A panoramic X-ray shows exactly how your third molars are positioned before we recommend anything. Smile Center Dentistry assesses impaction type before recommending removal.
Not every wisdom tooth needs removal — we assess each one individually rather than pulling all four by default. We'd rather assess honestly than recommend a standard four-tooth removal regardless of your actual case.
We don't rely on a single small X-ray for a decision this significant. Nerve proximity especially matters for lower wisdom teeth, and imaging confirms it clearly.
We don't push the most expensive sedation option by default — we recommend based on your actual case. Simple soft-tissue cases often don't need more than local anesthesia.
We classify each wisdom tooth's impaction type, since that determines procedure complexity and recovery time. This assessment shapes both the procedure plan and what recovery will realistically look like.
You'll know realistic swelling and downtime expectations before surgery day, not discover them afterward. Recovery timelines differ meaningfully between impaction types, and we tell you which applies to you.
Every wisdom tooth case is different depending on position and impaction type — here's what's typically involved.
A single panoramic image shows all four wisdom teeth, root position, and proximity to nerves. We review the image with you directly, pointing out what we're seeing.
When a tooth has erupted but gum tissue partially covers it, removal is usually more straightforward. We explain why your case falls into this category if it does.
We coordinate closely with oral surgery resources for the most complex bony impaction cases. Recovery expectations are set honestly for these more involved cases.
Local anesthesia, oral sedation, or IV sedation are all discussed based on your anxiety level and case complexity. Pre-procedure instructions for sedation are given clearly in advance.
Written aftercare covers swelling management, diet restrictions, and signs of dry socket to watch for. We're reachable directly if recovery doesn't feel right.
We check monitored teeth at your regular recall visits rather than leaving them untracked. If circumstances change, we revisit the removal conversation honestly.
Call +1-866-227-2801 to schedule your panoramic X-ray and consultation in Tracy.
We image all four wisdom teeth and classify impaction type for each one individually.
Based on impaction complexity and your comfort preference, we proceed with the appropriate sedation level.
Written aftercare and a follow-up check ensure healing stays on track.
"Panoramic X-ray showed exactly why one tooth was impacted. Made the decision to remove it an easy one."
"Full bony impaction on one side, and they were upfront it would take longer than the others. Recovery matched what they told me."
"Swelling peaked around day two exactly like they said it would. No surprises during recovery."
"Soft-tissue impaction turned out to be a quicker procedure than I braced myself for."
"Told me one of my wisdom teeth was fine to keep and monitor instead of removing all four automatically. Saved me an unnecessary procedure."
Not necessarily — we assess each tooth individually and only recommend removing the ones actually causing or likely to cause problems. We'll show you the panoramic X-ray and explain our reasoning for each tooth.
Local anesthesia, oral sedation, and IV sedation are all options, chosen based on impaction complexity and your comfort level. Cost and recovery from sedation itself factor into which option makes sense for you.
Soft-tissue impactions typically recover within a few days; full bony impactions can take a week or more. We schedule a follow-up to confirm healing is on track for your specific case.
Late teens to early twenties is common, since roots aren't fully formed yet, but we evaluate based on your X-ray, not just age. Earlier evaluation sometimes means an easier procedure, since roots are less developed.
Pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or crowding of nearby teeth are all signs worth getting imaged soon. Bad breath or a persistent bad taste near the back of your mouth can also signal a problem.
Cost depends on impaction type and how many teeth are involved — we quote this after your panoramic X-ray. Sedation level chosen also affects total cost, which we discuss upfront.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Wisdom Tooth Removal to patients throughout Tracy and neighboring Tracy, CA communities, with panoramic imaging on-site. Whether it's one tooth or all four, our Tracy team handles assessment and most procedures in-house.
We'll tell you honestly which teeth actually need to come out.
Call +1-866-227-2801