Wisdom Teeth Removal in NJ
You’ve just been told by your dentist that you or your child need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Now what? If you’re searching for the safest, least painful way to remove your or your child’s wisdom teeth in NJ — you’re in the right place. As the only practice in Bergen County with dual degree, Board Certified oral surgeons, our team is extensively trained in both dentistry and medicine, making our doctors the best oral surgeons for wisdom teeth removal. We will ensure a worry-free experience for you and your child.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, commonly known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in your mouth—usually appearing during late teens or early adulthood. Due to limited space in the jaw, these extra molars frequently struggle to fully erupt. When wisdom teeth become impacted, meaning they don’t come in properly, they can lead to discomfort and a range of dental issues if left untreated.
What Can Happen if You Don’t Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Most adults develop 32 teeth, but the human mouth typically only has space for 28. When wisdom teeth emerge—usually between ages 17-25—this space shortage creates significant oral health risks that often require professional intervention.
If left unaddressed, you will most likely experience pain in your jaw and gums, and face the following:
- Recurrent infections
- Damage to your neighboring teeth
- Bone and Gum Disease
- Tumors
In rare cases, patients may have their wisdom teeth healthfully emerge upright and avoid complications of impaction or crowding. However, their location at the very back of the mouth make these teeth incredibly difficult to clean and maintain so risks of future infection, decay and gum disease remain present. For this reason, our board-certified team at Bergen Oral Surgery recommends you remove your wisdom teeth sooner rather than later.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
While not all wisdom teeth require removal, many do—especially if they’re impacted or there isn’t enough space for them to grow properly. So, how do you know if it’s time to take them out?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need your wisdom teeth removed:
- Soreness or swelling behind your back molars
- Your back molar gums become red, inflamed, or tender to the touch
- Jaw tightness, pain when chewing, or headaches
- A bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away
- Shifting teeth or new crowding in your smile
- Repeat infections such as pericoronitis or tooth decay in the back of your mouth
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to long-term oral health issues—including infection, bone loss, and damage to neighboring teeth. If you have questions or concerns, our team of surgeons are here for you. We welcome you to make an appointment for a consultation at any of our four Oral Surgery offices in North Jersey: Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, or Westwood.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery Overview
Commitment to Your Safety
Our board-certified oral surgeons use advanced technology to thoroughly assess your individual case before surgery, to identify potential risk factors and plan the safest approach for your specific situation. During your consultation, we’ll review your imaging together, address your specific concerns, and create a treatment plan designed around your unique needs and comfort level. At Bergen, we know that every smile is different, let’s talk about yours.
Wisdom Tooth Removal: What to Expect
Prior to Surgery
Exam and Imaging
Your wisdom tooth removal journey begins weeks before your actual surgery date. During your initial consultation, our board-certified, dual degree surgeons will conduct a thorough oral exam utilizing cutting-edge 3D imaging technology to capture a detailed view of your wisdom teeth.
This advanced imaging technology allows us to:
- Visualize tooth positioning and root structure
- Identify potential complications before they arise
- Plan the safest and most efficient surgical approach
- Determine the optimal anesthesia option for your specific case
Anesthesia Overview and Selection
The number one question all patients ask about wisdom tooth removal is, “Is it painful?” Choosing the right anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal is a big part of making your surgery comfortable and stress-free. To make your wisdom tooth removal as stress-free as possible, we’ll provide you with information on four anesthesia options to choose from.
Local Anesthesia: This option entails injecting lidocaine into the gums to numb the surgical area and is commonly used in oral surgeries such as root canals or cavity fillings.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Perfect for patients who prefer to remain conscious while during surgery. This option entails administering gas through the nose and mouth of the patient. This safe inhaled sedative works fast and is known to create a relaxed, euphoric feeling that helps ease the nerves.
Moderate to Deep IV Sedation: Out of all the anesthesia options, this tends to be the most common choice for wisdom tooth removal. With varying levels of sedation, this option works quickly to ensure each patient gets just enough sedative to help them reach an optimal state of relaxation.
General Anesthesia: With general anesthesia, patients are asleep throughout the entire procedure. It is usually recommended in cases where the extraction is expected to be complex, or if the patient is extremely anxious prior to surgery.
After we review these options together, we will help you determine which level of sedation is right for you.
At Bergen Oral Surgery, your safety and comfort is our highest priority. If you have concerns about undergoing anesthesia or the effects it may produce, rest assured that you’re in experienced hands.
- Our oral surgeons are highly qualified to administer all levels of sedation, thanks to extensive residency training in sedation, current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications, and strict adherence to safety protocols during all procedures.
- We are the only dual-degree surgical team in Bergen County, we’re not just experts in oral surgery. Many of our surgeons are also medical doctors. This additional education positions us to handle the most complex wisdom tooth extraction cases safely and efficiently.
- All four of our North Jersey offices are equipped with hospital-grade monitoring equipment to track vital signs throughout the procedure.
- Our team of surgeons are affiliated with the most prestigious hospitals in NJ and NY including New York Presbyterian Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center (NY), Columbia University Medical Center (NY), Elmhurst Trauma Center (NY), and Hackensack University Medical Center (NJ).
Pre Operative Instructions
Once the different types of sedation have been discussed and chosen, our team will give you detailed pre-operative instructions. This may include fasting requirements, medication adjustments, and transportation arrangements to ensure your safety and comfort.
Day of Surgery
Arrival and Pre-Operative Preparation
When you arrive at Bergen Oral Surgery on your procedure day, our welcoming and friendly team will guide you through a streamlined check-in process. We’ll review your medical history, confirm your anesthesia selection, and answer any last-minute questions to ensure you feel completely comfortable and informed.
Next, we’ll begin preparing for your procedure. Our surgical team will:
- Review your 3D imaging and surgical plan one final time
- Begin monitoring your vital signs
- Start an IV line if you’ve chosen IV sedation
- Encourage you to relax! You are in good hands and everything will be fine!
Your chosen anesthesia will be administered by our skilled team to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Whether you’ve selected local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation, we’ll monitor your comfort level continuously and adjust as needed.
Once you’re fully comfortable and numb, one of our oral surgeons will begin the extraction process. Using advanced surgical techniques and specialized instruments, the procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity of your case. Throughout the surgery, our team maintains a state of constant communication and monitoring to ensure your safety and comfort.
Recovery From Wisdom Tooth Removal
Recovery is usually rapid with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days following the procedure. Should any serious complications arise, our dedicated team is here seven days a week to ensure you receive immediate care whenever necessary. For emergency care, feel free to contact us by phone or visit any one of our four North New Jersey locations.
What to Avoid Immediately After Surgery
To prevent complications and support healing, please avoid the following:
- Don’t spit, suck through a straw, or smoke the week following surgery
- Don’t eat crunchy or spicy foods for 2 weeks following surgery (avoid nuts, granola, popcorn, or chips, etc)
- Don’t touch wounds or sutures (with tongue, fingers, or utensils) as much as possible
Recovery Timeline
Immediately After Surgery
- Rest as much as possible: Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Apply an ice pack to your check: Keep for 20 minutes on, then 20 min off — repeat as needed for the first 36 hours.
- Eat soft, cold foods 6 hours post surgery: A few foods you can try are: yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (with no straw), pudding, or ice cream.
- Do NOT rinse, spit, or brush your teeth: Avoid rinsing, spitting and brushing until 24 hours have passed.
- Bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes to control bleeding. Use a moistened tea bag if bleeding persists.
2–3 Days After Surgery
- Expect swelling to peak during this time: It’s normal and will go down in 2-3 days.
- Continue using cold compresses: especially if swelling increases.
- Continue gentle salt water rinses: Rinse 4-5 times throughout the day, (Make by mixing 1 tbsp of salt in 1 cup warm. water) after every meal and before bed.
- Stay hydrated: Drink lots of fluids — avoid caffeine, alcohol, and hot drinks.
- Continue eating soft foods only: This can include: mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies (with no straw) and lukewarm soups
4–5 Days After Surgery
- Applying heat: If pain and facial swelling continues to persist after day 4, you can begin applying moist heat to reduce swelling
1–2 Weeks After Surgery
- Your energy should return to normal at the 1-2 weeks period, but overexertion can still trigger discomfort.
- Swelling should significantly reduce or be completely gone at this point.
- Mild soreness or tightness in the jaw may still be present — especially when chewing or speaking.
- Sutures (if placed) may be removed by your provider during this timeframe — this is a quick and painless process.
Wisdom Tooth Recovery Best Practices
| Recovery Steps | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Brushing Teeth | Begin brushing gently after 24 hours, but avoid the extraction site to prevent irritation or infection. |
| Managing Bleeding | If bleeding persists, bite down on gauze for 20 minutes until your bleeding stops. If bleeding continues, use damp tea bags as a substitute for gauze. |
| Salt Rinses | Perform saltwater rinses at least 4–5 times a day: before meals, and before bed. This helps reduce the chance of infection and promotes long-term healing. |
| Pain Management | Begin taking pain medication as soon as the local anesthetic wears off. For moderate pain you can take:
– Tylenol, Advil or Motrin (1–2 tablets) every 3–4 hours Important: Do not take these medications if you are allergic or if your doctor has advised against them. |
| Hydration | Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and support your healing process. |
| Posture for Swelling Reduction | Elevate your head when resting or sleeping to minimize swelling. |
What Our Patients Have To Say
Meet Our Board-Certified Dual Degree Oral Surgeons
Wisdom Teeth Removal in New Jersey
Bergen Oral Surgery has been a trusted leader in wisdom teeth removal across North Jersey—combining surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-focused care. We handle the most complex oral surgery cases. When you choose Bergen Oral Surgery, you’re not just choosing an oral surgeon, you’re choosing a generational experience of safety, expertise, and trust.
70 Years of Trusted Excellence
Our practice has earned a reputation for clinical excellence and patient trust over seven decades of service.
Dual-Degree Surgeons
Many of our surgeons hold both dental and medical degrees, offering you a higher level of care with a comprehensive understanding of the body.
Hospital Privileges in NJ & NY
We are affiliated with hospitals across New Jersey and New York, allowing us to serve patients wherever they are with seamless continuity of care.
Multi-Lingual Care Teams
Communication matters. Our surgeons speak English, Spanish, and Korean, so you feel comfortable and understood every step of the way.
Emergency Care, 7 Days a Week
Oral health emergencies don’t wait—and neither do we. We’re available seven days a week to provide prompt, expert care when you need it most.
With four convenient locations and a commitment to patient safety and comfort, Bergen Oral Surgery is the clear choice for wisdom teeth removal in New Jersey. Experience care that’s rooted in experience, guided by advanced training, and tailored to you.
