Wisdom teeth evaluation and removal
Find out whether removal is recommended, why, and what to expect before and after treatment.
Or Call: (510) 495-1075
Meet your oral surgeon
Dr. James Connors provides oral and maxillofacial surgery. Your assessment includes a discussion of your wisdom teeth, the reasons for the recommendation, alternatives, and procedure risks. Before scheduling, review anesthesia options, recovery instructions, and estimated costs.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction follows a predictable pattern. Mild swelling and soreness are completely normal during the first several days as tissues heal.
Common recovery experiences include:
Mild swelling and soreness that peaks around days two to three, then gradually improves
Importance of rest and following aftercare instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications
Temporary dietary adjustments, including soft foods at first, while you heal
Keeping the area clean by gently rinsing with salt water after meals, but avoiding aggressive rinsing that disturbs blood clots
Follow-up care, if needed, including suture removal if non-dissolving stitches were placed
Most people return to normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise is usually avoided for about a week. Soft tissue healing happens relatively quickly, but full healing of the extraction site takes longer.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth removal provides several important benefits for your long-term oral health:
Helps reduce the risk of pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth when wisdom teeth are impacted or erupt improperly
Reduces the risk of infection from bacteria accumulating around partially erupted teeth
Prevents damage to nearby teeth from pressure or decay caused by hard-to-clean impacted teeth
Relieves pain and pressure from impacted wisdom teeth or infection
Improves long-term oral health by eliminating a chronic source of problems
Helps avoid future dental complications that would require more complex treatment
Removing problematic wisdom teeth is often less complicated and less expensive than dealing with years of pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth.
Why Choose Total Health Dental Care for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
When searching for "wisdom teeth removal near me" or a "dentist for wisdom teeth extraction" in Oakland or Berkeley, you'll find our practice offers experienced, patient-focused care. Our team has years of experience with wisdom teeth removal and understands how to make the process comfortable and efficient.
Experienced, Patient-Focused Dental Care: Our dentists have extensive training and experience in wisdom teeth extraction. We prioritize your comfort, explain the procedure clearly, and answer all your questions before treatment begins.
Comfortable Treatment Approach: We offer sedation options to keep you relaxed and comfortable during extraction. Many patients appreciate being able to have all wisdom teeth removed in one appointment under sedation rather than scheduling multiple visits.
Advanced Imaging and Treatment Planning: We use 3D imaging to precisely plan your extraction and identify the safest approach for your specific anatomy. This advanced planning leads to smoother procedures and faster healing.
Personalized Recovery Guidance: We provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your situation and remain available if complications develop during healing.
Convenient Oakland & Berkeley-Area Care: Our accessible locations make it easy to schedule consultations and extractions. Meet our skilled dental team experienced in wisdom teeth removal.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Oakland or Berkeley
Early evaluation and wisdom teeth extraction can protect your long-term oral health and comfort. Don't let problematic wisdom teeth cause years of pain or damage to adjacent teeth. Addressing issues early can sometimes make treatment more straightforward than waiting until pain, infection, or damage develops.
If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or have been told you need wisdom teeth removed, schedule a consultation at our Oakland or Berkeley location. Our team will evaluate your specific situation, discuss your options, and help you feel confident about the procedure. Explore our full range of dental services to learn how we support your oral health.
Why Choose Dr. Connors for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Dr. Connors is renowned for his expertise in oral surgery, particularly in wisdom teeth extractions. He uses the latest surgical techniques to ensure a smooth, pain-free procedure, minimizing recovery time and discomfort. His gentle approach and thorough care make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Book an Appointment
If you’re experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth or have been advised to have them removed, our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, ensuring a safe and successful procedure.
FAQs about Wisdom Teeth Removal
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After wisdom teeth removal, start with soft foods while the area is healing, then gradually return to your normal diet as you feel comfortable. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup (cooled to lukewarm), pudding, ice cream, smoothies (without a straw), and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot foods initially as they can cause bleeding and discomfort. Skip crunchy, hard, sticky, or spicy foods that irritate the extraction sites or dislodge blood clots. By week two, you can gradually introduce normal foods if you're comfortable chewing.
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If you will be receiving sedation, arrange transportation home because you will not be able to drive afterward. Eat a light meal the morning of surgery, but follow your dentist's fasting instructions if sedation is planned. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to your arms for IV placement if needed. Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery. Bring a list of medications you take and inform your dentist about any medical conditions. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after surgery.
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Wisdom teeth removal at Total Health Dental Care is typically performed by Dr. Connors under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level. The procedure involves carefully extracting the impacted teeth to minimize discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery. Dr. Connors' expertise ensures that the process is as quick and painless as possible.
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The extraction procedure is not usually painful because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. You'll feel pressure and vibration but no pain during removal. After the anesthesia wears off, mild to moderate soreness is normal as tissues heal. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers effectively manage discomfort. Swelling peaks around day two or three, then gradually improves. Most people find recovery far less painful than they expected.
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Recovery from wisdom teeth removal at Total Health Dental Care typically takes a few days to a week. Dr. Connors will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage swelling, pain, and diet recommendations to promote healing. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, with full recovery in about a week.
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The cost of wisdom teeth removal at Total Health Dental Care varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and the number of teeth being removed. Dr. Connors and our team will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation and discuss payment options, including working with your insurance provider to cover the procedure.
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Yes, at Total Health Dental Care, Dr. Connors offers various sedation options to ensure your comfort during the wisdom teeth removal procedure. Depending on your preference and the complexity of the extraction, you can choose from local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
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After your wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Connors recommends a diet of soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid irritating the extraction sites. It’s important to avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could disrupt the healing process.
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Most patients at Total Health Dental Care can return to work or school within a few days following their wisdom teeth removal, depending on the complexity of the surgery and their recovery progress. Dr. Connors will provide you with specific advice tailored to your situation during your post-surgery follow-up.
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In some cases, dentists recommend removing all problematic wisdom teeth during a single appointment, especially if multiple teeth are impacted or causing problems. This approach eliminates the need to repeat the procedure and reduces the total healing time compared with multiple separate surgeries. However, some patients prefer to have teeth removed gradually, particularly if they're anxious about surgery. Your dentist will discuss what's recommended based on your specific situation.
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Total Health Dental Care accepts all major private dental insurance (PPO) plans, including :
Premera
UMR
Guardian
Beam
Cigna
Delta Dental
MetLife
Aetna
Principal
Anthem Blue Cross
SHIP
Before any treatment begins, we verify your benefits and clearly present all costs upfront. For additional questions about insurance coverage at Total Health Dental Care, please call (510) 495-1075 or submit a question through our “Email us” contact form below.
For uninsured patients, explore our membership plans for affordable long-term dental coverage.
Transparent Billing
We're upfront with pricing and billing, so you’ll always know costs before treatment—no surprises, just clear communication.
Full-Service Dentistry
We offer a full range of dental services, from periodontics and orthodontics to dental implants and veneers—all in one location.
No Judgment Ever
Everyone's mouth is unique. We ensure a comfortable, non-judgmental environment, so you feel at ease during every visit.
Comprehensive Care
All dental specialists under one roof for seamless, expert care—from orthodontics to crowns and root canals, all in one place.