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Wisdom Teeth Removal

63rd Street Dental

General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Upper East Side, New York, NY

For many teens and young adults, wisdom tooth removal is a right of passage. If you suspect you have impacted wisdom teeth, it’s important to make an appointment with a qualified dentist. Dana Kapparova, DDS, Amanda Golub, DDS, and the team at 63rd Street Dental in New York City, regularly perform wisdom teeth removal using safe and effective surgical methods. To learn more about wisdom tooth removal, schedule a consultation today by calling the office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, or using the online booking tool.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Q & A

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth sit at the very back of your mouth, two on top and two on the bottom. Also known as our third molars, your wisdom teeth break through your gum line when you’re between the ages of 17-25 years.

Because they’re the last of your permanent teeth to come in, they’re also susceptible to problems like cavities and impaction. To prevent these and other issues, dentists usually recommend teens and young adults participate in wisdom teeth removal. 

How do I prepare for wisdom teeth removal?

Before you undergo wisdom teeth removal, you participate in an initial consultation. During this appointment, your 63rd Street Dental provider does an oral exam and reviews your medical history. At this appointment, make sure you:

  • Talk about any health problems you have
  • Liste any prescription drugs you take regularly
  • Ask questions you have about the surgery
  • Discuss the type of anesthesia you’ll have

You should also make plans to take at least a day off of work or school. Wisdom teeth removal only takes about 45 minutes, but following your operation, you’ll feel groggy for the remainder of the day.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal?

On the day of your wisdom teeth removal, your dentist administers a local anesthetic numbing your tooth roots and gums. If you have dental anxiety or low pain tolerance, your dentist might also recommend sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide or oral sedation. 

Once the anesthesia sets in, your dentist carefully removes your exposed wisdom teeth using dental forceps. If your wisdom teeth haven’t yet broken through your gum line, your dentist makes a small incision along the gum over your impacted teeth and removes them piece by piece.  After extracting all of your wisdom teeth, your dentist stitches up the wounds, so they heal quickly. 

What is recovery like following wisdom teeth removal?

After surgery, it’s perfectly normal to experience some mild discomfort and swelling in your cheeks and gums. To speed up your recovery process, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. Take your medications as prescribed, and don’t be afraid to use an ice pack or a warm compress to ease the discomfort. You should also avoid biting down or chewing on your dry sockets. In the first few days after your operation, you’ll need to eat soft foods like yogurt, apple sauce, and smoothies. 

Request your wisdom teeth removal consultation at 63rd Street Dental today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.