Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of your mouth. They typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties, but often become impacted, meaning they fail to erupt fully, due to limited space in the jaw or an improper angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is “mesial,” in which the tooth angles forward toward the front of the mouth.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it will need to be removed by an oral surgeon in Union City at Legacy Oral Surgery. Without removal, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted are difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and gum disease.
When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
There are instances where wisdom teeth grow in normally and do not cause any issues. However, it is more common for wisdom teeth to grow at an angle or remain fully or partially trapped in the jawbone or underneath the gum tissue. This can cause substantial pain and other complications.
The following are indications that you may benefit from wisdom tooth removal:
Your oral surgeon at Legacy Oral Surgery will assess the condition and position of your wisdom teeth with a comprehensive exam and determine whether wisdom tooth extraction is right for you. Our team uses state-of-the-art techniques and innovative technology to help ensure the best outcome possible.
- Excessive pain near the site of the wisdom tooth or the back of your mouth
- Crowding around wisdom teeth allows food to become trapped
- Emerging gum disease around your molars
- Recurrent tooth decay around the wisdom teeth
- Development of cysts around the wisdom teeth
- Damage to the surrounding teeth or the jawbone
Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
Each patient’s situation is unique. Dr. Herbst will typically take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your tooth needs to be removed. If she recommends wisdom tooth removal, it is best to move forward sooner rather than later.
Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the late teens or early twenties because the roots are less likely to have fully formed, and the surrounding bone is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier and recovery time shorter. To perform wisdom tooth removal, an oral surgeon first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Dr. Herbst may also apply additional medication — such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia — to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
If the impacted tooth remains beneath the gum line and is embedded in your jawbone, Dr. Herbst may need to remove a small portion of the overlying bone. To minimize how much bone is removed, the wisdom tooth may be “sectioned” (divided into smaller pieces) so each piece can be extracted through a small opening.
Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, healing begins. Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Dr. Herbst will explain what to expect and provide clear instructions to support a smooth, comfortable healing process.
Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal
There are several meaningful benefits to wisdom tooth removal, including:
1. Fewer Orthodontic Problems
When wisdom teeth begin to emerge, they may overcrowd your existing teeth and put pressure on surrounding molars. Over time, this can lead to alignment problems and bite issues. Removing wisdom teeth can reduce the likelihood of needing braces or other corrective treatments down the line.
2. Preventing Damage to Adjacent Teeth
The pressure from emerging wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth by weakening enamel, compromising roots, and making those teeth more vulnerable to cavities and bone loss, requiring bone grafting. Cleaning around wisdom teeth can also be difficult, leading to recurring decay. Removing them may save you the time and cost associated with fillings and potential root canals.
3. Decreasing the Likelihood of Oral Disease
Removing wisdom teeth promptly may decrease the likelihood of oral diseases such as gum disease. Inflammation in this area can be persistent and hard to treat due to how difficult the teeth are to reach and clean. Infections left untreated can spread beneath the gums, affect surrounding nerves, and in some cases, enter the bloodstream — potentially leading to serious complications.
4. Reducing Orofacial Pain
In addition to reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease, wisdom tooth removal can help relieve pain from inflammation, pressure, gum sensitivity, and overcrowding. Pressure from emerging wisdom teeth may also contribute to chronic headaches and sinus discomfort. Many patients in Union City, NJ, report significant relief following extraction.
5. Preventing Jaw Disorders and Other Dental Conditions
The position of emerging wisdom teeth can create an environment where bacteria accumulate, potentially generating chronic cysts or tumors that negatively impact the jawbone and cause joint pain. This can worsen or contribute to severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction that may require additional treatment in the future.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Union City, NJ — Schedule Your Consultation
If you are dealing with painful symptoms from impacted wisdom teeth, Legacy Oral Surgery offers state-of-the-art surgical care for wisdom tooth removal throughout Union City and the surrounding New Jersey area. Our team is committed to providing support before, during, and after your procedure so your oral health needs are always met.
With over 25 years of oral and maxillofacial surgery practice, Dr. Nancy Herbst brings advanced care and a patient-first approach to every procedure. Request an appointment today or call our office at 201-601-9262 to speak with our team about wisdom teeth removal in Union City.
