Wisdom Teeth Extractions

The last teeth to erupt in your mouth, wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually make their appearance during your late teens and early twenties. If wisdom teeth erupt properly and grow in straight, they usually don’t need to be removed. Unfortunately, all too often, wisdom teeth can cause a host of oral problems, including pain, infection, tooth decay, misalignment, and even jaw and nerve damage. In fact, the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons estimates that up to 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed.

It’s important to recognize that even unseen wisdom teeth often cause serious problems. That’s why experts recommend wisdom teeth be evaluated early, usually during the mid-teen years. Early treatment can not only resolve any current problems but can also prevent serious issues that may develop in the future. At New York Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we are experts in the care and removal of wisdom teeth. Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky can examine your wisdom teeth or your child’s wisdom teeth, determine the best treatment options, and remove the wisdom teeth, if necessary.

What are wisdom teeth?

Nicknamed “wisdom teeth” because they usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25 (the so-called “age of wisdom”), wisdom teeth are a third set of molars at the back of your mouth. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were once necessary so that our early ancestors could eat a rough diet of uncooked meat and bones, which required more chewing power. Over the years, however, human dietary needs, as well as jawbone anatomy, have evolved to the point where wisdom teeth are not only unnecessary but are now often detrimental to our modern oral health. With softer diets and shorter jawbones, the average modern human mouth can comfortably accommodate 28 teeth. The addition of four wisdom teeth often creates crowding, and eruption problems that can give rise to a variety of oral health issues.

What kind of problems can wisdom teeth cause?

As wisdom teeth struggle to find room to grow in a crowded mouth, these teeth may grow in sideways, partially emerge, or even remain trapped under the gums. When wisdom teeth are partially or completely trapped in the gum, they are called impacted. While wisdom teeth can cause obvious issues such as misaligned and crowded teeth, impacted wisdom teeth may cause many unseen and serious problems, such as jaw and nerve damage. Whether your wisdom teeth have come in or not, they may be causing problems that could include:

• Misalignment of jaw and teeth
• Tooth decay from trapped bacteria and food
• Infections
• Pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Gum disease
• Jawbone damage
• Nerve damage
• Cysts and tumors in the jaw

Early evaluation and removal of wisdom teeth is the best way to resolve and prevent problems associated with wisdom teeth. Call to make an appointment for a personal consultation with our NYC oral surgeons today to have your wisdom teeth evaluated.

Why should wisdom teeth be removed?

Removing wisdom teeth can not only resolve current problems with overcrowding and misalignment but can also help prevent more serious issues such as infection, decay, and jaw and nerve damage. With experienced and skilled oral surgeons like Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky, wisdom teeth can be removed easily and safely.

My child’s wisdom teeth aren’t in yet. Do I still need to have them checked?

Absolutely. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can begin creating problems well before they erupt or cause any outward symptoms. Ignoring wisdom teeth now can set your child up for significant problems later, when removing wisdom teeth may be more difficult, inconvenient and expensive. Our wisdom teeth surgeons can evaluate your child’s mouth and answer any questions that you may have.

Is it better to have wisdom teeth removed early?

Yes. The American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons strongly recommends that wisdom teeth be removed before they start causing problems. Removing wisdom teeth is easier in young patients because the roots aren’t fully developed and the jaw bone is less dense. Additionally, healing and recovery times will be shorter for younger people.

What should I expect from surgery to remove wisdom teeth?

Your specific expectations will depend on many factors, including the position of the wisdom teeth and the amount of root development. In most cases, wisdom teeth can be removed easily and safely under IV sedation in our offices. Our oral surgeons have a wealth of experience extracting wisdom teeth, from the simplest extractions to the most difficult cases. Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky remove approximately 4,000 teeth each year. However, if our oral surgeons feel your child’s wisdom teeth do not need to be removed, they will advise you of this during the consultation. Our surgeons will conduct a thorough examination and answer any questions you have before your procedure.

How long is recovery after wisdom teeth are removed?

Your specific recovery will depend on many factors, including your age, overall health, and the difficulty of the extraction. Most patients will experience some swelling and mild discomfort after surgery, and you will be limited to a soft diet until the discomfort passes. Our wisdom teeth surgeons may prescribe antibiotics or pain medications, if necessary. Dr. Stein and Dr. Koslovsky will discuss all the details about your surgery and recovery with you before your procedure.

How do I get started with wisdom teeth extraction?

Dr. Stein, Dr. Koslovsky, and our staff would be happy to discuss wisdom teeth extraction with you. Please call 212-888-4760 or schedule an appointment online to arrange for a private consultation at our office.

• Before Anesthesia
• After Wisdom Tooth Removal