Wisdom Teeth Removal in South Lake Tahoe

Relieve Pain and Prevent Future Dental Problems

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge — and they often bring complications with them. At The Smile Shop in South Lake Tahoe, we perform safe, efficient wisdom teeth extractions for teens and adults, helping you avoid crowding, infections, and jaw pain before it starts.

Whether your wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or simply causing discomfort, our team will guide you through a clear plan for removal — including coronectomy procedures in select cases where full extraction poses additional risk.

With South Lake Tahoe’s active lifestyle, we know our patients want to get back on the slopes, trails, and water quickly. That’s why we focus on efficient, minimally invasive care and smooth recovery.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early twenties — but timing depends on your unique dental development and symptoms. Common reasons for removal include:

• Impaction (wisdom teeth trapped in the gum or jaw)
  
• Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth
  
• Infection or inflammation
  
• Crowding of nearby teeth
  
• Difficulty cleaning around the wisdom teeth
  
• Damage to adjacent teeth or bone
  
• Cyst or tumor formation near impacted teeth
  

We evaluate your case using digital X-rays and a thorough oral exam to determine the best time and approach.

What Is a Coronectomy?

In cases where the lower wisdom tooth’s roots are close to the inferior alveolar nerve, a coronectomy may be recommended. This specialized procedure involves removing the crown of the tooth while leaving the roots in place to avoid nerve injury.

A coronectomy may be right for you if:

• Your lower wisdom tooth is deeply impacted
  
• X-rays show close proximity to major nerves
  
• You are at higher risk for post-operative complications
  

Our team will review your X-rays and determine if coronectomy is a safer alternative to full extraction.

What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal

Every case is different, but most extractions follow this general process:

• Digital X-rays to assess positioning
  
• Local anesthesia or sedation as appropriate
  
• Removal of the tooth (or crown only, in a coronectomy)
  
• Stitches if needed
  
• Bite-down gauze for bleeding control
  
• Post-operative care instructions
  

We’re here to make your experience as comfortable as possible, with thorough aftercare guidance for faster recovery and minimal discomfort.

What About Aftercare and Healing?

You’ll want to rest for the first 1–2 days after your procedure. Most patients feel significantly better within 3–5 days and are back to full activity within a week. We'll provide a detailed recovery guide, including:

• How to manage swelling and soreness
  
• What to eat (and what to avoid)
  
• How to clean the extraction site gently
  
• When to call us for help
  

If needed, we can also coordinate follow-up care or referrals for more complex cases.

Medi-Cal Accepted + Flexible Payment Options

At The Smile Shop, we believe everyone should have access to important procedures like wisdom teeth removal — whether it's routine or medically necessary. We accept Medi-Cal and most private dental insurance plans.

Need financing? We offer affordable options and memberships to make sure cost is never a barrier to your care.