We are open - safety is our top priority!

View our safety measures

(856) 324-3361

Dental Arts of South Jersey
1001 Laurel Oak Road, C1, Voorhees, NJ 08043

The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people receive during their late teens or early 20s. While wisdom teeth can sometimes be a valuable asset to a properly aligned mouth, most people will need to have them extracted at some point during their lives.

When Is It Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

There are a variety of reasons why a dentist may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. If the wisdom teeth have become impacted or care causing crowding in your other teeth, it’s likely that they will need to be removed. Wisdom teeth grow in two ways – they either grow like regular teeth, or they become impacted under the gums. Impacted teeth cannot grow properly, so they occasionally begin to turn sideways and towards another tooth. If the impacted wisdom tooth collides with your molars, it can become very painful. A wisdom tooth that has slightly sprouted is also very susceptible to developing tooth decay and infection.

Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?

Many people experience discomfort as their wisdom teeth erupt from under the gum line. Pain is usually felt in the back of your mouth, though it can radiate across your jaw and to your ears. While some people do not suffer from wisdom tooth pain, others experience a constant throbbing or a shooting pain when chewing food. Impacted wisdom teeth tend to cause much more discomfort than those that grow in properly. Fortunately, much of this discomfort is eliminated following surgical removal of the wisdom teeth. If wisdom teeth pain is disrupting your life, call our office at (856) 324-3361 to make an appointment.

What Happens When a Wisdom Tooth Becomes Infected?

An impaction isn’t the only reason why a wisdom tooth should be removed. If a wisdom tooth only erupts partway, you may develop an infection called pericoronitis. This infection occurs when a part of the gum line is breached, allowing food particles and other debris to gather under the flap of tissue. There are three treatment options for pericoronitis: allowing the entire tooth to emerge naturally, removing the gum flap, or extracting the wisdom tooth.

What Are the Symptoms of a Wisdom Tooth Infection?

There are a few telltale wisdom teeth symptoms that can indicate an infection. Schedule an appointment with our office if you experience the following:

  • Red, swollen, or painful gums around the wisdom tooth
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • An unpleasant odor coming from the mouth
  • Fever or chills
  • Swelling around the lymph nodes
  • Jaw muscle spasms

How Long Is the Healing Process after Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

The extraction of wisdom teeth is considered a major dental surgery. To help you feel comfortable throughout the procedure, your dentist may utilize nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, or intravenous sedation. While you should not feel any pain during the procedure, most people experience pain and discomfort as the sedation wears off and the healing process begins. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate pain relief regimen to help you manage post-procedure discomfort and swelling. A post-procedure diet should consist of soft foods, including milkshakes, lukewarm soups, gelato, and other easy-to-swallow items. Avoid consuming hot foods or beverages after your procedure, as this can aggravate the blood clots and lead to dry socket, a painful post-operative condition.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

As with most dental procedures, the cost of a wisdom tooth extraction varies widely from patient to patient. The nature of the surgical extraction, the type of anesthesia or sedation used, and your insurance coverage will determine your total charges. At your consultation, your dentist will provide an estimate of the extraction cost. Give us a call at (856) 324-3361 for more information about our affordable wisdom teeth removal services.

Book Online Now

Complete the form below to book your appointment today.

  • I’m a New Patient
  • Existing Patient

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

* Extended orthodontics hours by appointment only.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. Pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures through convenient monthly payments.

Apply for CareCredit

Our patients leave smiling

Book an appointment today!

Call our office at (856) 324-3361

Book Now

Site Navigation

Office Hours

  • Monday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday
    8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Appointment request

New patients are welcome! To request an appointment use our online form or call:

(856) 324-3361

Our Location

Dental Arts of South Jersey

1001 Laurel Oak Road, C1, Voorhees, NJ 08043

(856) 324-3361

X