, the dentist may need to access it beneath the gum and remove it in sections.

Protecting the Surgical Site

After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned. Sutures may be placed when needed, and gauze is used to help control bleeding.

Postoperative Instructions

Our team will explain how to care for the extraction site, manage discomfort and support healing. Follow these instructions closely and contact us if symptoms worsen.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Temporary swelling, soreness and minor bleeding are common after wisdom tooth removal. These symptoms generally improve as the area heals.

During the initial recovery period:

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activity
  • Eat soft foods as directed
  • Avoid drinking through a straw
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco
  • Keep the surgical area clean according to your instructions
  • Take medications only as directed

Recovery time varies based on the number and position of the teeth removed, the complexity of treatment and your individual healing response.

Reducing the Risk of Dry Socket

Dry socket can occur when the protective blood clot becomes dislodged or does not form properly. This may expose the underlying bone and cause significant pain.

Avoid smoking, forceful rinsing and drinking through straws during early healing. Contact our office if pain becomes more severe several days after the extraction instead of gradually improving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth

Request a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation

If you have pain or swelling near the back of your mouth, schedule an evaluation before the problem worsens. Contact Mission Dental Group at our Los Angeles or Downey office.

Los Angeles Office
936 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-1996

Downey Office
9434 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
562-803-9999