Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Brooklyn, NY

Remove Problematic Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom tooth extractions are a common procedure among patients in their late teens and early 20s. Even many adults must undergo this treatment. As common as it is, though, you may still have questions about it. On this page, we explain what wisdom teeth are and why they often need to be removed. If you suspect you need to remove problematic wisdom teeth, or you simply want to learn more about the extraction process, please call us to speak to our friendly Brooklyn dental team.

Why Choose Brooklyn City Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

Comfortable & Efficient Treatment
Skilled & Compassionate Dentists & Team
Comfortable & Modern Dental Office

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of the mouth. They usually start growing when a person is in their teens or early 20s. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of their mouth. However, some people end up with more or fewer wisdom teeth due to their genetics.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Close-up digital image of impacted wisdom tooth

If you do not remove your wisdom teeth in a timely manner, there is a chance that you could suffer from some significant oral health complications, including:

Oral infections
Cysts and tumors
Dental infections and decay
Jaw pain
Shifting teeth

These issues can occur because most people’s mouths are simply too small to accommodate their wisdom teeth. As they try to erupt from the gumline, they can place pressure on nearby structures. They can also be quite difficult to clean, meaning they are more vulnerable to food impaction and decay.

What if I Decide Not to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?

Young woman speaking to dentist about treatment options

Many people choose to get their wisdom teeth removed as a precautionary measure, even if the teeth are not currently causing any problems. Other individuals are reluctant to undergo such a major procedure. It is worth noting that some people are able to keep their wisdom teeth throughout their lifetime without any adverse effects on their oral or overall health.

Rest assured that we respect our patients’ decisions about treatment. If we notice during an exam that your wisdom teeth are starting to threaten your oral health, we will talk to you about our findings so you can make a well-informed decision about your next steps.

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

Smiling young woman holding her extracted tooth

We want you to be comfortable, so we will administer local anesthesia.

If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted from your gumline, removing them may be simple. After using an instrument called an elevator to lift each tooth out of its socket, we will simply use forceps to grip it and extract it.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck fully or partially beneath the gumline), the removal process can be more complex. Depending on the details of your case, we might need to refer you to a local specialist.

Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Woman eating soup while recovering from wisdom tooth extractions

Most people are back to feeling normal within 1 – 2 weeks after their procedure. In the meantime, you may experience a degree of discomfort and swelling. Here are some steps you can take to minimize post-treatment symptoms and support your body’s healing process:

Get plenty of rest.
Eat soft foods.
Take any medications as prescribed.
Do not smoke or drink through a straw.
Stick to a good oral hygiene routine — be very gentle around your extraction sites!
Call us right away if you have any questions or concerns.