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 during your consultation and examination with Dr. Rosa or Dr. Soletic. We take X-rays of your teeth and mouth to determine whether wisdom tooth removal is necessary. You will have the opportunity to discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure, and Dr. Rosa or Dr. Soletic will answer any questions you may have.

Once your treatment plan is established, we will schedule your procedure. On the day of surgery, we will administer the appropriate sedation, numb the treatment area, and make an incision through the gums. The wisdom tooth may be removed in sections to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. The gums are then sutured closed to promote healing and help protect the area.

Some pain and swelling are normal during the first few days after surgery, with most discomfort improving by the end of the first week. Most patients can return to their normal diet and physical activities within about two weeks. Dr. Rosa, Dr. Soletic, and our team are available throughout your recovery to answer questions and help ensure a safe and comfortable healing process.

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

Need More Information? Contact Us - We're here to guide you through the process and answer your questions.