If you’re looking for wisdom teeth removal on Long Island, you need not look any further than Schiffman Oral Surgery. Dr. Leonard Schiffman and Dr. Michael Schiffman are two of New York’s best oral surgeons. At Schiffman Oral Surgery, wisdom teeth removal is a cornerstone of our practice. It is also one of our most commonly performed procedures.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars are
the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties, the so-called “age of wisdom.” Patients often ask us “what do wisdom teeth do?” Unfortunately, the answer for most people is “cause problems” but if they happen to fit in the mouth correctly and are healthy, they can be helpful and provide increased chewing efficiency.
The image on the right is a tooth model called a typodont. It shows what the wisdom teeth look like when they are able to fit and grow into the correct position. Unfortunately, most of us are not perfect like this computer generated model.
Why do you have to remove them?
Well, you don’t always have to remove your wisdom teeth! If they fit in your mouth properly, they are not bothering you, they do not develop pathology and your dentist feels that you are able to keep them clean, you can probably keep your wisdom teeth.
More often than not though, the wisdom teeth in us imperfect humans are misaligned or develop pathology and require removal. Misalignment or “malposition” of the wisdom teeth can result in difficulty cleaning the wisdom teeth themselves, but also the adjacent second molars. Over time, food and plaque get stuck and build up in the pockets in front and behind the teeth. It is nearly impossible to keep those areas clean with a toothbrush or floss. It’s not that you’re doing anything wrong! The toothbrush and floss just don’t fit back there. Eventually, bacteria that live in your mouth eat this food and create all kinds of problems like cavities and infections. This can result in inflammation, pain, and swelling of your gums and even your face!
When do wisdom teeth grow in?
In most people, the wisdom teeth begin developing around the age of 12. They are not fully formed until roughly the age of 18-20. Our oral surgeon can evaluate the teeth with a panoramic x-ray. We can usually determine if the teeth are going to fit correctly or not by 14 or 15 years old. This is the BEST time to get evaluated, because if you do need surgery, it can be easier and lower risk, with a smoother recovery.
Should I have my wisdom teeth removed before they start bothering me?
Well, you should definitely get them EVALUATED before they start bothering you. At Schiffman Oral Surgery we carefully evaluate each patient on a case by case basis and will explain your individual situation to you.
Of note, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons does recommend that wisdom teeth be removed before they start causing problems. Remember, it is easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger patients because the bone is softer and the tooth roots are not fully developed yet. And as with all surgery, patients who have oral surgery do tend to heal quicker and better when they are younger.
What does it feel like when your wisdom teeth are coming in?
Everyone experiences this in their own way, but typically patients report feeling some pressure in the back part of the jaws. Eventually, it feels like something is “poking through” the gums. Over time, if there is space, the wisdom tooth will continue to come up through the gums until it is in the proper position. Most people do not have enough room in their jaws for their wisdom teeth, and the teeth will get stuck. This leads to pain and discomfort as described above, and ultimately a trip to the dentist who will recommend evaluation of the wisdom teeth by an oral surgeon.
Does getting your third molars removed hurt?
Depending on who you speak to, you will hear a very wide range of stories and experiences that people have had with wisdom teeth removal. The fact of the matter is that wisdom tooth removal does NOT need to be a painful experience.
At Schiffman Oral Surgery we aim to give every single patient an optimal surgical experience that is as painless as possible. While wisdom teeth removal can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia using “novocaine,” it is usually performed MUCH more comfortably by adding either laughing gas or IV sedation anesthesia. Our oral surgeons will take the time to discuss all of your options with you, explain the differences, and work with you to choose the treatment option that is best for you.
Fun fact: Novocaine in the last paragraph is in quotes because dentists actually haven’t used novocaine for years, these days we typically use a newer local anesthetic drug called lidocaine. We still say novocaine in conversation because that is a term that most patients are familar with.
What are good soft foods to eat after wisdom tooth surgery?
We recommend eating cool, soft foods. Some patient favorites include ice cream, jello, pudding, milk shakes, applesauce, cool soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies. In general, you should try to avoid anything hard, hot, spicy or crunchy for at least the first week.
How long does it take wisdom teeth holes to close?
Following wisdom tooth extraction, you will often notice holes at the wisdom teeth removal sites. This is completely normal. The holes may also appear to increase in size during the first week after surgery, especially if dissolvable stitches were used.
The holes usually decrease in size during weeks 2-4, and are often closed completely around 1-2 months following the surgery.
To care for the holes while they are open, we recommend rinsing with warm salt water rinses at least 4 times per day (after every meal and before bed). Rinses should also be performed after any snack or if you feel that something is stuck in one of the holes. It is very important to do excellent rinses at home in order to prevent food from getting stuck in these holes. If food does get stuck in one of the holes, this can cause an infection. We find that this happens in about 5% of our patients.
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL WOODMERE, NY
THIRD MOLAR SURGERY WOODMERE, NY
WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION WOODMERE, NY
Wisdom tooth removal can often address painful wisdom teeth, but can also prevent future tooth problems or jaw pain. Whether you know that you want to be evaluated for wisdom teeth extractions, or aren’t sure if you need to have them removed, we are happy to help. You will be examined in our state of the art private office in Woodmere, NY and a custom, personalized treatment plan will be tailored to suit your specific desires and needs. Schedule your wisdom teeth evaluation today at Schiffman Oral Surgery!
Dr. Leonard Schiffman and Dr. Michael Schiffman offer oral surgery services to the Five Towns in Long Island, New York and surrounding towns on the South Shore of Nassau County including Woodmere NY • Hewlett NY • Cedarhurst NY • Valley Stream NY • Woodsburgh NY • Lawrence NY • Inwood NY • Far Rockaway NY • Lynbrook NY • Oceanside NY • Rockville Centre NY