Impacted Wisdom Teeth in Caldwell and Florham Park, NJ

Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth for Better Oral Health

Impacted wisdom teeth are a common dental issue that can lead to significant discomfort and oral health complications. At the NJ Center for Oral Surgery, our team of highly trained oral surgeons specializes in diagnosing and treating impacted wisdom teeth with precision and care.

If you’re experiencing discomfort or issues with your wisdom teeth, our Caldwell and Florham Park oral surgeons, Drs. Benjamin Jacobs, Michael Kirsch, and Charles Levin at the NJ Center for Oral Surgery, are your go-to sources of high-quality care and wisdom teeth removal. Contact our dental office in Caldwell at 973-226-8444, or our Florham Park dental office at 973-261-8444 to schedule an appointment.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. While some individuals have no issues with their wisdom teeth, many others experience complications due to insufficient space in the jaw, causing the teeth to become impacted.

Types of Wisdom Teeth Impactions

There are several types of wisdom tooth impactions, each varying in severity and treatment approach:

Mesial Impaction: The wisdom tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth and pushes against the second molar.
Vertical Impaction: This is a partially impacted wisdom tooth that’s upright but fails to fully erupt, often due to space limitations.
Distal Impaction: When wisdom teeth erupt angled toward the back of the mouth and may remain partially or fully beneath the gums.
Horizontal Impaction: The wisdom tooth pushes against the adjacent molar as it erupts completely sideways.
Soft Tissue Impaction: The tooth has partially emerged but is still partially covered by gum tissue.
Bony Impaction: The wisdom tooth is fully encased in the jawbone and requires surgical extraction.

In most cases, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will need to remove wisdom teeth when they’re impacted.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may experience a range of symptoms. Early detection is important to avoid further complications such as infections or damage to neighboring teeth.

Pain and Discomfort: A persistent or intermittent ache at the back of your mouth and nearby teeth.
Swelling and Redness: Inflammation of the gums around the impacted tooth.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth: Jaw stiffness or pain when trying to open your mouth wide.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: An indication of infection or food debris trapped around the impacted tooth.
Cysts or Tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts, which can damage bone or other teeth.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth involves a thorough examination by our Caldwell oral surgeons. This typically includes a physical examination of the mouth and teeth, along with a discussion of any symptoms the patient may be experiencing. Dental X-rays are an essential tool in this process, as they provide a clear view of the position and developmental status of the wisdom teeth, helping to identify any impaction issues.

Regular dental checkups monitor wisdom teeth development and determine the appropriate time for intervention. These checkups allow for early detection of potential problems, ensuring that any necessary referrals to an oral surgeon are made in a timely manner. This proactive approach can help prevent more severe complications down the line.

Why Should Impacted Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to serious dental problems, including:

Infection: Impacted teeth can cause bacterial infections due to trapped food and plaque buildup, leading to gum disease or abscesses.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth can cause damage to neighboring teeth, increasing the risk of decay or misalignment.
Cysts and Tumors: If untreated, cysts may form around the impacted teeth, potentially damaging the surrounding bone and teeth.
Tooth Crowding: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing alignment issues that may necessitate orthodontic treatment.

The Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide wisdom teeth removal. When you get your wisdom teeth removed, you can expect the following:

Initial Consultation: During your first visit, your Caldwell or Florham Park oral surgeon will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss your symptoms and concerns. They’ll determine whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Preparation and Sedation: Before the procedure, our oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions to follow. These instructions may include fasting for a certain period and arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home after the surgery. Our oral surgeons perform wisdom teeth removal surgery while the patient is under a local anesthetic, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. The choice depends on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level.
Surgical Extraction: For impacted wisdom teeth, a minor surgical procedure is typically required:
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth.
- Tooth Sectioning: In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- Extraction: The surgeon carefully removes the impacted tooth from the bone.
Stitching and Recovery: After the tooth is removed, the surgeon will close the surgical site with stitches to aid in healing. Gauze will be placed to control bleeding, and you’ll receive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Recover After Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal

The recovery process after impacted wisdom tooth removal typically takes about one to two weeks. Following our oral surgeon’s aftercare guidelines can help ensure a smooth recovery.

What to Expect After Surgery

Swelling: It’s normal to experience some swelling in the cheeks or jaw. Applying ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes can help reduce swelling.
Pain: You may experience discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Bleeding: Minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. Bite down on gauze to help stop the bleeding.
Rest: Avoid physical activities for the first few days to promote healing.

Aftercare Tips

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids but avoid using a straw as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a condition known as dry socket.
Soft Foods: Stick to a diet of soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or applesauce for the first few days.
Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site. Rinse with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery to keep the area clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?

The common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth from potential infection. It’s essential to address these symptoms promptly to prevent further complications.

What is dry socket, and how can I prevent it?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. It can be extremely painful. Avoid using straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing to prevent dry socket.

What are the risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction?

The risks associated with wisdom tooth extraction include dry socket, permanent numbness, and uncertainty regarding the benefits of removing asymptomatic teeth. It’s crucial to weigh these risks against the potential need for extraction when considering the procedure.

Contact NJ Center for Oral Surgery for Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you’re experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth or have been advised to remove them, don’t wait for complications to arise. Our oral surgeons at the NJ Center for Oral Surgery are here to help you with gentle and effective wisdom tooth removal.

Schedule your consultation by calling our Caldwell office at 973-226-8444, our Florham Park office at 973-261-8444, or filling out our online contact form. We’re happily helping patients in the Caldwell and Florham Park areas, as well as in West Orange, Montclair, and Roseland, NJ.