Wisdom Tooth Dentist in Clifton, NJ

Many of our patients are young adults who may be experiencing the emergence of their wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. These final set of teeth typically erupt in the late teenage years or early twenties. The initial signs of wisdom teeth emergence can often be understated, but there are certain key symptoms to watch out for:

Soreness and Discomfort:
• The first signs usually involve a degree of discomfort or pain at the back of the mouth, behind your molars.
• For patients who feel pressure or aching in their jaw, or sensitivity when chewing or biting, especially in the area where the wisdom teeth are expected to erupt, make an appointment for a check-up.

Gum Swelling and Redness:
• The emerging wisdom teeth can cause gums to swell and become tender. This swelling can also lead to redness and occasionally bleeding.
• In some instances, a fluid-filled sac or cyst may form around the emerging tooth.

Changes in Gum Appearance:
• Gradual protrusion or alterations in your gums over the developing wisdom teeth can be another sign.
• If you feel pressure or tightness in the back of your mouth, scheduling an appointment can help determine if your wisdom teeth are emerging or if another oral health issue is present.

Difficulty in Mouth Movement:
• Some patients may experience difficulty and discomfort while opening their mouth or eating.
• This can be caused by stiffness and discomfort in the jaw muscles.

Persistent Bad Breath or Taste:
• A persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath may occur due to an infection or bacterial buildup caused by partially erupted wisdom teeth, which are hard to clean.
• Regular check-ups can help manage this issue and prevent the development of an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Facial Pain:
• In some cases, the pressure exerted by the emerging wisdom teeth can cause pain or tenderness in the face, jaw, or ears.

Additional Symptoms:
• Some patients might also experience headaches and earaches as a result of the pressure exerted by the emerging wisdom teeth.
• Other signs might include stiffness or tenderness in the neck, and swollen lymph nodes in the head or neck.

It’s crucial to remember that these symptoms can also indicate other oral health issues. If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Marvel Dental for an accurate diagnosis.

If your wisdom teeth are healthy, correctly positioned, and cause no pain or dental problems, you may be advised that they don’t need to be extracted. However, if they are impacted – unable to fully emerge due to lack of space – the situation changes. Wisdom teeth that are impacted might hurt, infect, or harm neighboring teeth and even cyst formation. In these cases, wisdom tooth extraction is usually necessary.

Some common wisdom tooth-related treatments offered at our practice are:

1. Impaction: We provide extraction services for impacted wisdom teeth to prevent further complications like pain, swelling, and infection.
2. Crowding: To relieve overcrowding and improve overall dental health, we may recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth.
3. Infections: Our team is skilled in treating infections caused by wisdom teeth and often recommends extraction to remove the infection’s cause and stop it from spreading.
4. Damage to Adjacent Teeth: We can extract misaligned wisdom teeth that are causing damage to neighboring teeth, protecting their health and integrity.
5. Cyst Formation: In rare cases, cysts or tumors may develop around wisdom teeth. We provide extraction services to remove the cyst and prevent further complications.
6. Periodontal Disease: Difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene due to wisdom teeth can lead to periodontal disease. Extraction can often aid in better cleaning and reduce the risk of gum disease.
7. Orthodontic Treatment: Wisdom teeth can interfere with orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners. We can extract wisdom teeth to make these treatments more effective.

Dr. Gazu will conduct a thorough examination, to decide on the best course of action for your wisdom teeth, potentially involving X-rays. Even if there aren’t any issues with your wisdom teeth right now, they could still cause issues in the future. Therefore, we sometimes recommend wisdom tooth extraction as a preventive measure.

Dentists are crucial in managing wisdom teeth. After assessing your wisdom teeth, we will discuss the best treatment options for you. If your wisdom teeth are healthy and correctly positioned, they may not require any intervention. However, we will ensure their continued health through regular monitoring and observation, including dental checkups and X-rays.

In some cases where wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain or affecting neighboring teeth, extraction is often recommended. Dr. Gazu can perform this procedure, depending on the complexity of the case. The process usually involves local or general anesthesia and may require a few days for recovery.

She may also suggest preventive measures if there’s a risk of future issues. This could include regular monitoring to detect early signs of impaction or crowding. Depending on your individual situation, Dr. Gazu may recommend other interventions such as root canal therapy if the wisdom tooth is infected or sealant placement to protect the tooth from decay.

The recovery time after wisdom teeth extraction varies among individuals and is dependent on a number of variables, like the complexity of the extraction, the patient’s age, and overall health status. Here’s a typical timeline that outlines what you can expect during the healing process after having your wisdom teeth removed:

Immediate Post-Operative Period (0-2 Days)
Following the extraction, new gum tissue and bone will begin to form in the extraction site. You may experience pain and swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, discomfort while eating and drinking, and some bleeding.

Days 3-5
The first few days after your procedure may be the most uncomfortable. However, with the right care and medication, these symptoms steadily decrease. During this period, you’ll find that opening your mouth and chewing gently become easier.

Week 1
The majority of our patients are able to resume their normal routines within a week post-surgery. By this time, any pain and swelling should have significantly lessened, and the extraction site begins to heal with the formation of blood clots. If stitches were used, Dr. Gazu might remove them during this time.

Week 2-4
By about two weeks, the extraction site continues to heal and fill in. You’ll notice a decrease in discomfort and sensitivity, and you’ll be able to resume a normal diet.

Month 1-3
Complete healing, which includes the socket’s closure and the gum tissue returning to its normal state, can take anywhere from three to six months. The bone in the socket will continue to mature and fill in the hole left by the extraction during this period.

Regular check-ups are critical during this healing phase to monitor progress and prevent potential complications such as dry socket or infection. Following post-operative care instructions, including oral hygiene, diet, and medication, is essential for a smooth recovery.

In conclusion, while the initial healing period may last about two weeks, and it may take several months to fully heal. However, most individuals can resume their typical activities within a week post-procedure. Recall that recovery periods can differ depending on the extraction’s complexity, your health, and how closely you follow post-operative instructions. At Marvel Dental, we are dedicated and committed to providing exceptional care every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and start your journey toward straighter teeth. We serve patients from Clifton NJ, Passaic NJ, Woodland Park NJ, Nutley NJ, Garfield NJ, Fairfield NJ, and BEYOND!