Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth—your third set of molars—usually begin to appear in your late teens or early twenties. While some people have no issues with them, for many, these teeth can cause problems that affect not only your comfort but your overall dental health.

Here are the most common reasons wisdom teeth need to be removed:

1. Lack of Space
Most people simply don’t have enough room in their jaw for wisdom teeth to grow in properly. This can cause them to come in at an angle, push against nearby teeth, or remain trapped under the gumline.

2. Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth are stuck below the surface and can’t break through the gums. This can lead to swelling, pain, and even infection.

3. Partial Eruption
Sometimes, wisdom teeth only come in halfway—leaving a flap of gum tissue over the tooth. Food and bacteria can get trapped here, leading to pain, infection, and gum disease.

4. Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are tucked far back in your mouth, making them difficult to clean. This increases the risk of cavities and gum infections, not just in the wisdom teeth themselves but in the neighboring teeth as well.

5. Cheek Irritation
Upper wisdom teeth sometimes grow in sideways, poking into the cheeks and causing pain when you chew, talk, or even open your mouth.

6. Crowding
Even if they come in fully, wisdom teeth can shift your other teeth out of alignment—especially if you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past.

Are you interested in being asleep for this procedure? Learn more about our office-based anesthesia options.

Our Process To Remove Wisdom Teeth

Oral Examination

Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

With an oral exam and dental X-rays, Dr. McGann can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether problems are present or likely to develop in the future.

CT Imaging

If necessary, we will take an in-office CT scan to check how close the nerve is to an impacted tooth. This extra step reduces the risk of avoidable complications.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth

The removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation to maximize patient comfort. Dr. McGann has the training, license, and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients. Anesthesia options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. 

You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative bag will include instructions and gauze. A prescription for pain medication will be sent to your local pharmacy. A follow-up appointment is always included but only scheduled if necessary. Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia recovery.

The artwork in the office was created by Dr McGann’s family including grandmother Nancy McGann.

Ready to Get Started?

Take the next steps to oral surgery success:

  1. Make an appointment: Call us at (858) 874-8181 to make an appointment.
  2. Registration: After making an appointment, fill out the registration form prior to your visit.
  3. Consultation: Your visit to our office will include a consultation with Dr. McGann, and may include x-rays or other imaging.
  4. Pre-operative planning: From treatment to insurance coverage, we will make sure you have all the information you need to make the best care decisions.
  5. Surgical safety: Our surgical team members are certified experts in dental anesthesia. Patient safety is our highest priority.
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