Need Your Wisdom Teeth Out? Our Oral Surgeon Sees Patients at Every PhD Dental Office

If you need your wisdom teeth removed, you do not have to be referred across town to a stranger. PhD Dental’s oral surgeon removes wisdom teeth at all seven of our offices across Greater Los Angeles, on scheduled days. We accept Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal — which many practices with oral surgeons do not — and we accept all PPO plans.

Why is it so hard to find an oral surgeon who accepts Medi-Cal?

Most general dental offices do not have an oral surgeon at all. When a patient needs wisdom teeth removed, the office refers them to an outside specialist — and many of those specialists do not accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. Medi-Cal patients end up on long waiting lists, traveling far from home, or paying out of pocket for a procedure they need. At PhD Dental, our oral surgeon sees patients across all of our offices on scheduled days, so Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, and PPO patients can get surgical care at an office close to home, from a team that already knows them.

Does Medi-Cal cover wisdom teeth removal?

Yes — wisdom teeth removal is covered by Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) when it is medically necessary: for example, when a wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck under the gum or growing in at an angle), infected, painful, or damaging the tooth next to it. At your first visit, we take x-rays and the surgeon examines you, and our team checks your coverage before any treatment — so you know exactly where you stand before the day of surgery, not after.

Do I need a referral to see the oral surgeon?

No referral is needed. Call any PhD Dental office and tell us it is about your wisdom teeth. We will book your consultation on one of the oral surgeon’s scheduled days at the office nearest you. He sees patients at all seven of our offices: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, and Norwalk.

What are the signs my wisdom teeth need to come out?

Common signs include:

• Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums behind your last molars
• A bad taste, or an infection that keeps coming back around a tooth that has only partly grown in
• Crowding, or other teeth starting to shift
• Jaw stiffness or trouble opening your mouth fully

You do not have to wait for pain. An exam with x-rays shows whether your wisdom teeth are impacted and how close they sit to the nerve — and removing them before they cause an infection is almost always simpler than removing them after.

What about pain and anxiety during the procedure?

This is the part most patients worry about, so we plan for it. Nitrous oxide is offered at select offices, upon request. We can also provide a calming medication for the night before and the morning of your appointment — if you take it, you must have someone drive you to the office and home. At your consultation, the surgeon will explain your options and exactly what to expect, so there are no surprises on the day.

What if I have a PPO plan — or no insurance at all?

We accept all PPO plans: Aetna PPO, MetLife PPO, Delta Dental PPO, Cigna PPO, Guardian PPO, UnitedHealthcare PPO, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Blue Shield of California PPO, Humana PPO, Principal PPO, Ameritas PPO, United Concordia PPO, Sun Life PPO, Lincoln Financial PPO, Unum PPO, The Hartford PPO, Renaissance Dental PPO, Premier Access PPO, and Health Net PPO. Please note we do not accept any HMO plans at this time. If you are not sure what your plan covers, call us and we will check before your visit.

If you do not have insurance, start with an exam and full x-rays for $69. You will receive a written estimate before any treatment, and we offer in-house payment plans and financing options.

Do your other specialists see patients at my office too?

Our periodontist, who places dental implants, and our orthodontist see patients at most of our PhD Dental offices on scheduled days. If a specialist is not at your office, we will book you at the nearest PhD Dental office and coordinate your care. Orthodontic consultations are available.

Common questions

Does Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal cover wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, when it is medically necessary — for example, an impacted, infected, or painful wisdom tooth. We check your coverage before treatment.

Do I need a referral to see an oral surgeon?

No. Call any PhD Dental office and we will book you on one of our oral surgeon’s scheduled days.

At which offices does the oral surgeon see patients?

All seven: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Lynwood, Pico Rivera, Compton, Westchester, and Norwalk.

What sedation is available for wisdom teeth removal?

Nitrous oxide is offered at select offices, upon request. A calming medication can be provided for the night before and the morning of your appointment — if you take it, someone must drive you to the office and home.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance?

It depends on how many teeth are removed and whether they are impacted, so there is no honest flat price. Start with a $69 exam with full x-rays; you will get a written estimate before treatment, and payment plans are available.

I am in pain right now. What should I do?

Do not wait. Walk-ins are welcome at all of our offices, and we offer same-day appointments when available. Call the office closest to you as early in the day as you can.

Book a wisdom teeth consultation

If your wisdom teeth are hurting, growing in crooked, or simply overdue for an answer, call your nearest PhD Dental office or book online through phddental.com. Our oral surgeon sees patients across Greater Los Angeles, we accept Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, and all PPO plans — and we will give you a clear plan before you commit to anything.