Wisdom Teeth Removal in NJ


xray showing impacted wisdom teeth

At Costello Oral Surgery Associates we provide wisdom tooth extractions to patients in Maywood, Wayne and Franklin Lakes. Just reach out to us to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located New Jersey offices.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are removed only if they are potentially problematic. There are several reasons a wisdom tooth might be labeled as problematic, including jaw size, crowding, proper occlusion, and impaction. Often, radiographs taken at regular dental cleaning appointments will show when wisdom teeth extraction is recommended.

When it comes to impacted wisdom teeth, extraction is always the best solution. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge in your mouth. Positioned in the very back of the mouth, while our wisdom teeth were once necessary for the raw plant and meat diet of our ancestors, as humans have evolved, our diet has changed, too. Now unnecessary, our present-day smaller jaws usually don’t have the room required to fit wisdom teeth, and that lack of space leads to impaction. Wisdom teeth effectively become stuck in the back of the jaw, which can cause pain and infections among other problems.  

An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from erupting. Impacted wisdom teeth that are blocked from coming in properly:

  • May instead come in at an angle, pushing against the molars and causing overcrowding
  • May not erupt fully, remaining either partially or fully below the gum line
  • May cause bacteria to become trapped beneath the gum, leading to infection and gum disease

Extraction of wisdom teeth is an effective way to prevent teeth crowding, impaction, and red, swollen, or painful gums caused by a partially erupted wisdom tooth, as well as gum disease and tooth decay.

Depending on the complexity of the extraction, we will use local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia to increase your comfort during and after the procedure. The procedure can usually be performed in our office.


Frequently Asked Questions about Wisdom Teeth


Why is there no room for my wisdom teeth to come in?


Along with not being necessary, wisdom teeth often don’t fit our mouths and jaws. Human jaws are considerably smaller than those of our ancestors. And so, without enough room to fit easily, wisdom teeth will often push up and crowd other teeth or be unable to erupt properly, causing impaction.  

What is wisdom teeth extraction?


If your wisdom teeth are crowding your other teeth, or if they are impacted, extraction is the solution to end red and swollen gums, and prevent crooked teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Extraction involves the removal of wisdom teeth, usually in-office, with either local, sedation, or general anesthesia used to eliminate pain during the procedure. The gum tissue at your extraction site will be opened if the tooth is impacted, and the tooth removed.

How long does it take to heal from a wisdom tooth extraction?


While it usually only takes 2-4 days to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction, if your teeth are badly impacted, it could take up to a week.


Why Choose Us?


Your smile comes first at our office. At Costello Oral Surgery Associates, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality dental service, using state-of-the-art technology in a friendly, comfortable office setting. So, when you need a wisdom tooth removed for any reason, we’re ready to help, providing tooth extractions of all types. If you’re ready to learn more about wisdom teeth, or to schedule an appointment or consultation, reach out to us at Costello Oral Surgery Associates, today.