Wisdom Teeth

Swollen gum around wisdom teeth

Why Are My Gums Swollen Around My Wisdom Teeth?

Swelling in the gums around wisdom teeth is a common concern. For many people, swelling is a temporary side effect of teeth pushing through the gums. In other cases, it may signal infection or indicate that the teeth are impacted below the surface Simple at-home remedies such as rinses and warm compresses can help to […]

A young girl sits in a dentist chair with her hand on her cheek, indicating pain from a wisdom tooth.

How Do Wisdom Teeth Get Infected?

Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing trouble—and infection is one of the most common issues our patients face. Because these “third molars” sit at the very back of the mouth, they can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. Food particles and bacteria often get trapped around the teeth, leading to cavities, gum […]

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How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?

For most patients, wisdom tooth extraction surgery takes less than one hour. For complex cases, the procedure can take up to 90 minutes. Several factors affect the total time required for your wisdom teeth removal and completion of your appointment, including: Number of teeth being removed: extracting all four will naturally take longer than removing one […]

A young teen smiles in the dentist chair.

Can You Get Wisdom Teeth Removed With Braces?

If your teen is in the middle of orthodontic treatment and suddenly needs their wisdom teeth removed, don’t panic. It is not only possible, but also perfectly normal to remove the wisdom teeth during orthodontic treatment.  Many parents are surprised to hear that their child may need oral surgery while still in braces, but it’s […]

A smiling older woman in a yellow floral shirt

Wisdom Tooth Removal in Older Adults: What You Need to Know

Key takeaway: Generally speaking, a patient is never too old for wisdom tooth extraction. However, there are risks for older adults or elderly patients to consider when removing teeth. While getting your wisdom teeth out is often considered a rite of passage for teens and young adults, wisdom teeth extraction can happen at any age. […]

Oral surgeon and patient looking at x-rays of wisdom teeth to determine if wisdom teeth extraction is necessary.

Decayed Wisdom Tooth? Here’s What You Should Know

Of all your teeth, wisdom teeth are the most likely to experience decay. Located all the way at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are harder to reach with a tooth brush and floss. Even if you’re dedicated to your oral hygiene, the challenges of cleaning a wisdom tooth mean that food particles, plaque, […]

A man covers his sinuses with his hands indicating he has pain and pressure.

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Sinus Problems?

Key Takeaways With their location near the maxillary sinus cavities, wisdom teeth in the upper jaw have the potential to wreak havoc on your sinuses, causing pain, pressure, and infection. Removing the teeth with an experienced oral surgeon can offer relief. Wisdom teeth can be a real pain in the mouth—and sinuses. In addition to […]

An oral surgeon examines a patient's teeth.

Is Dental Implant Surgery Painful?

If you are contemplating dental implants, you may have apprehensions regarding the pain associated with the procedure, both during and after. It is entirely normal to feel uncertain. However, advancements in techniques and anesthesia have significantly enhanced the comfort level of dental implant surgery, often exceeding expectations. While some level of discomfort is to be […]

A drawing of an impacted wisdom tooth below the surface of the gum growing at an angle.

Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Once upon a time, wisdom teeth served an important purpose, giving our ancestors extra chewing power to process raw meats and plants. Over time, changes in humans’ diets, jaw structure, and ability to soften food through cooking have made these teeth unnecessary. Unfortunately, our wisdom teeth haven’t yet gotten the memo on this evolution. In […]

A photo of Dr. Mark Park, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at Bergen Oral Surgery in NJ.

What Sedation is Used for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

By Dr. Mark Park, DMD, MD When it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth, there’s one question almost every patient asks us: how much will it hurt? It’s perfectly natural to be concerned about the pain associated with wisdom teeth extraction. Like any surgery, wisdom teeth removal isn’t entirely pain-free, however, if you look at […]