Wisdom Teeth Removal · La Jolla, CA
Wisdom teeth removal near UC San Diego
Dr. Carlos Mendoza removes most wisdom teeth at Molly La Jolla, and many of his summer patients are UC San Diego students. Complex cases near the nerve or sinus are planned on a 3D scan before surgery day.
- Cost
- From $395 per tooth
- Time
- About 45 to 60 minutes for all four teeth. Most patients resume normal activity in three to five days.
- Insurance
- Most dental PPO plans cover wisdom teeth removal as an oral surgery benefit, and some also cover sedation.
Your wisdom teeth team in La Jolla
Who you’ll see
Dr. Carlos Mendoza provides wisdom teeth at this office. Not sure it’s right for you? Start with a consultation: your surgeon reviews your scan, explains the options and gives you one written quote first.
Why it helps
Why patients choose Wisdom Teeth in La Jolla
Planned around your anatomy
A panoramic X-ray, and a 3D CBCT scan when roots sit near the nerve, show your surgeon exactly what to expect before surgery day.
Comfortable anesthesia
IV sedation with continuous ECG, pulse oximetry and capnography monitoring, or local anesthetic with nitrous for simpler cases.
Prevents future problems
Removing problem teeth early helps avoid infection, damage to the neighboring molar and cysts later in life.
Support after you go home
Your surgeon calls the evening after surgery, and the 24/7 surgeon line answers any night of the week.
The process
What to expect, step by step
Typical timeline: About 45 to 60 minutes for all four teeth. Most patients resume normal activity in three to five days.
- 01
Consultation and imaging
Your surgeon reviews a panoramic X-ray, adds a 3D CBCT scan if roots are close to the nerve or sinus, and explains your options.
- 02
One written quote
Imaging, anesthesia, surgery and follow-up are in one estimate, with your dental and medical insurance checked.
- 03
Preparing for surgery day
For IV sedation you fast beforehand and arrange an adult to drive you home and stay with you. We send clear written instructions.
- 04
Surgery
Most cases take 45 to 60 minutes with continuous monitoring. You rest in recovery until you are ready to go home.
- 05
The evening call and follow-up
Your surgeon calls that evening to check on you. A short follow-up visit, if needed, is about a week later.
Visiting us
Getting to Molly La Jolla
From the I-5, exit Genesee Ave and head west about half a mile. We are in the medical tower on the north side of Genesee, next to Scripps Memorial Hospital. From the I-805, exit La Jolla Village Dr west, then turn right on Genesee Ave.
Parking: Paid parking in the medical tower structure, validated for patients. Drop-off and pick-up are at the tower entrance on Genesee.
Serving: La Jolla, University City, Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Mira Mesa, Bird Rock.
Reviews from La Jolla
Patients near you say
Facebook
Dr. Mendoza and Dr. Park replaced my lower teeth. Dr. Park took time with the shape and shade so it looks like me, not a movie star. Two months later I had my first steak in years. The parking validation helped too.
Google
My dentist flagged a patch on my cheek. Dr. Raman saw me within the week, explained the possibilities without alarming me, and did the biopsy that visit. She called me herself with the results. The kind of doctor you hope for.
Google
Dr. Ortiz corrected my overbite with lower jaw surgery. The 3D plan showed exactly what would change, and he was realistic about the liquid diet. Recovery took about six weeks to feel normal. Worth it.
Is it right for you?
You may be a good candidate if…
- Teens and young adults whose wisdom teeth are impacted, crowded or partly erupted
- Anyone with repeated gum infections or swelling at the back of the mouth
- Patients with decay or gum disease on a wisdom tooth or the molar in front of it
- Those whose orthodontist or dentist has recommended removal
- Adults with a cyst or other change around a wisdom tooth on an X-ray
Recovery tips
- Bite on gauze for 30 to 60 minutes and change it as directed. Light oozing on the first day is normal.
- Use ice packs on your cheeks, 20 minutes on and 20 off, for the first 24 to 36 hours to limit swelling.
- Avoid straws, spitting, smoking and vaping for at least three to five days to protect the blood clots.
- Stick to soft, cool foods at first, such as yogurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon, eggs and soup that is not too hot.
- Start gentle salt-water rinses the day after surgery, and brush your other teeth normally.
- Call the 24/7 surgeon line if pain gets worse after day three, if you have a fever, or if swelling keeps increasing.
FAQ
Wisdom Teeth in La Jolla: answered
Can I walk from campus?
For the consultation, yes, it is a short trip. On surgery day you need an adult to drive you home after sedation.
Is general anesthesia available?
Yes, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with Dr. Rafael Santos, our dentist anesthesiologist.
More at Molly La Jolla
Wisdom Teeth at nearby offices
Ready to talk about wisdom teeth in La Jolla?
Book a consultation online in about a minute. You’ll meet your surgeon, see your scan, and leave with one written quote before anything is scheduled.