Wisdom Tooth Removal in West Harrison

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge during the teen years, when you are older and supposedly a bit wiser. While these third molars once served a purpose, modern humans no longer need them to chew food because our diets have changed dramatically. The majority of people have mouths that are too small to accommodate wisdom teeth, which often come in crooked, become impacted, or fail to emerge. They can cause a range of dental health issues later in life if left untreated.

Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal because they believe the teeth are in a position that will cause problems as you age or because the teeth are trapped in the jawbone and are pressing on the second molars. There are also more immediate signs that you may need wisdom teeth removal, including:

• Painful, red, or puffy gums in the back of the mouth
• Recurring headaches or earaches originating in the back of the mouth
• Jaw pain or difficulty chewing
• Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
• Bleeding gums or pus discharge
• Signs of infection, including pain and a fever over 101 degrees

Our Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

Our surgeons routinely remove wisdom teeth for Scarsdale & White Plains residents in our West Harrison, NY office, making the process as gentle as possible. We numb the area first with a local anesthetic, then administer a sedative such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or IV sedation to relax you, calm any anxiety, and ensure you do not feel any pain during the surgery. You will slip in and out of a semi-conscious state. You may not remember anything about the procedure post-surgery.

Once you are sedated, your oral surgeon makes an incision in the gums and, if necessary, cuts a small area of the jawbone to access the tooth. The tooth is removed, and the gums are sutured closed. A gauze pad is placed over the area to minimize bleeding and encourage the formation of a protective blood clot. We monitor you in recovery until we are sure you can return home to continue recovering.

Why Choose Facial & Oral Surgery Specialists

Drs. Korban and Clark are board-certified oral surgeons in West Harrison who perform wisdom tooth extractions in a hospital-grade facility with QuadA ambulatory surgical facility certification. It includes the most advanced technologies in a spa-like atmosphere, providing our patients with comfort backed by exceptional medical care and innovation. Our staff are trained in surgery, anesthesia, and life-saving procedures and, like the surgeons, pursue continuing education to stay on the cutting edge of patient care.

Wisdom Teeth FAQs

What happens if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth?

Maybe nothing, but according to the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, 85% of people need their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. If you leave yours in place, you will likely need them removed later due to impaction, pain, or infection. When you are older, the surgery is more complex, and recovery takes longer.

Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?

The surgery is not painful because we numb the area with a local anesthetic and administer sedation so that you are relaxed and semi- or fully unconscious during the surgery.

You will have some discomfort, swelling, and bruising that peak on the third day following surgery. It is easily controlled with over-the-counter medications and ice packs. After your surgery, we will provide you with detailed instructions to help you stay comfortable and minimize discomfort. By days 5 to 7, any pain should have faded.

What can I eat after wisdom tooth removal?

For the first several days, you will be on a soft diet to allow the incisions to heal properly. Cool or lukewarm foods such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, pudding, cottage cheese, and milkshakes (no straws) are good. Do not eat anything hot, as this can contribute to bleeding or dissolve the blood clot protecting the incision site. Avoid anything spicy, crunchy, or hard. After the first week, you can begin to add firmer foods.

How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?

Most people stay home for 3 days to rest and recover. Any pain or swelling peaks on the third day, then rapidly diminishes. Within 5 to 7 days, you will feel “back to normal.”

If you have questions that are not answered here or would like more information about wisdom tooth removal in West Harrison, please call Facial & Oral Surgery Specialists at West Harrison Office Phone Number 914-500-8985 to schedule a consultation.