Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth, and when they’re impacted, partly erupted or crowding other teeth, removing them can prevent pain and infection. At EverWhite in Brentwood, Los Angeles, wisdom teeth are evaluated with X-rays and removed under local anesthetic.
When wisdom teeth cause problems
- They’re impacted, meaning trapped under the gum or bone
- They’ve only partly come through, leaving a flap of gum that traps food and bacteria
- They’re pushing on or damaging neighboring teeth
- They’re decayed or hard to clean
- They cause repeated pain, swelling or infection
Do they always need to come out?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, aligned and easy to clean can stay. X-rays during an exam show where the teeth sit and whether they’re likely to cause trouble.
What to expect
The area is numbed with local anesthetic and the tooth is removed. You’ll get written aftercare instructions covering pain relief, what to eat, and how to keep the area clean while it heals.
Recovery tips
- Rest for the first day and keep your head raised
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods and avoid straws and smoking
- Rinse gently with salt water after the first 24 hours
Visit EverWhite in Brentwood
EverWhite Smile Boutique is a full-service dental office at Brentwood Gardens, 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90049, close to Westwood, Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades. We’re open Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm, and Saturday, 9am–2pm. Book online or call (310) 208-0007.