Oral Surgery in Culver City, CA

A tooth may require extraction when extensive decay, significant damage, infection, or another condition makes preserving it difficult or inappropriate. Extraction may also be considered for certain wisdom teeth. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures before determining whether removal or another treatment is appropriate.

No. Wisdom teeth do not automatically require removal. Their position, ability to erupt, surrounding gum health, effect on neighboring teeth, and presence of symptoms or disease should be evaluated. If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing problems, your dentist may recommend monitoring them rather than removing them.

An impacted wisdom tooth is a third molar that does not fully emerge into its expected position, often because there is insufficient space or its angle prevents normal eruption. Some impacted teeth can contribute to pain, infection, or problems with neighboring teeth, while others may simply require ongoing monitoring.

Bone can change after a tooth is removed because the tooth root is no longer present in the jaw. In certain cases, bone grafting may be recommended to help preserve or rebuild bone in the extraction area, particularly when future dental implant treatment is being considered. Individual treatment needs vary.

Recovery depends on the procedure performed, its complexity, your overall health, and how your body heals. Some procedures have relatively short recovery periods, while more involved surgery may require additional healing time. Following your post-treatment instructions and attending recommended follow-up appointments can help support the healing process.