Wisdom Teeth Removal in Warren, NJ
It usually starts with a dull ache in the back of your mouth, maybe after a meal or when brushing your teeth. At first, you may shrug it off, but over time, the discomfort lingers, and you start to wonder if the pain could be from your wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth typically make their debut in your late teens or early twenties, but not everyone’s experience is the same. Some people barely notice them coming in, while others deal with pain, swelling, or even unexpected dental complications. Having a trusted oral surgeon who can help you understand what exactly wisdom teeth are, why they can cause so much trouble, and the best time to remove them can improve your oral health and give you peace of mind.
Wisdom teeth often cause complications due to a lack of space in the jaw, leading to impaction, crowding, or infection. At Warren Oral Surgery, we have extensive experience evaluating and treating wisdom teeth issues to prevent long-term oral health problems. Our team of six skilled surgeons provides expert care using advanced techniques to ensure a comfortable and efficient extraction process. We are committed to patient-centered care, minimizing discomfort and promoting a smooth recovery for every patient.
What Issues Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?
You might not think much about your wisdom teeth until they start causing trouble. These late-blooming molars often do not have enough space to grow properly, which can lead to discomfort and a variety of dental issues. These issues may include the following:
- Crowding can occur when there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in, causing them to crowd other teeth in the jaw.
- As a result of crowding, some patients may suffer from misalignment caused by the wisdom teeth moving already grown-in teeth out of place.
- Wisdom teeth that are partially or fully impacted can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in a patient’s jaw.
- If the wisdom teeth come in against the sinus cavity, this can cause headaches and congestion for patients.
- When the wisdom teeth are partially erupted, they can trap food and bacteria, leading to infections like pericoronitis, which is an infection of the gum around the tooth.
- If the wisdom teeth push against other teeth, they can cause damage to those other teeth in the mouth.
- Wisdom teeth can sometimes form cysts, leading to damage to the jawbone, teeth, and nerves.
- In highly rare cases, wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to the development of tumors in the area around where the teeth become impacted.
While some patients experience many of the above symptoms and dental issues, others may not notice when their wisdom teeth appear. This is why it is important to you seek the advice of one of our skilled oral surgeons, who can help you determine the best plan of action for your wise moving your wisdom teeth and keeping it healthy and bright!
Call 908-222-7922 to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation.
To read more about wisdom teeth view our informative pages below.
When is it Time to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you have ever felt a twinge of discomfort in the back of your mouth, you might have wondered if it is time to remove your wisdom teeth. These late-arriving molars can often be a source of confusion. Sometimes, they grow in without causing any issues, while other times, they lead to pain, crowding, or even infections.
So, how do you know when it is time to have them removed? It is not always a straightforward decision, but understanding the signs your wisdom teeth might be causing problems and speaking with one of our educated oral surgeons can help guide you. Some of the common symptoms that it is time to book an appointment with our oral surgeons and discuss options for removal include the following:
- You have pain in or near your wisdom teeth
- You have been diagnosed with gum disease
- You have tooth decay
- You find that you have cysts around your wisdom teeth
- Your wisdom teeth are impacted or partially or fully trapped in your jawbone or gums
- Your wisdom teeth grew in crooked or sideways
- You find food or debris frequently becomes trapped around your wisdom teeth
- There is damage to nearby teeth or surrounding bone in the jaw
- You are experiencing jaw issues that make it hard to open and close your jaw
To learn more about when it may be time for wisdom teeth removal, contact our office, and we will be happy to provide you with more information!
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
What is an impacted tooth?
Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted wisdom teeth. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.
Types Of Impactions
We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
- Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
- Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal. The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth/Third Molars
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Sullivan, Aramphongphan, Awadallah, Bae and Zambetti can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Infection:
The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.
Cyst Formation:
Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth:
If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.
What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?
As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone denser. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties, or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably, and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.
What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?
Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.
On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you for the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.
In the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly six hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk of serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterward to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.
The Day of Treatment
Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.
If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolves in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery and will subside in several days.
Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.
We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.
What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?
The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination, and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment. Learn more about the cost of wisdom teeth removal.
What if I have questions before surgery?
At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at 908-222-7922 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.
The Day of Treatment
Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.
After Extraction of Wisdom Teeth
In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia), or general anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one or two weeks. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 908-222-7922.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment and our staff are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
What will I feel like after wisdom teeth removal surgery?
On the first day after wisdom teeth removal surgery, you may experience some minor bleeding and pain. You should cover your pillowcase with something so that you don’t get any blood on it. Each individual’s reaction to surgery varies, and the sensation of pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. A variable amount of swelling can be expected following the surgery. This swelling usually peaks on the third or fourth day and should begin resolving afterward. You can limit the amount of swelling you will have by using ice for the entire first 48 hours. The more ice you use the first 48 hours, the less swelling you are likely to have on the third day. Please remember to put ice on the first day even if it is somewhat uncomfortable to have a cold next to your skin. On the third day, you will notice that your jaw muscles are stiff, and it is difficult to open your mouth normally. You can apply moist heat to your face on the second and third day allowing your muscles to relax more and open wider. Most of the time you will want to limit your activities for a few days. We ask that you follow your post-operative instructions closely. Doing so will make you as comfortable as possible during the first few days following your procedure. Please allow time for your body to begin healing before resuming an active social, academic, or athletic schedule. Most patients feel like they are over the hump and on their way to recovery in 3 to 5 days.
Are there any problems after the extraction of wisdom teeth?
As with any medical procedure, there can be complications or an unanticipated result. Some complications that patients undergoing wisdom tooth extraction may experience include:
- damage to the sensory nerve that supplies sensation to the lips and tongue
- sinus communication
- infections
- dry sockets
After the procedure, our assistants will review your post-operative instructions with your escort. We ask that you follow these instructions closely, as they will make you most comfortable following your procedure. If you were sedated, you will be comfortable and drowsy when you leave the office. Most patients prefer to go home and rest with no other physical or scholastic activities planned for a few days. With any medical procedure, there can be unexpected results. These can include delayed healing, infection, and post-operative numbness or tingling in your lip, chin, or tongue. Sullivan, Aramphongphan, Awadallah, Bae or Zambetti will review relevant post-operative events with you and answer any questions during your office visit.
Damage to Sensory Nerve:
A primary concern is a nerve within the lower jaw bone that supplies feeling to the lower lip, chin, and tongue. This nerve is frequently very close to the roots of the lower wisdom teeth. Having these teeth out between the ages of 12 and 18 usually provides shorter roots so that the nerve is not so close to the roots of these teeth. Occasionally, when the teeth are removed, and especially in older patients, the nerve can become injured. When local anesthesia wears off, you may experience a tingling or numbing sensation in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Should this occur, it is usually temporary and will resolve gradually over a period of weeks or months. On rare occasions it can result in a permanent alteration of sensation similar to having local anesthesia. We feel that you should be aware of this possibility before consenting to surgery.
Sinus Communication:
The upper wisdom teeth are situated close to your sinuses, and their removal can result in an opening between your mouth and the sinus. Once again, if the teeth are removed at an early age, the root formation is minimal, and this complication is very unlikely. However, if it does occur, it will usually close spontaneously, but we may give you special instructions to follow, such as avoid blowing your nose for two or three days following the surgery. You can wipe your nose, but don’t blow your nose. If you have to sneeze, you should sneeze with an open mouth into a tissue. Pressure should not be created in the sinus area, which may dislodge the healing blood clot. If you sense this condition occurring after the surgery, please contact the office. An additional procedure may RARELY be necessary to close the opening.
Dry Sockets:
Dry sockets continue to be the most common problem people experience following dental surgery. They arise due to premature loss of a blood clot in the empty tooth socket. This seems to occur with greater frequency in people who smoke or are taking birth control pills. While both jaws can be affected, they usually occur in the lower jaw on the third to fifth day. They cause a deep, dull, continuous aching on the affected side(s). Patients may first notice the pain starting in the ear radiating down towards the chin.
The symptoms frequently begin in the middle of the night, and your pain medication regimen may not help. Treatment can involve changing your prescription. Occasionally it is helpful to place a medicated dressing in the empty tooth socket. This will help decrease the pain and protect the socket from food particles. The effectiveness in alleviating the pain lasts for 24-48 hours and may require dressing changes every day or two, for five to seven days. Dressings usually are removed when you have been pain free for 2 to 3 days.
The dressing doesn’t aid in healing. The only reason to place a dressing is for pain control. If medication is controlling the pain, the socket will heal without a dressing. Following removal of the dressing, an irrigation device may be provided to help you to keep food particles from lodging in the extraction site.
Infection:
Occasionally, post-operative infections occur. This usually requires an office visit and clinical examination. Many times, just placing you on an antibiotic for one week will take care of the infection. If it persists, the area will have to be drained and cleaned. Other temporary problems you may experience in the post-operative period include stiffness of the jaws, chafing around the corners of your lips, facial bruising, and blood oozing from the extraction sites. The post-operative instruction sheet we will provide should answer many of the questions related to these more common concerns. If not, don’t hesitate to call the office at 908-222-7922.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Removal WITH Warren Oral Surgery Today!
Having a trusted oral surgeon who can help you understand what wisdom teeth are and the best time is to have them removed. This knowledge can help improve your oral health and give you the peace of mind to feel comfortable going into the procedure to remove them.
At Warren Oral Surgery, we understand the discomfort and complications that wisdom teeth can cause. With years of experience in evaluating and treating wisdom teeth, our team of six skilled surgeons uses advanced techniques to ensure a smooth, comfortable extraction process. Our patient-centered care approach focuses on minimizing discomfort and promoting a quick recovery. Whether your wisdom teeth are coming in smoothly or causing complications, we are here to help you achieve optimal oral health and provide the peace of mind you deserve. Call us today at (908) 222-7922 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Wisdom Teeth
Serving the Following NJ & Somerset County Areas:
Warren New Jersey • Watchung New Jersey • Middlesex New Jersey • Bernards New Jersey • Basking Ridge New Jersey
Berkeley Heights New Jersey • Piscataway New Jersey • Bridgewater New Jersey • Plainfield New Jersey • Branchburg New Jersey
New Brunswick New Jersey • Stirling New Jersey • New Providence New Jersey • Chatham New Jersey • Madison New Jersey
Boundbrook New Jersey • Martinsville New Jersey • Westfield New Jersey • Springfield New Jersey • Summit New Jersey
