Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth create problems, surgical removal is often the best way to resolve the issue. At Chroma Dental in the Midtown Manhattan area of New York City, cosmetic anjd restorative dental specialist Yev Davydov, DDS and Board Certified Oral Surgeon Gregory Shank, DDS have the skills and experience needed to remove wisdom teeth and preserve overall dental health. Book your visit online or by phone today to get started.  

How did wisdom teeth get their name?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, sitting at the very back of your smile. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some only develop 1-3 of these last molars. They’re referred to as “wisdom” teeth because they don’t usually come in until you reach your late teens or early 20s, a time at which you may have amassed more wisdom than you had as a child. 

If your wisdom teeth erupt through your gum tissue normally and don’t place undue pressure on the rest of your teeth, there is usually no need to remove them. 

What kinds of dental problems can wisdom teeth cause?

Wisdom teeth can create many dental health issues. When your wisdom teeth remain partially or fully trapped within your gum tissue, they are considered impacted. Some of the more common problems that develop with wisdom teeth include:

• Dental pain
• Infection
• Difficulty cleaning all sides of the teeth
• Damage to surrounding teeth
• Cavities
• Cysts and tumors

Wisdom teeth can also create crowding, which causes your other teeth to become misaligned. Crowding can also complicate orthodontic treatment, which is why wisdom teeth removal is often required prior to getting braces or Invisalign®.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal?

If you are a smoker, strive to quit for the two-week period leading up to your procedure, if not permanently. You should also boost your diet to give your body the fuel necessary for optimal healing. Brush and floss thoroughly before heading out for your appointment. 

Wisdom teeth removal is performed using a local anesthetic. Your dental care team might also use oral sedation or other sedation options to help you relax during the procedure. 

If needed, an incision allows your dentist to access the tooth. A tool called forceps is used to grasp the tooth and remove it from the socket after a back-and-forth rocking motion weakens the tooth/bone connection.

In some cases, breaking the tooth into smaller pieces makes it easier to remove. Your dentist will determine if sutures are necessary to close your gum tissue and aid in healing. 

You’ll receive full post procedure care instructions prior to your procedure. Be sure to follow these guidelines to help your body heal. If you have additional questions or concerns, call or click to book a visit at your earliest convenience.