Wisdom Tooth Extractions – West Orange, NJ
Safe & Effective In-House Tooth Removal
In most cases, the D&G Dental of West Orange team works with patients to keep their natural teeth in place, but there are situations where tooth removal is the best option to ensure you maintain the optimal level of oral health. The most often extracted teeth are the third molars. More commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, this third set of molars can cause a number of oral health concerns that make removal the best option. If you want to learn more about wisdom teeth and when we recommend removal, call to schedule a consultation appointment at D&G Dental of West Orange. We typically recommend patients receive a wisdom tooth evaluation around the age of 11 or 12. At this point, the teeth are usually developed below the gum line, and we can often determine whether or not wisdom tooth extractions in West Orange will be necessary.
Why Choose D&G Dental of West Orange for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Tooth Extractions Provided 100% In-House
- Comfortable Care with Dental Sedation
- Digital Technology Used For Precise Treatment Planning
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically erupt from the gum line in the late teens or early twenties. Our ancient ancestors needed these teeth to replace those that had been damaged or lost due to a coarse diet and poor oral hygiene. Thanks to improvements in diet and oral hygiene, most people no longer need these third molars.
When Do We Recommend Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
There are many reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed, including:
- Impaction – Wisdom teeth are often unable to erupt from the gum line which can lead to numerous oral health issues.
- Crowding – There is often not enough space on the jawline to accommodate this additional set of teeth leading to crowding.
- Decay or damage – When teeth are crowded too close together or the wisdom teeth are trapped below the gum line, they are at greater risk for decay, damage, and dental wear.
- Shifting – Wisdom teeth can shift teeth out of alignment, and in some cases, this can undo the results of costly orthodontic treatment.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are two methods for removing wisdom teeth. The first is pulling. When a wisdom tooth or teeth have fully erupted from the gum line, we can use metal clasps to shift the tooth back and forth until it breaks free from the gums and we can pull it away. For teeth that are not fully erupted, we will need to surgically remove them. This means we use a scalpel to remove the soft tissue. Then, we use tools to remove the tooth from below the gum line.
What Happens After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Following wisdom tooth extraction, we will provide you with an extensive list of instructions. These post-operative care directions will help to ensure you are able to safely and effectively make a fast, comfortable recovery following your wisdom tooth removal. You will likely experience some pain and swelling for at least the first 48 hours after treatment. Most patients are able to manage their pain using over the counter pain relievers and cold compresses. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, please call our office right away.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do you have questions about wisdom tooth extractions in West Orange? Our friendly team at D&G Dental of West Orange is always here to help! Below, we’ve collected some of the most common questions we receive from our patients. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to call us!
What is the best age to get wisdom teeth removed?
There’s no specific age that’s the best to get your wisdom teeth removed, but most dentists would recommend that if they need to be extracted, it happens in young adulthood. This is because the procedure is typically less complex at this age. If the teeth are impacted below the gumline, the longer you wait, the more embedded into the jaw they can become, risking possible nerve damage if they’re removed when you’re older. In addition, scheduling the procedure while you’re in college or your teen is in high school is typically easier.
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
Not everyone has wisdom teeth, and this is guessed to largely be due to genetics. An estimated 35 percent of people are born without any wisdom teeth, while 20-25 percent are born with anywhere from one to three.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
Wisdom tooth removal, surgical or simple, isn’t painful. Before the procedure, your dentist will numb the area, making sure that you won’t feel an ounce of discomfort throughout the process. If you have any concerns, they may also be able to ease your anxiety with dental sedation. Just be sure to ask about your options during your consultation!
Should wisdom teeth be removed if they don’t hurt?
Wisdom teeth are typically advised to be removed not just if they’re causing pain, although that is a reason why we may recommend having them extracted. We may also suggest removing them if there’s not enough room in your mouth for them to safely grow in, they could put you at risk for developing an infection, or if they’re impacted below the surface of your gums.
How long does surgical wisdom tooth extraction take?
Since you’ll be under sedation during your surgery, it will feel as though hardly any time has passed. However, on average, it takes between 15 and 20 minutes to extract each tooth, so if you have four wisdom teeth, your surgery will likely be about 90 minutes. Each scenario is different, so the actual length of your procedure will only be able to be accurately estimated by your surgeon.