Wisdom tooth removal (also called wisdom tooth extraction) is the most common reason you’ll run into the endodontist, especially for patients who encounter an endodontist at a younger age.
While it is considered a surgical procedure, wisdom tooth extraction is commonplace and is done for the sake of making room so teeth don’t crowd via removing one (or more — in some cases 4!) wisdom teeth.
Your wisdom teeth are the 4 permanent (and adult) teeth that are located in the back corners of the mouth (both on the top and bottom rows).
If your wisdom tooth lacks a certain amount of afforded room to grow, an impacted wisdom tooth becomes the result, which puts a patient in unnecessary pain. The condition can even cause infection — not to mention additional dental problems. When this is the case, you’re likely to need a wisdom tooth removal procedure.
Wisdom teeth may be removed when they’re impacted or also in order to prevent future problems.
The good news is that a wisdom tooth extraction can be done by either a dentist or an oral surgeon like New York City Endodontics.
After your initial consultation, and after you and your oral health specialist or endodontist decide the best course of treatment, the procedure itself will consist of the following:
Once your tooth has been removed, we’ll clean the site of the removal and clear away any remaining debris from the tooth or bone to avoid infection. Stitches are generally required to close the wound and promote healing — although taking this measure isn’t always necessary.
We’ll also give you all the wisdom teeth removal aftercare you need, whether you have 1 or all 4 wisdom teeth removed.
We’re sure you’ve heard your fair share of horror stories, but we always aim to create a comfortable experience for our patients at New York City Endodontics.
Swelling and bruising may occur, but cheeks usually improve in just 2-3 days. Bruising can take longer to resolve. We recommend that you plan to relax the remainder of the day after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity for a week. Avoid hard, hot, spicy foods and avoid tobacco use for at least 72 hours after surgery — stay away from chewing tobacco for a week or longer for good measure.