Wisdom Teeth Extraction at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge in the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, many find that there isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to grow in properly. This can lead to problems like impaction, partial eruption, or crowding.

At Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, our highly skilled oral surgeons—Dr. Casey Lee, Dr. Calvin Lee, and Dr. Stacey Lee—provide specialized care for wisdom teeth removal. With a focus on safety, precision, and compassion, we help patients at our San Francisco and Cupertino offices achieve lasting oral health and comfort.

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Understanding Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow correctly, they can cause a variety of dental problems:

• Impaction: Teeth remain trapped beneath the gum line or within the jawbone.
• Partial Eruption: Teeth only partially break through the gums, creating an area where food and bacteria can become trapped, which can lead to infection.
• Crowding: Emerging wisdom teeth can push against existing teeth, causing them to shift or become misaligned.
• Infection and Inflammation: The gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth can become swollen, painful, and infected (a condition known as pericoronitis).
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can press against the roots of neighboring molars, potentially causing harm.

If not addressed, these issues can result in persistent pain, infection, and other oral health complications. For many patients, removing the wisdom teeth is the most effective solution.

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Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Often Recommended?

Extracting wisdom teeth is often a preventive measure to avoid future problems. Early removal can:

• Prevent the crowding and misalignment of other teeth.
• Reduce the risk of decay and gum disease around hard-to-clean third molars.
• Avoid the formation of cysts or tumors, which can develop around impacted teeth.
• Eliminate the source of chronic gum inflammation and infection.
• Protect neighboring teeth from potential damage.

Our oral surgeons will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, including a review of your X-rays, to determine if removing your wisdom teeth is the best option for your long-term oral health.

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The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Your treatment journey is carefully planned to ensure your safety and comfort.

1. Initial Consultation: Your first appointment will include a comprehensive examination at our office in San Francisco or Cupertino. Your surgeon will review your medical history, assess the position of your wisdom teeth using advanced imaging, and discuss whether extraction is necessary.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your evaluation, we will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We will explain the surgical approach, review your anesthesia and sedation options to ensure a comfortable experience, and let you know what to expect during recovery.
3. The Surgical Procedure: Wisdom teeth removal is a routine outpatient procedure. Depending on whether the teeth are erupted or impacted, the extraction may be simple or may require a surgical approach. Our surgeons use precise techniques to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues.
4. Recovery and Aftercare: Following the procedure, you will receive detailed instructions to guide your recovery. This typically includes rest, using ice packs to manage swelling, and adhering to a soft-food diet for a short period. Our team is always available to answer any questions and support you throughout the healing process.

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Patient-Centered Care and Comfort

We understand that many patients feel anxious about oral surgery. At Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. We take the time to explain every step of the procedure, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel informed and at ease. For urgent situations, we offer same-day appointments to provide prompt relief.

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The Importance of Early Evaluation

It is generally recommended that teenagers and young adults have their wisdom teeth evaluated. Extracting wisdom teeth before the roots are fully developed can lead to a simpler procedure and a quicker, more comfortable recovery. Postponing an evaluation may result in a more complex extraction and a longer healing period. Regular dental check-ups and an early referral to our office are the best ways to proactively manage your wisdom teeth.

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Meet Our Doctors

We are proud to introduce the talented team at Lee Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics. Our dedicated practitioners include:

• Dr. Casey Lee: With extensive experience in various oral and periodontal procedures, Dr. Casey provides meticulous surgical care.
• Dr. Calvin Lee: Committed to providing comprehensive treatment plans and focusing on patient-centered care.
• Dr. Stacey Lee: Skilled in advanced surgical treatments, Dr. Stacey prioritizes patient comfort and healing.

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Our Locations

We proudly serve patients throughout the Bay Area with two convenient offices:

San Francisco Office
348 Taraval St
San Francisco, CA 94116

Cupertino Office
10055 Miller Ave #105
Cupertino, CA 95014