Those troublesome third molars—commonly known as wisdom teeth—often require removal to prevent pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. While various dental professionals offer extraction services, there are compelling reasons to entrust this procedure to a specialist. Patients throughout the San Gabriel Valley benefit from the advanced expertise of board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons like the highly skilled Dr. Christopher Chan at Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery. Dr. Chan brings specialized training and capabilities to this common but significant surgical procedure, instilling confidence in his patients.
Specialized Training for Surgical Extractions
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgical procedures performed in the United States. While many dental practitioners offer this service, Oral Surgeons receive specialized training specifically focused on complex extractions.
Dr. Chan’s educational background includes:
- Dental education at USC Ostrow School of Dentistry
- Medical training at Keck School of Medicine of USC
- Six years of surgical residency focusing on extractions and facial procedures
- Board certification demonstrating mastery of surgical techniques
This specialized training makes a significant difference when dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, which often require surgical extraction techniques. Many wisdom teeth are partially or completely embedded in the jawbone or positioned at challenging angles that make removal more complex than standard tooth extractions.
Advanced Anesthesia Options for Maximum Comfort
One of the primary advantages of choosing an Oral Surgeon for wisdom teeth removal is access to comprehensive anesthesia options. At Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, Dr. Chan safely administers and monitors sedation, offering several levels of comfort:
- Local anesthesia for simpler cases
- Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) for mild anxiety
- Deep sedation/general anesthesia for complete comfort during the procedure
Most patients prefer to have little or no memory of their wisdom teeth extraction, which is why deep sedation is commonly used. This approach allows the surgeon to complete the procedure while patients remain completely comfortable and unaware of the surgical process.
As a board certified Oral Surgeon, Dr. Chan has completed extensive training in anesthesia administration and monitoring, making the procedure safer and more comfortable. For added peace of mind, all surgical staff members at the practice are continuously certified by the Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE) or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistants (OMSA).
Handling Complications with Expertise
While wisdom teeth removal is routine for an Oral Surgeon, each case presents unique challenges that require expert care:
- Teeth positioned close to nerves or sinuses
- Severely impacted teeth requiring bone removal
- Unusual root formations
- Medical conditions that affect surgical approach
When complications arise, specialized training allows board certified Oral Surgeons to address them promptly and effectively. For particularly complex cases, Dr. Chan maintains active surgical privileges at Huntington Hospital, providing an additional level of care that general dental practitioners typically cannot offer.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Proper evaluation before wisdom teeth extraction is essential. At Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, advanced imaging technology is utilized to assess:
- The position and angle of your wisdom teeth
- Proximity to critical structures like nerves and sinuses
- Bone density and potential obstacles to extraction
- Overall oral health considerations
This thorough evaluation allows for the development of a precise surgical plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Dr. Chan discusses all findings with patients and explains exactly what to expect during and after the procedure.
Enhanced Pain Management Options
Managing postsurgical discomfort is a critical component of wisdom teeth extraction. Oral Surgeons offer advanced pain management strategies, including:
- Precisely administered local anesthesia during surgery
- Long-acting anesthetic options like Exparel® that can provide extended pain relief
- Customized pain management plans that minimize the need for opioid medications
- Proactive approaches to reduce swelling and discomfort
Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery prioritizes patient comfort while focusing on responsible pain management practices. Most patients find that a combination of over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol® provide adequate relief, though prescription options are available when necessary.
Efficient Procedure with Faster Recovery
As specialists who perform wisdom teeth extractions daily, Oral Surgeons develop efficient techniques that minimize surgical time and tissue trauma, leading to:
- Reduced swelling and discomfort
- Faster healing time
- Lower risk of complications
- Quicker return to normal activities
The typical wisdom teeth extraction at Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. While this is a routine procedure, patient care is never rushed. Instead, experience and expertise allow for efficient work while maintaining the highest standards of surgical precision. This emphasis on efficiency is designed to reassure patients about the smooth and well-managed process of their procedure.
Personalized Postoperative Care
Care doesn’t end when the procedure is complete. At Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, patients receive:
- Detailed postoperative instructions customized to their procedure
- Direct access to Dr. Chan via his personal cell phone number for any concerns
- Scheduled follow-up to monitor healing
- Immediate availability should any questions or complications arise
The recovery period is just as important as the procedure itself. Most patients can return to school or work the day after their wisdom teeth extraction, though strenuous physical activities should be avoided for several days. It’s normal to experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be effectively managed with recommended medications. Dr. Chan and his team will provide detailed postoperative instructions and are available for any questions or concerns that may arise during your recovery.
The Importance of Timing
Many patients ask when they should have their wisdom teeth removed. Board certified Oral Surgeons typically recommend evaluation during the late teens or early twenties, when:
- Root formation is incomplete, making extraction less complicated
- Healing capacity is optimal
- The chance of complications is reduced
- Potential problems can be prevented before they develop
Early removal is often preventive – addressing potential issues before they lead to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. During consultation, Dr. Chan helps patients determine the optimal timing for their specific situation.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
Understanding the process can help ease anxiety about wisdom teeth extraction. When arriving at Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery:
- Patients cannot have anything to eat or drink at least 6 hours before the procedure
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient to drive them home
- The team ensures patient comfort and reviews the treatment plan
- IV sedation is administered if this option has been chosen
- The procedure typically takes 45 minutes
- Patients rest briefly in the recovery area before being discharged
- The accompanying person receives detailed care instructions
It’s recommended to take the remainder of the day to rest and avoid making important decisions due to the lingering effects of anesthesia. Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for 3-5 days after the procedure, but as previously mentioned this can be effectively managed with recommended medications.
Choose Specialized Care for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dr. Christopher Chan, our board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, has dedicated his career to providing exceptional surgical care. Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery combines expertise, advanced technology, and personalized attention to provide the most comfortable experience possible for wisdom teeth removal.
This independent private practice focuses on delivering individualized care with the utmost professionalism and clinical excellence. The team understands that oral surgery can feel intimidating, which is why they take the time to address all questions and concerns before, during, and after the procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing wisdom teeth pain or have been referred for an extraction, schedule a consultation at Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, conveniently located in Pasadena’s historic Playhouse Village. The team is dedicated to providing exceptional care in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.
Contact Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery today to take the first step toward resolving your wisdom teeth concerns with the specialized care of a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
