Wisdom Teeth Removal in Long Beach, CA: Gentle Care and Honest Advice
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. At Salem Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, checks your wisdom teeth on your X-rays, tells you plainly whether they’re likely to cause trouble, and removes them gently when it’s truly needed. If you’re in pain now, same-day appointments are often available.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Why patients choose Salem Dentistry for wisdom teeth
- Honest advice. We only recommend removal when it’s truly needed.
- The right care for your case. Dr. Salem removes most wisdom teeth here in our office. If yours are deeply impacted or sit close to a nerve, she refers you to a trusted oral surgeon and explains why.
- One dentist from start to finish. You see Dr. Salem at every visit, from the X-ray to your follow-up.
- Comfort comes first. We numb the area completely, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available if you’re nervous.
- Support during recovery. You go home with clear instructions and can call us with any question.
- Same-day appointments are often available for tooth pain.
- All PPO plans and Medi-Cal Dental accepted.
- Care in three languages: English, German, and Farsi.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, at the very back of your mouth. Some people’s wisdom teeth come in straight and healthy and never need to be removed. Often, though, there isn’t enough space, and they come in crooked or stay trapped under the gum. These are called impacted wisdom teeth.
Signs your wisdom teeth may need attention
- Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums near the back teeth
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- A bad taste or bad breath that won’t go away
- Food getting trapped around a partly erupted tooth
Some wisdom teeth cause problems without any pain at all, which is why regular X-rays are important.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Dr. Salem watches your wisdom teeth on your regular X-rays and lets you know if they’re likely to cause trouble. Removal is often recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, coming in crooked, causing pain or infection, or damaging the teeth next to them.
Removal is usually easier in the late teens and early twenties, when the roots aren’t fully formed and healing tends to be faster.
What happens during removal?
- Exam and X-rays. Dr. Salem checks how the teeth are positioned and explains every step, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Numbing. She numbs the area completely so you stay comfortable. If you feel nervous, nitrous oxide is available to help you relax.
- Removal. Depending on how the teeth are positioned, this can take from a few minutes to somewhat longer.
- Going home. You leave with gauze and clear written instructions. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so you can usually drive yourself home.
Recovery tips
- Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding for the first few hours
- Use an ice pack on your cheek to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies (with a spoon) for a few days
- Don’t drink through a straw, smoke, or spit forcefully for at least 3 days
- Take pain relievers as directed
- Gently rinse with warm salt water starting the day after
Most people feel better within a few days.
Possible complications
Complications are not common, but it’s good to know about them:
- Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket comes loose too early. It causes throbbing pain a few days later, and it is easy to treat in the office.
- Numbness can occur, rarely, when a nearby nerve is irritated, affecting the lip, chin, or tongue. This is usually temporary.
Call us at 562-435-8339 if your pain gets worse after a few days, if bleeding won’t stop, or if you develop a fever or increasing swelling.
Questions patients ask
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that come in straight, are healthy, and can be kept clean can often stay. Dr. Salem will show you your X-rays and explain her recommendation.
Will Dr. Salem remove my wisdom teeth herself?
In most cases, yes. After looking at your X-rays, she’ll tell you whether she can remove them in our office or whether a complex case would be safer with an oral surgeon. Either way, you’ll leave your visit knowing the plan.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
The area is completely numb during the procedure, so you may feel pressure but should not feel pain. Soreness afterward is normal and usually eases within a few days.
How long is recovery?
Most people feel better within a few days and return to work or school within a day or two. Swelling is usually at its worst on the second or third day, then improves.
Can I drive myself home?
Usually, yes. We use local numbing and nitrous oxide, which wears off within minutes.
What is the best age to have wisdom teeth removed?
The late teens and early twenties are usually easiest, but adults of any age can have them removed when there’s a problem.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
When is wisdom tooth pain an emergency?
If you have swelling in your face or jaw along with a fever, or any trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Schedule your wisdom teeth evaluation
Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today. Dr. Salem will take a look and give you a clear, honest answer.