What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. In many cases, there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate them, leading to impaction, crowding, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction removes these problematic teeth before they cause complications, or addresses issues that have already developed.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions: Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | Consultation, then surgery |
| Time needed | 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of teeth |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia, with sedation available |
| Recovery time | Three to seven days |
| Best time | Late teens to mid-twenties, when needed |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need to Come Out
Wisdom teeth cause trouble when there is no room for them. They may stay trapped under the gum, come through at an angle or emerge only partly, creating a pocket that is impossible to clean.
- Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw
- Swollen or infected gum behind the last molar
- Food trapping behind the second molar
- Decay or gum disease on a wisdom tooth or its neighbor
- A cyst or damage to the next tooth seen on X-ray
Wisdom Tooth Extractions at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, wisdom tooth extractions are evaluated and performed based on each patient’s anatomy and the position of the teeth. Some wisdom teeth erupt normally and can be removed with a simple extraction approach. Others are partially or fully impacted beneath the gum tissue or bone and require a surgical extraction. Digital imaging is used to assess the position of each wisdom tooth, its proximity to nerves and sinuses, and the best approach for safe removal.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Panoramic X-ray or 3D scan. The position of the teeth and their relation to nerves and sinuses are shown.
- Consultation. Risks, anesthesia and timing are discussed.
- Numbing. Local anesthesia is given, with sedation where appropriate.
- Removal. Each tooth is removed, by simple or surgical extraction as needed.
- Closure. Stitches are placed where needed.
- Review. Healing is checked after about a week.
Types of wisdom tooth impaction
| Type | Description | Typical approach |
|---|---|---|
| Fully erupted | In the mouth and upright | Simple extraction, or keep and monitor |
| Soft tissue impaction | Covered partly by gum | Minor surgical extraction |
| Partial bony impaction | Partly in the jawbone | Surgical extraction |
| Full bony impaction | Completely in the jawbone | Surgical extraction; referral for complex cases |
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. The ones that do are easier to remove earlier, before the roots finish forming.
Recovery and Aftercare
After surgery
The first 24 hours
- Bite on gauze and rest with your head raised
- Apply cold packs for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- Do not rinse, spit, smoke or use a straw
The following days and weeks
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals from day two
- Eat soft foods and avoid seeds and small grains
- Expect jaw stiffness for several days
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Severe throbbing pain from day two to four, which may be a dry socket
- Swelling that increases after day three
- Numbness that does not wear off, or fever
When Removal Is Not Needed and When We Refer
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. The dental team evaluates whether the teeth are likely to cause problems based on their position, the available space in the jaw, and the patient’s overall oral health. When extraction is recommended, it is typically better to proceed sooner rather than later, as wisdom teeth tend to become more difficult to remove as the roots develop and the bone becomes denser with age.
For complex cases where wisdom teeth are deeply impacted, positioned close to the inferior alveolar nerve, or require a level of surgical intervention beyond the scope of the practice, the dental team coordinates a referral to an oral surgeon. This ensures that every patient receives the appropriate level of care for their specific situation.
Cost and Insurance
The fee for an extraction depends on how difficult the tooth is to remove. You are told the fee before the procedure.
What affects the cost
- Whether the extraction is simple or surgical
- The number of teeth removed
- Grafting to preserve the socket, if chosen
- Sedation, if used
Most dental plans contribute to extractions. Coverage for grafting varies. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
