Wisdom Teeth Extraction Palm Desert, CA | Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa | Recovery Time & Survival Guide

Thinking that you may need your wisdom teeth extracted? Our survival guide breaks down the symptoms, procedure, recovery time and aftercare

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Skip to Main Content   73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Patient Portal Text Us! (760) 219-7487 Call Us! (760) 565-0234 Home Aboutarrow_drop_down About Us Office Tour Our Team Patient Informationarrow_drop_down Same Day Teeth Consultation Technology Servicesarrow_drop_down View all Services All-on-4 Implants ClearCorrect Braces Dental Checkup Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Dental Implants Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates Dentures and Partial Dentures Emergency Dentist Full Mouth Reconstruction Invisalign Dentist Kid Friendly Dentist Root Canal Treatment Sedation Dentist Smile Makeover Snap-On Smile Teeth Whitening White Spot Removal Patient Educationarrow_drop_down Blog Alternative to Braces for Teens Dental Anxiety Do I Have Sleep Apnea Do I Need a Root Canal I Think My Gums Are Receding Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Oral Cancer Screening Oral Hygiene Basics What Can I Do to Improve My Smile What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Why Are My Gums Bleeding Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Wisdom Teeth Extraction Reviews Patient Portal Contact Us Home About About Us Office Tour Our Team Patient Information Same Day Teeth Consultation Technology Services View all Services All-on-4 Implants ClearCorrect Braces Dental Checkup Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Dental Implants Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates Dentures and Partial Dentures Emergency Dentist Full Mouth Reconstruction Invisalign Dentist Kid Friendly Dentist Root Canal Treatment Sedation Dentist Smile Makeover Snap-On Smile Teeth Whitening White Spot Removal Patient Education Blog Alternative to Braces for Teens Dental Anxiety Do I Have Sleep Apnea Do I Need a Root Canal I Think My Gums Are Receding Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Oral Cancer Screening Oral Hygiene Basics What Can I Do to Improve My Smile What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary Which is Better Invisalign or Braces Why Are My Gums Bleeding Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants Wisdom Teeth Extraction Reviews Patient Portal Contact Us Wisdom Teeth Extraction Palm Desert, CA Wisdom teeth extractions are a fairly common procedure that helps alleviate pain or pressure associated with improperly developing wisdom teeth. Extracting the wisdom teeth becomes necessary when the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone are at risk because of the way the wisdom teeth have erupted or are erupting. Early detection of their development can greatly reduce healing time and improve a patient's overall oral cavity. Wisdom teeth extractions are available at Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert and the surrounding area. We can help determine whether an extraction is recommended or necessary. We can also discuss other alternative treatments and help you decide the best route for you. Call us today at (760) 565-0234 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Request An Appointment First & Last Name (Required) Email (Required) Phone Number (Required) How Did You Hear About Us?Existing PatientGoogleDiscovered OnlineWord of MouthFacebook or Other Social MediaOther Select an Option Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction "Wisdom teeth" is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth. They are called such because they come between the more "mature" ages of 17 and 21. The emergence of wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable, even if they are emerging correctly. Wisdom teeth do not always necessitate extraction. On the contrary, properly aligned wisdom teeth may assist in chewing. However, if there is no adequate space for the wisdom teeth to emerge or if the teeth are coming through in the wrong position, they may become impacted (or trapped in the jaw or under the gums). This may cause cysts, damage to neighboring teeth, gum disease, infection, pain, tooth, decay, and tumors. A dentist needs to monitor the patient's wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action. “”Wisdom teeth” is the colloquial term for the third set of molars that sit in the back of the mouth.” Potential Risks Although wisdom teeth extraction is a common and safe procedure, there are a variety of potential risks involved with extracting any tooth. However, these complications are often associated with patients who are at high-risk because of other conditions. We conduct a thorough examination and discussion of each patient's medical and dental history to determine whether they would be a good candidate for extraction. Some of the risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction include: Painful dry socket, or exposure of bone when the post-surgical blood clot is lost from the site of the surgical wound Infection in the socket from bacteria or trapped food particles Damage to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone, or sinuses “Although wisdom teeth extraction is common and safe, there are a variety of potential risks involved with extracting any tooth.” Preparing for an Extraction Since an extraction is considered a surgery, it is common for patients to be nervous before their procedure. However, wisdom teeth extractions are quite common, with dentists performing this type of procedure many times a week. It is a good idea for patients to understand what their treatment will entail and properly prepare for it ahead of time. During the initial consultation, we ask that patients be as open as possible in relaying their symptoms and health history. This allows us to determine whether extraction is safe and to take any necessary precautions during the procedure. Avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic or acidic beverages for at least eight hours before the procedure. Clean the mouth thoroughly and drink only water an hour or two before the procedure. We will administer a local or general anesthetic prior to the procedure, keeping the patient calm and relaxed. “Avoid smoking or drinking alcoholic or acidic beverages for at least eight hours before the procedure.” Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Palm Desert, CA What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction Generally, wisdom teeth extraction begins with the doctor injecting the patient with a local anesthetic to numb them to the pain of the procedure. The doctor will then cut into the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, making sure to remove any bone blocking access to the tooth root. Depending on how severely impacted the tooth is, the tooth may be divided into sections to be removed little by little. After extracting the tooth, the doctor will clean the extraction site of any debris. Afterward, the wound may or may not need stitches, and the doctor will pack gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and to aid in the formation of a blood clot. “After extracting the tooth, the doctor will clean the extraction site of any debris.” Questions Answered on This Page Q. What are wisdom teeth? Q. What are the potential risks of wisdom teeth extraction? Q. How can I prepare for an extraction? Q. What should I do after a wisdom tooth extraction? People Also Ask Q. Why are X-rays taken? Q. How does sedation dentistry work? Q. What other preventative services are available? Q. What is oral surgery? Q. What happens during a tooth extraction? Q. How can I tell what is included in my dental coverage? Post-Treatment Care In most cases, patients recover from extractions within four days. However, it may take up to a week. Additionally, the empty socket will likely remain for a month or two before it completely heals and closes up. It is crucial to follow post-treatment instructions for faster healing and to maintain good oral health. We recommend resting the first day after the procedure, and avoiding strenuous activity, the use of straws, smoking, and spitting for the first few days. Patients can use an ice pack to reduce swelling and should replace the gauze every few hours to keep the extraction site clean. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or inflammation that lasts more than a week, call us immediately to schedule a follow-up appointment. There is a risk of infection if the site is not properly maintained or healing incorrectly. We can take a look at the area and take any necessary X-rays to determine why you are experiencing these symptoms. “We recommend resting the first day after the procedure, and avoiding strenuous activity, the use of straws, smoking, and spitting for the first few days.” Frequently Asked Questions Q. What is the average age of patients who remove their wisdom teeth? A. Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 21 but can also come out later in life. We like to examine all patients from the age of 17 onwards to monitor their tooth development and detect wisdom teeth eruption as soon as it occurs. Q. How do I know if my extraction site is healing correctly? A. Recovery time after an extraction is between three to five days, wherein the socket should begin to close in. It could take about a month or two for the entire site to close. However, if the gums look and feel normal (no swelling or redness), the site should be healing correctly. We like to schedule follow-ups after an extraction to make sure the site is healing properly. Q. How can I detect dry socket if I do not have pain? A. In most cases, patients will experience pain from a dry socket. They may also experience a foul smell or notice exposed bone. A dry socket occurs when a blood clot was dislodged earlier than necessary or did not form at all, exposing the bone underneath. Therefore, if a blood clot is not present, a dry socket is very likely. Q. Can I drive myself back home after wisdom teeth extraction? A. Patients undergoing a simple extraction with local anesthesia can drive back home as they will only feel numb in the mouth. However, surgical extractions with general or IV anesthesia will need to be driven back after the procedure as they will not be fully alert. We will discuss this during the consultation appointment prior to the procedure. Q. Can I remove all four wisdom teeth in the same visit? A. Patients that need all of their wisdom teeth removed can have them all removed in one visit. We may also recommend extracting two on the same side during each visit as the entire area will be numbed anyway. This will reduce the cost, recovery time, and discomfort associated with each extraction. Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options. Let Us Help – Click for Directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa Scan here to view this page, Wisdom Teeth Extraction, on mobile Dental Terminology Anesthesia Anesthesia is a substance that medical professionals administer in various forms (gas, injection or pill) that helps patients not feel pain or sensations during surgical operations. Asymptomatic Wisdom Teeth Asymptomatic wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that show no symptoms of irritation, inflammation or overcrowding the mouth that deem extraction. Cosmetic Dentistry Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. Cysts – Fluid Filled Sacs Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can also contain gas or puss and can occur anywhere on the body, even in or around the mouth/teeth. Dental Checkup A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office. Dental Prophylaxis A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth. Dentist A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. Dry Socket A dry socket can occur after pulling a tooth out and seeing white bone in said socket. Other symptoms of dry socket include bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Oral Surgery Oral surgery is a type of surgery that focuses on the mouth, jaw, gums or teeth. Oral surgery can repair, enhance or correct multiple issues in the mouth. Pericoronitis Pericoronitis refers to the inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the crown of a partially-erupted tooth. Preventive Dentistry Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth. Third Molars The third molars are also known as the wisdom teeth and typically require removal in order to prevent pain and other issues in the mouth. Vacuum Formed Mouthguard A vacuum formed mouthguard involves customizing the mouthguard to match a mold of the individual patient’s teeth for a perfect fit. Wisdom Teeth Impaction Wisdom teeth impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth are under the gums enough that an individual cannot reach them with a toothbrush. Helpful Related Links American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025 WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025 About our business and website securityDesert Dream Dentistry & Spa was established in 2017.We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and VisaWe serve patients from the following counties: Riverside CountyWe serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, and Palm SpringsHealthgrades. View Background Information and ReviewsNorton Safe Web. View DetailsTrend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details Scan here to open directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile Back to top of Wisdom Teeth Extraction QR code for Wisdom Teeth Extraction Palm Desert, CA Oral Surgery Preventative Care Related Topics Composite Fillings Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Dental Implant Surgery Oral Cancer Screening Oral Surgery Root Canal Treatment Root Scaling and Planing Tooth Extraction Tooth Extraction Find a Dentist in Palm Desert Type Your Search Query Here Related Posts Wisdom Teeth Extractions: When, Why, And What To Expect Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental procedure many individuals undergo in their late teens or early adulthood. These third molars lack room, causing them to emerge improperly or become impacted. This can lead to various oral health issues that affect your overall quality of life. Individuals who undergo this type of extraction should understand… Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Partial Dentures Easier To Care For Than Dentures? Dentures are a removable option for replacing missing teeth that can provide the wearer with either a full or partial set of false replacement teeth. Your best choice depends on the number of natural teeth that need to be replaced. In either case, a crucial aspect of successful denture wearing is proper care and hygiene… Dentist Consult For Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Dentist consultations are a great place to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth. During a consultation, a dentist will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your health and circumstances, guiding you towards a healthier future for your smile.A dentist consultation should… Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Dental Bridges Right For Me? If you are someone with gaps in their smile, there are many options for replacing missing teeth available to you. A dental bridge is a time-honored solution for replacing missing teeth. Similar methods for replacing teeth have been used for thousands of years.A dental bridge is a single or series of false teeth, called pontics,… Explore additional topics covered on our website: Cosmetic Dental Services Dental Procedures Routine Dental Procedures Find the Best Dentist in Palm Desert Find Endodontic Care Near Me Call Us Today Scan here to call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile 73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260 Get Directions Call Us Today! (760) 565-0234 Request Appointment Comments or Suggestions? Contact Us https://desertdreamdentistry.com AboutWe are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Palm Desert area and treat patients of all ages. 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