Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Bergenfield, NJ

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.