Why wisdom teeth cause so much trouble
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to arrive, usually between the late teens and early twenties. By then, many jaws simply do not have room for them. They may come in at an angle, push against the molars in front, or stay partly or fully trapped under the gum and bone — what dentists call impacted.
A partly erupted wisdom tooth leaves a flap of gum where food and bacteria collect, which can lead to repeated infections, swelling and bad breath. Because they sit so far back, even fully erupted wisdom teeth are hard to clean and prone to decay.
Signs your wisdom teeth need attention
Trouble can begin before there is real pain. Book an evaluation if you notice any of these:
- Soreness or pressure at the very back of your mouth
- Jaw stiffness, swelling or difficulty opening wide
- Red, tender or puffy gums behind your last molars
- A bad taste or persistent bad breath that brushing does not fix
- Front teeth that seem to be crowding or shifting
Do all wisdom teeth have to come out?
No. If your wisdom teeth have grown in straight, meet the opposing teeth properly and you can keep them clean, they may never need removal. We will not recommend surgery just because a tooth is a wisdom tooth.
When removal is advised, earlier is often easier. Between about ages 16 and 25 the roots are usually not fully formed and the surrounding bone is less dense, which tends to make extraction simpler and healing quicker. That is why we suggest an evaluation in the late teens, even when nothing hurts.
What to expect on the day
Your visit begins with a review of your X-rays so you can see the position of each tooth and understand the plan. We go over your pre-op instructions in advance, including whether you will need a driver if you choose sedation.
On the day, the area is numbed with local anesthetic, and sedation is available if you would like to feel more relaxed. Wisdom teeth that have come through can usually be removed like any other extraction. Impacted teeth need a small opening in the gum and sometimes removal in sections. A simple extraction may take around 20 to 30 minutes, while impacted teeth take longer. Gauze is placed to control bleeding, and you go home with written aftercare instructions.
Recovery: the first week
Plan to rest for the rest of the day. Most patients return to light activities, school or desk work within 24 to 48 hours, and initial healing usually takes about a week. Swelling often peaks around the second or third day before easing.
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (with a spoon, not a straw) and lukewarm soup for the first few days
- Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy or very hot foods until the sites heal
- Skip straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing early on, which can disturb the healing blood clot
- Use cold compresses and take pain relievers exactly as directed
- Call us if pain increases after day three or you notice fever or worsening swelling
Why choose our Wisdom Teeth Removal Howell team
Removing a wisdom tooth well depends on experience. Dr. Abraham Y Husney earned his DMD at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and served underserved patients at the Rutgers Extramural Dental Center. His clinical skills range from direct restorations to complex extractions. You will know exactly what is planned and why before anything begins.
We offer comfort aids and sedation options for nervous patients, appointments that run on time, and Sunday hours that make it easier for students and working adults to schedule surgery without missing class or a shift. Like any tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal is often partly covered by PPO plans — we check your benefits with any of the 32 PPO plans we are in-network with and give you a written estimate. Book an evaluation online or call to get started.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Howell: frequently asked questions
How much does Wisdom Teeth Removal Howell cost?
At what age should wisdom teeth be checked?
How long does wisdom tooth removal take?
Can I go back to work or school the next day?
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Will removing wisdom teeth change the shape of my face?
Find out what your wisdom teeth need
Book an evaluation online or call (732) 751-4028. We will show you your X-rays and give you a clear recommendation — and if they can stay, we will tell you that too.