Wisdom Teeth Removal

What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal in West Covina?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop. Most people get them between about ages 17 and 25. Many people do not have enough room in the jaw for them, so they can become trapped under the gum or bone, grow in at an angle, or only partly come through.

Wisdom teeth removal is the surgical extraction of one or more of these teeth. At Harmony Dental Care, extraction is planned around the position of each tooth and how it sits relative to nerves, the sinus, and the teeth next to it. The goal is to protect your oral health before a problem becomes more serious.

Who Needs Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Your dentist decides whether removal is needed. Extraction is commonly recommended when a wisdom tooth:

• Is fully or partly impacted, meaning it is stuck in the jawbone or gums
• Grows toward the tooth in front of it or pushes against it
• Causes crowding or shifting of your other teeth
• Partly comes through and leaves a gum flap that traps food and bacteria, a condition called pericoronitis
• Is linked to a cyst or other growth in the jaw
• Causes repeated infections or decay that cannot be fixed easily

Some wisdom teeth never cause symptoms. Others are found on an X-ray during a routine exam. Our team monitors wisdom tooth development during regular checkups and recommends removal at the time that is best for your case. Teens and young adults from Covina, La Puente, South San Jose Hills, and Baldwin Park often come to us for this reason.

If your jaw is painful, swollen, or throbbing, do not wait for a routine visit. Call us at (626) 858-3305 during our office hours so we can look at your situation as soon as possible.

What to Expect at Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Visit

Step 1: Evaluation and 3D imaging

Before surgery, Dr. Khaef uses 3D CBCT imaging to look at each wisdom tooth in three dimensions. The scan shows where the tooth sits, how close it is to nerves and the sinus, and how it relates to the teeth beside it. This planning step helps the surgical plan match your mouth rather than a general pattern.

Your dentist will explain what the scan shows and whether all four teeth need to come out. Some patients have one tooth removed, while others have several. We can remove all four wisdom teeth in a single visit, which may mean fewer separate recovery periods, depending on your case.

Step 2: Surgery day

Wisdom teeth are removed under local anesthesia. This means the area is numbed so you stay comfortable during the procedure. Our team uses a strong numbing gel, warm blankets, and noise-canceling headphones to help you relax while the work is done.

Most wisdom tooth removals involve a small incision in the gum. If a tooth is deeply impacted, your surgeon may need to remove a small amount of bone to reach it. The extraction site is then closed with dissolvable sutures, so there is no need to return to have stitches removed. You will receive written aftercare instructions before you leave.

We do not offer sedation at our office. If you would prefer to be asleep during surgery, our team can refer you to a specialist who provides sedation.

Step 3: Going home

Plan to have someone available to drive you home and help you during the first day. Plan a few days of rest. Your team will go over pain management, the diet you should follow, and when to call the office if something does not feel right.

Recovery and Aftercare After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most patients recover from wisdom teeth removal within five to seven days. Swelling usually peaks on days two and three and then starts to improve. Every mouth heals at its own pace, so your timeline may differ.

To help your recovery go smoothly, follow these general guidelines unless your dentist gives you different instructions:

• Eat soft foods for the first few days, such as yogurt, eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies that you do not drink through a straw.
• Use ice packs on the outside of your cheek during the first days to limit swelling.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery. Avoid vigorous swishing in the first days.
• Do not use straws. Sucking can dislodge the blood clot in the socket and lead to dry socket.
• Do not smoke or use tobacco. Smoking slows healing and raises the risk of dry socket.
• Keep your head raised when resting, especially in the first night or two.
• Brush your other teeth gently and keep the area clean as your team instructs.

Contact our office if bleeding does not slow down, swelling gets worse after day three, pain increases instead of easing, or you notice fever or a bad taste that does not go away. Calling early is always better than waiting.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment for Wisdom Teeth Removal

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in West Covina?

The cost depends on how many wisdom teeth are removed and whether they are fully erupted or deeply impacted in the jawbone. Your total will be based on your exam, your 3D imaging, and your treatment plan. We will talk through the estimate with you before any surgery is scheduled.

If you do not have insurance, the $59 New Patient Special includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning for new patients without insurance. It is a good way to start your evaluation with our team.

Does dental insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?

Coverage depends on your specific plan. Many dental plans treat impacted wisdom tooth removal as a surgical benefit, especially when the teeth are causing infection, crowding, or cysts, but the details vary from plan to plan. Our team works with PPO and Indemnity plans, Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, CalOptima, Smile California, and most major dental insurance plans. We also work with a range of Medicare Advantage and HMO plans.

Before your visit, we offer a complimentary insurance eligibility check. Our team reviews your benefits, explains what your plan may cover, and helps you understand what to expect for your share of the cost. Call (626) 858-3305 to request this check.

You may also wonder whether medical insurance pays for tooth removal. That depends on your medical plan and the reason for the surgery. Our team can help you sort out which benefits apply during your eligibility check.

Payment options

If you need help paying over time, Harmony Dental offers flexible financing with affordable monthly payment plans for elective and major procedures. We accept CareCredit, Sunbit, Alpheon, credit cards, and an in-house membership plan. Ask about these options during your visit so you can choose what fits your budget.

Why Patients Choose Harmony Dental Care for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Harmony Dental Care has served the West Covina community for 20 years. Dr. Nguyen, a DMD, leads our team, and Dr. Khaef performs wisdom tooth extractions with advanced surgical technique. Dr. Nguyen will also manage your surgical care from start to finish.

Our approach is built on the same idea we bring to every visit: treat every patient like family. We explain each step, answer your questions, and take time to make sure you feel comfortable. Many patients mention our attention to detail and our gentle approach in their reviews.

We use several tools to plan and carry out surgery. These include 3D CBCT imaging, 3D digital X-rays, digital scanners, and digital impressions. The 3D scan lets us map the position of each wisdom tooth against nerves and nearby teeth, so the surgical plan is specific to you.

Our West Covina office is at 148 N Grand Ave. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and we are closed on weekends.

How to Book Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Visit

We welcome new patients of all ages. To schedule your first visit or your wisdom teeth evaluation, you can:

• Call us at (626) 858-3305, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Book online using the button on this page
• Visit us at 148 N Grand Ave, West Covina, CA 91791

When you call, tell us if you have pain or swelling so we can prioritize your appointment. Bring your insurance card and any recent X-rays from another dentist if you have them. Our team will take care of the rest and walk you through what comes next.