Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Bergenfield, NJ
Say Goodbye to Painful Wisdom Teeth
The third molars (also commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth”) are the last adult teeth to push through the gum line and take their rightful place in the mouth, usually appearing somewhere between the ages of 16 and 22. Unfortunately, this late arrival can be bad news for many patients. Because of the lack of available space left, wisdom teeth are very likely to become impacted (trapped in the jaw) or dangerously overcrowded, leading to higher risks of dental problems. At Washington Dental Association, we offer wisdom teeth removal in Bergenfield to keep our patients’ smiles safer and prevent unnecessary harm. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Washington Dental Associates for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- We Welcome All Ages
- Soothing Sedation Dentistry Available
- Weekend & Evening Appointments
Reasons to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed
Many wisdom teeth can emerge safely through the jawbone with enough space to function normally and thrive without threatening the health of surrounding teeth. If this is the case, Dr. Tong and Dr. LaCap won’t recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. However, we do keep a close eye on the development of these teeth in younger patients through digital X-ray technology and may recommend removal as a preventive measure if problems seem likely. Our top priority is your safety and wellbeing!
The most common reasons for wisdom teeth to be extracted include:
- There is an infection: If gum disease or an infection forms near one or more of your wisdom teeth, this can lead to inflammation, tenderness, pain, and cyst formations.
- They are impacted: If your wisdom teeth are beneath the gums and have never erupted, they can press against healthy, natural teeth as well as grow into nearby teeth roots, causing an infection.
- There isn’t enough space: If your wisdom teeth are trying to erupt but there appears to be a lack of space within your mouth, this can lead to overcrowding and necessary orthodontic treatment to fix.
How is a Wisdom Tooth Extracted?
Before you move forward with your wisdom tooth extraction in Bergenfield, you should know that you will receive anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and feel no pain throughout the procedure. At Washington Dental Associates, we offer IV sedation that is administered by our anesthesiologist, Dr. Jonathan Mendia.
Once you are comfortable and relaxed, our team will begin by making small incisions in your gums (if they are impacted) where your wisdom teeth exist. Using dental forceps, we will gently loosen the tooth and if necessary, remove it in pieces to make the process smoother. The vacated socket will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure no remaining debris is left behind. We will then close the gum tissue and use clean gauze to minimize bleeding. It may be necessary for you to bite down on the gauze to help in this process.
Aftercare for Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Once the process is complete, you will need to make sure you follow the instructions provided to avoid an infection or possible dry socket, which is when the formed blood clot dislodges and results in immense pain and discomfort. You can do this by:
- Getting plenty of rest in the days following your procedure.
- Eating only soft foods in the first few days to avoid placing additional pressure on these areas of your mouth.
- Avoiding hot or cold drinks or foods that can irritate your surgical sites.
- Not sucking through a straw or spitting, as these can cause a dry socket to form.
- Avoiding tobacco products and smoking.
- Gently rinsing with warm salt water to clean the area. Just remember never to spit forcefully.
You’ll need to make sure you have someone escort you to and from your appointment, as you will likely continue to feel the effects of your anesthesia for several hours. It is common to experience some soreness, bruising, and discomfort, but these symptoms should only last a few days. If they do not seem to dissipate within the allotted amount of time provided by your dentist, make sure to call our office.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Wisdom tooth extractions tend to cause a little bit of anxiety in our patients, which is why we do everything we can to ensure that all of your worries are quelled before the treatment. Part of that is answering any question that you may have about the treatment.
We certainly get plenty of questions from our patients, so if you want to learn a little bit more about what the treatment has in store, here is a little FAQ that may give you some information.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
If you’ve noticed that not all of your wisdom teeth have come in, it could very well be the case that you just don’t have some of them. While a majority of people have all four, it’s not necessarily uncommon for someone to be missing one or more of them.
It’s not known why this is the case, but it’s thought that genetics play a factor. We can use an x-ray to determine whether there’s a wisdom tooth lurking under the service.
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
First of all, you should be sure to ask us any questions that you might have before you begin. We’ll be able to give you more specific instructions once we meet you.
In general, you should always have someone drive you to and from your appointment on account of the sedatives. Speaking of, you should also talk to us about any medications you’re on and any recreational drug usage, as the anesthesiologist will need this information to properly dose out the sedative.
You should make it a point not to smoke before the procedure, and if you’re getting general anesthesia you should refrain from eating/drinking the night before. Wear comfortable clothes and use glasses instead of contacts.
Finally, you may want to stock up on soft foods for the days after the treatment.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
While aftercare can involve discomfort, the procedure itself should be painless. Your mouth will be numbed thoroughly before the treatment, not to mention the sedatives involved. As a consequence, the most you’ll feel is a slight pressure as the tooth is removed.
You may be sore after the treatment, but if you follow our aftercare instructions you should be back to 100% within a week.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Surgery Take?
If you’re on a tight schedule, you should know that removing a wisdom tooth takes around 15-20 minutes. Removing all four can take up to 90 minutes.
Of course, if your tooth is impacted, that may take longer. We’ll be able to give you a more specific estimate once we know the details of your situation.
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