Ranging between the ages of 17 and 25, wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, start to appear. It is recommended by oral surgeons and dentists to have these third molars extracted as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough room in the adult mouth to accommodate the wisdom teeth, therefore, removing them would prevent many different oral health issues that could arise.
Dr. Seeger, Dr. Gleason, and Dr. Inverso are all board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with years of expertise and experience extracting wisdom teeth. At Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we provide multiple sedation options to choose from to guarantee your comfort. Contact us to schedule a consultation in Pennsville, NJ, if you or a loved one needs wisdom teeth extracted.
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The average adult mouth only fits 28 teeth, so when wisdom teeth try to fit in, oral health complications can occur. This extra set of molars are also unnecessary because we already have second molars in our mouth for chewing purposes.
If wisdom teeth align and gum tissue is healthy, then wisdom teeth do not need to be extracted. However, this is a rare occurrence, as this will not apply to most. This is because when wisdom teeth grow in, there is not enough room in the human mouth, causing many health complications. The complications that could arise from the third molars starting to push against other teeth include misalignment, bite problems, tooth decay, cavities, infections, and more.
It is important to have the impacted wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible. Impacted wisdom teeth grow sideways and directly affect adjacent teeth because they are trapped beneath the gums. Since these teeth are unable to properly erupt, pain, gum disease, or cysts or tumors around the mouth can occur. Therefore, early removal is recommended by many dental health professionals.
Signs & Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth
Many people experience pain or pressure when wisdom teeth erupt, while others may not notice any symptoms at all. While it is possible that your wisdom teeth will not cause you any pain, they could still be damaging surrounding teeth and their roots. While misalignment is not clear right away, wisdom teeth can cause a huge change in your bite and alignment of your teeth over time.
If you notice any of the following symptoms or signs, please contact our office to schedule an appointment, as it may be time for wisdom teeth removal:
- Pain or pressure in the back of your mouth
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Persistent bad breath, even after brushing
- A bad taste in your mouth
Your general dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon if any wisdom teeth are found that need removal, therefore, it is important to regularly attend dental appointments.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Oral Examination
At Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants in Pennsville, NJ, Drs. Seeger, Gleason, and Inverso conduct oral examinations. They will carefully review images of the mouth to locate the wisdom teeth and map out a plan for extraction.
To provide maximum comfort for our patients, we have numerous types of anesthesia that is decided during the oral examination. We will discuss your options with you to ensure you have a safe and pleasant oral surgery experience.
Removal
The procedure will start by your oral surgeon administering the selected anesthesia, and they will wait until it has taken its full effect. If your wisdom tooth is visible through the gums, therefore an erupted wisdom tooth, then your surgeon will begin to make an incision directly on the gum for access to remove the molar and then close up the wound with sutures.
Recovery
Once the procedure is over, you will rest in the waiting room until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. It is your responsibility to arrange for a designated driver to take you home. Our team will walk you through the proper care that is explained on the post-operative instructions we provide. These instructions will ensure a smooth and fast recovery.
If you have any questions about your treatment at any time, please call our office in Pennsville, NJ.
Types of Anesthesia
At Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we offer several types of anesthesia and sedation options.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Since each surgery plan is personalized to the patient, the cost of wisdom teeth removal surgery varies. At the time of your first visit, our office will give an estimated cost for your oral surgery. Factors that contribute to the cost include:
- The complexity of your procedure
- Choice of anesthesia
- Your dental/medical insurance
If you would like to schedule an appointment and get a rough estimate on wisdom teeth removal cost, please call Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants in Pennsville, NJ. Our staff is more than happy to guide you through your financing and payment options.
Hear From Wisdom Teeth Removal Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing wisdom teeth removal at our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have wisdom teeth removed?
Your insurance, number of teeth needed to be removed, the type of anesthesia chosen, and the complexity of the surgery are all factors that determine how much your wisdom teeth removal procedure will cost. During your consultation appointment, you will be provided with a rough estimate of cost.
What is recovery after wisdom tooth removal like?
After your procedure, our office will provide you with post-operative instructions to follow. All the information in the instructions is vital for a smooth recovery. It will include directions on what to do for the first 24 hours, how to do salt water rinses, when to resume normal activities, and what foods you can eat.
What should I not do after having wisdom teeth removed?
After you have your procedure, you should rest for the remainder of the day. You should not use straws, smoke, or vigorously rinse your mouth to prevent dry socket. Dry socket happens when a blood clot forms inside your mouth and becomes dislodged. It is important to take care of your surgical sites because they can take up to two weeks to heal fully.
What happens if you wait too long for wisdom teeth extraction?
Wisdom teeth can become more firmly embedded in the jaw bone if left untreated. Jaw bone deterioration can also occur when sacs or tumors filled with fluid form around impacted wisdom teeth. This is very difficult to clean around and can easily trap bacteria, ultimately increasing the risk of infection, cavities, or gum disease. By having our oral surgeons remove your wisdom teeth, the chances of these complications happening to you is eliminated.
Have an Exceptional Patient Experience
Get exceptional oral surgery care from board-certified oral surgeons you can trust. Contact Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule a consultation.