Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Long Island City, NY
Losing a tooth is never welcome news, but when your extraction calls for a surgeon, we've got you covered.
There's a reason your dentist referred you for this.
While some tooth extractions are relatively straightforward, many require a surgical procedure to be done completely, safely, and efficiently. This is especially true for impacted wisdom teeth, which are often positioned close to nerves and other delicate structures that require careful negotiation. At Gantry Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we spare no effort to ensure this routine but technique-sensitive procedure is handled with the finesse it demands for the highest level of comfort possible.
When is an Extraction Necessary?
Damage
Compromised structural integrity of the tooth usually occurs because of severe tooth decay. A traumatic injury can also break teeth where repair is not always possible.
Periodontal Disease
Permanent loss of the supporting bone and tissue around teeth is called periodontitis. This is most often caused by smoking, diabetes, or poor oral hygiene. The result is loosening of teeth, infection, bad breath, and overall health problems.
Impaction
Teeth that fail to emerge fully into the mouth are called impacted. While this most commonly occurs with wisdom teeth, it can happen to any tooth in the mouth. Impacted teeth can create areas that are unable to be cleaned, allowing bacteria to thrive in hidden crevices. The result is chronic inflammation, pain, decay, or infection, which can lead to damage or loss of nearby teeth.
Infection
While a tooth that has become infected at its root can sometimes be treated with a root canal, this isn't always possible. When the infection is too advanced, or the tooth has already undergone an unsuccessful root canal and retreatment isn't a viable option, extraction becomes the most reliable way to eliminate the infection and protect the surrounding teeth and bone.
Pathology
Sometimes long-standing impacted teeth can cause the development of cysts or tumors within the jaws. Left untreated, these have the potential to grow very large, compromising the integrity of the jawbones and/or distorting facial features.
Crowding
In cases where there isn't enough space in the mouth to fit all the teeth, removal of some is occasionally necessary in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligner trays). This creates space to allow the other teeth to be straightened properly.
Have questions? We've got answers.
FAQs
Do I need my wisdom teeth removed if I'm not in pain?
Maybe. While "no pain" doesn't always mean "no problem," Dr. Miller tends to favor a conservative approach to third molar surgery, recommending extraction only when the benefit clearly outweighs the surgical downsides (pain, downtime, risk of complications, etc.). But conservative doesn't mean passive: it means finding out where your case actually stands before deciding.
A 2020 Cochrane review found no strong evidence that routinely removing pain-free, disease-free wisdom teeth prevents future problems for everyone. The catch is that "disease-free" is something you can't confirm without an exam. Wisdom teeth sit in the hardest part of your mouth to see and clean, which means cavities, gum infection, and bone loss can all be silently progressing behind a molar you've never given a second thought to. Pain is often one of the last symptoms to show up, not the first.
A proper assessment includes an exam and x-rays to see what's actually happening below the gumline, plus a conversation about your specific likelihood of future problems if the teeth are left alone. For some patients, that conversation ends in "leave them, you're fine." For others, it catches something before it becomes a bigger problem.
Do tooth extractions hurt? Do I need to be asleep for this?
Strictly speaking, you don't necessarily need to be asleep for tooth extractions, as local anesthesia will numb the area and prevent pain. However, sensations of pressure, noise, and vibrations all make for what can be an intense experience for some, which is why we offer sedation for this and other procedures. For extractions of multiple or deeply impacted teeth, we typically advise sedation/general anesthesia to make the experience more tolerable.
What is the recovery like after tooth extraction?
Recovery varies greatly depending on factors like age, impaction status, bone density, existing infection, and location in the mouth. A bit of facial swelling is common, especially after lower wisdom tooth removal, and your jaw may feel tight at first. You'll likely need to be on a softer diet for a few days, and take special oral hygiene measures as well. For most patients, discomfort and swelling will peak around 2-3 days post-op, then improve steadily through the first week. Most people are back to regular life within a few days.
My friend got a "dry socket" after wisdom tooth surgery. What is that?
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or fails to form properly, exposing the sensitive bone within. Fortunately it's uncommon, as we usually see only a few cases a year. To reduce your risk, avoid smoking and forceful spitting after an extraction, and make sure to keep the area clean. Straws get a bad rap, but there's actually no evidence to show they're a culprit. On the other hand, elevated estrogen levels are a known risk factor, and for women taking an oral contraceptive, scheduling the extraction during the inactive placebo week can reduce the chances of a dry socket. When one does occur, it's almost always at a lower wisdom tooth site. The classic sign is post-op pain that improves over the first few days, then suddenly worsens. If you suspect a dry socket, let us know. Treatment is straightforward: a brief in-office visit to clean the site and apply a sedative dressing.
Can I keep my teeth?
Yes you can! By default, we dispose of extracted teeth as regulated medical waste, but patients may request to keep them as per the CDC. If you'd like to have them, let us know before your procedure so we can clean and disinfect them for you.