Does everyone have to get their wisdom teeth removed?

No, but most people do. Wisdom teeth can cause pain or infection, crowding, or even fail to break through your gums. To avoid problems later in life, we recommend having them removed. From time to time, Dr. Pasternak will see a patient whose wisdom teeth grew in without impacting the teeth around them. In these cases, the wisdom teeth can stay. However, those wisdom teeth are still prone to disease and should be monitored for life.

When is the best time to get my wisdom teeth removed?

The longer wisdom teeth remain in the jaw, the more likely it is that the roots lengthen, the jaw bone becomes denser, and they fuse together. After this happens, extraction is more difficult. This is why removing the teeth earlier in life is the best option. In patients thirty or older, the length of the treatment and recovery period will become longer and the chances of complications increase.

Do all four wisdom teeth have to be pulled?

The number of teeth we remove depends on several factors. Sometimes we need to remove one, and sometimes four. Dr. Pasternak will assess your case and determine the best course of action.

How long does the surgery take?

Factors like the number of teeth we are removing and the severity of impaction determine the length of your procedure.

How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?

Most patients can return to normal activities within 3-4 days. It can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover after having your wisdom teeth removed.

What does “impacted” mean?

The average adult has 32 permanent teeth and a jaw too small to accommodate each of them. Since the wisdom teeth are the last to erupt and there isn't space for them to emerge, they are impacted. Impacted teeth can lead to health problems like cavities and infections because we are unable to care for them like we can other teeth.

What is “dry socket”?

Dry socket is a complication that arises when the blood clot that formed to protect the bone and nerves becomes dislodged, exposing them to air and food. The condition is painful, but you can avoid most cases by following the post-operative instructions.

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