Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on the top and bottom. When wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow properly, they can result in pain, infection, and other oral health problems. To prevent these complications, an oral surgeon in Elizabeth, NJ may recommend wisdom tooth extraction even if the impacted teeth aren’t actively causing problems yet.
At Legacy Oral Surgery, our team works closely with patients throughout every step of the wisdom teeth removal process. From the initial consultation through recovery, we make sure you have the information and support needed to feel confident in your care. When it comes to your oral health, having a trusted surgical team in your corner makes all the difference.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Researchers believe that wisdom teeth were once necessary because early human diets consisted of hard nuts, crunchy leaves, and uncooked meat. Today, we eat more cooked food and use utensils to cut food into smaller pieces. As a result, wisdom teeth are now considered a vestigial structure — one that no longer serves a useful purpose and, in many cases, causes more harm than good.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25 and are the last permanent teeth to come in. Some people never develop wisdom teeth at all. For others, they erupt normally without issue. But for many patients, there simply isn’t enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth to grow in properly.
Wisdom teeth without enough room to grow may:
Impacted wisdom teeth may lead to:
Impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to cause significant oral health problems. In most cases, extraction is the most effective way to prevent long-term damage to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
- Grow at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar)
- Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if lying down within the jawbone
- Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
- Grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone
- Infection or gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Tooth decay in a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Damage to a nearby tooth or the surrounding bone
- Development of a fluid-filled sac (cyst) around the wisdom tooth
- Complications with orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth
5 Things to Know Before Wisdom Teeth Removal
Going into a surgical procedure can feel nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps patients make informed decisions and feel more in control of their oral health. Before your wisdom teeth removal in Elizabeth, NJ, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pain and Swelling Are Common
Many patients experience some degree of pain, swelling, and discomfort after the procedure. On the first day, you may not notice much discomfort because the anesthesia is still working. Pain may increase over the following days, but your oral surgeon can recommend appropriate medication to manage it.
Someone Else Needs to Drive You Home
Because anesthesia affects your coordination and reaction time, you won’t be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. Plan to have a trusted friend or family member available to take you home and stay with you for at least the first few hours of recovery.
You Shouldn’t Eat Solid Foods After the Procedure
For at least the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal, it’s best to avoid solid foods. Your oral surgeon will provide specific guidance on what to eat and drink during recovery. Staying hydrated and following those recommendations closely helps reduce the risk of complications.
Avoid Brushing the Extraction Sites for the First 24 Hours
Brushing too soon after surgery can disturb the extraction sites and slow the healing process. To protect the surgical area, avoid brushing near the extraction sites for the first 24 hours and follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully.
Don’t Smoke or Vape After Oral Surgery
The suction created by smoking or vaping can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. Tobacco products also irritate oral tissue and slow healing. Avoid both for at least 72 hours — and ideally longer — after your procedure. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, smoking is one of the leading risk factors for post-surgical oral complications.
What Is the Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
The wisdom teeth removal process varies depending on how the teeth have developed. If the wisdom teeth have already broken through the gum line, the extraction is similar to removing any other tooth. However, when wisdom teeth are trapped beneath the gum or embedded in the jawbone, the procedure is more involved. In these cases, the oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue, removes any bone blocking access to the tooth, and may divide the tooth into sections to make removal easier. Our team takes every measure to keep you comfortable throughout the process, including discussing sedation and anesthesia options with you beforehand.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Elizabeth, NJ
Our team at Legacy Oral Surgery is committed to your comfort and long-term oral health. With over 35 years of combined experience and board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons on staff, we treat patients of all ages and take the time to walk you through every stage of care. If you’re experiencing pain or have been told your wisdom teeth need to come out, we’re here to help. Complete our contact form or call 908-585-4990 to schedule an appointment at our Elizabeth location.
