Wisdom Teeth Removal

Lenox Hill Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specializes in removing wisdom teeth, providing expert care to adolescents and adults in Bayside and Upper East Side.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are last (third) molars, they will typically begin to erupt around the time a person reaches adulthood, usually around the age of 16-20. Unfortunately, if there isn't enough room for the teeth to come in properly, they become impacted (“stuck” or submerged) underneath the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth could contribute to crowding, they often entrap food and bacteria as it’s impossible to keep them clean, eventually they become painful, infected and cause damage to surrounding teeth. It is best to have them removed within the teenage years before the “collateral damage” had accrued.

The main reason for needing wisdom tooth removal is because the third molars can become an issue if they're impacted and left in place. Over time, the wisdom teeth can become severely infected, decayed and even push up against other teeth. This could cause damage to surrounding teeth as well as overcrowding. It is never too soon or too late to have these teeth removed.

The best way for us to determine if wisdom tooth removal is necessary is to see an oral surgeon who will perform a clinical examination and acquire necessary X-rays. The x-ray allows us to see if any teeth are impacted with insufficient space and if so, the best way to go about removing them. If you need your wisdom teeth to be removed, it is best to have the procedure done sooner, before they become infected, to minimize the risks and complications and have the best recovery course. We will guide you through treatment options and will help you to create a treatment plan according to your case, health status and other personal circumstances.

The process begins with careful treatment planning that’s done upon consultation and examination visit. We take x-rays of your teeth and mouth to determine if wisdom tooth removal is necessary. You will have the opportunity to discuss the risks and alternatives of the procedure offered and for all of your questions will be answered. We will then schedule you to come in for the procedure. We will administer a chosen sedative, locally numb the areas and then make an incision through the gums. We remove the underlying wisdom tooth often in pieces to minimize damage to surrounding tissues and improve recovery, we will suture the gums closed to help the healing process and keep the bacteria at bay. You can expect some pain and swelling for the first few days following oral surgery with most difficulties resolved by the end of the first week. You should be returning to your regular diet and physical activities within 2 weeks of the procedure. We are always available on the stand by, if needed, to guide you through the recovery process and to ensure the most safe and comfortable experience possible.

Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Consultation - Trust our experienced team for your wisdom teeth removal needs.

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