Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth, your third molars, often don't have enough room to come in properly. When they arrive impacted, crowded, or at an awkward angle, they can cause pain, swelling, infection, and damage to the teeth next to them. For many patients, removal is the most reliable way to prevent these problems from developing or getting worse.

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At MacArthur Dental Arts in Irvine, CA, we use digital imaging to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and their relationship to nearby nerves and structures before recommending treatment. This lets us plan your procedure carefully and explain exactly what to expect, whether you need one wisdom tooth removed or all four.

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Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Removal

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• Pain, swelling, or tenderness near the back of the jaw
• Difficulty fully opening your mouth
• Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth
• Recurring infection or bad taste near a partially erupted tooth
• Wisdom teeth flagged as impacted on X-rays, even without symptoms

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We'll walk you through sedation options, recovery expectations, and aftercare instructions so you feel prepared going in and supported afterward.

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What to Expect at Your Appointment

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Your visit begins with a review of your digital X-rays and a discussion of sedation options. On the day of your procedure, we'll numb the area (or sedate you, depending on your plan), remove the affected tooth or teeth, and send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How long is recovery after wisdom tooth removal?

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Most patients feel significantly better within a few days, with full healing over one to two weeks depending on the complexity of the extraction.

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Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?

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Not necessarily, some erupt fully and cause no problems. We'll base our recommendation on your X-rays and symptoms.

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Schedule a Consultation

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Contact MacArthur Dental Arts at (949) 251-8544 to have your wisdom teeth evaluated.