Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Bergen County Parents Need to Know by Premier Oral + Maxillofacial Surgery Group

1 day ago

4 min read

Four teens crowd a selfie outdoors under blue sky, smiling and flashing peace signs.

Wisdom teeth removal is a familiar rite of passage for many teenagers, but it can still leave parents with plenty of questions. Does every teen need the procedure? When is the best time to have wisdom teeth evaluated? What should families expect during recovery?

Dr. Lee Kojanis, a Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Co-owner of Premier Oral + Maxillofacial Surgery Group, says the decision should be based on the individual patient, not made automatically.

Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?

Not necessarily. An oral surgeon considers several factors, including:

The position of the wisdom teeth
Level of impaction
Cavities, gum disease or recurring infection
Cysts or other pathology
Damage to neighboring teeth
Proximity to the sinuses or nerve canals
The likelihood that waiting could make removal more difficult

Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, properly positioned, accessible for cleaning and not causing problems may be left in place and monitored. Because these teeth sit so far back in the mouth, however, they can be difficult to brush and floss effectively. Regular examinations and excellent oral hygiene are important for patients who keep them.

What is the best age for removal?

“The ideal age for wisdom tooth removal is generally between 15 and 18,” says Dr. Kojanis.

During the mid-to-late teenage years, the roots are often shorter and the surrounding bone is less dense. This can make removal easier and recovery smoother. Waiting until later in adulthood may allow the roots to grow longer and move closer to important structures such as the sinus cavities or nerve canals. The surrounding jaw bone also tends to be less forgiving.

Scheduling the procedure during a school break may also give teens time to recover without immediately returning to classes, sports and other activities.

What happens during wisdom teeth removal?

The procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. Depending on the position and development of the teeth, the oral surgeon may make a small incision in the gum tissue and remove a limited amount of bone to access the tooth.

In some cases, the tooth is divided into smaller sections so it can be removed in a controlled manner. This also helps preserve the surrounding bone. The socket is then cleaned, irrigated and closed with sutures when needed.

Many patients also receive IV sedation, often called twilight sedation. Patients remain comfortable, continue breathing independently and have no recollection about the procedure. Other options may include nitrous oxide with an oral sedative. The recommended approach depends on the patient, the complexity of the procedure and the surgeon’s evaluation.

What should parents expect during recovery?

Some swelling, soreness and dietary restrictions are normal during the first several days. On average, peak swelling and discomfort is between 48-72 hours post procedure. Recovery varies based on the depth of the impacted teeth, the number being removed and the complexity of the procedure.

Common recovery mistakes include returning to strenuous activity too quickly, not following medication instructions, smoking or vaping, drinking through a straw and ignoring dietary recommendations.

Patients are generally advised to:

Rest and limit strenuous activity
Use ice as directed for the first 24 hours to manage swelling
Eat soft foods and remain hydrated
Avoid straws and forceful spitting
Avoid smoking and vaping
Keep the mouth clean according to the surgeon’s instructions
Take prescribed medications as directed

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot inside the extraction site is lost too soon or does not develop properly, leaving the underlying bone exposed. Symptoms often appear three to five days after surgery and can include significant pain.

Smoking, using straws, forceful spitting and not following dietary instructions can increase the risk. Following post-operative guidance carefully is one of the best ways to help prevent it.

Parents should contact the oral surgeon if pain begins worsening instead of improving, or if their child experiences excessive bleeding, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that does not begin to subside.

Helping teens feel less nervous

Wisdom teeth removal may sound intimidating, especially after teens encounter frightening stories online. In reality, it is one of the most common procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

“Typically, this is the patient's first encounter with any type of surgery or sedation,” says Dr. Tyler Zenga, a Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Premier Oral + Maxillofacial Surgery co-owner. “So it’s completely understandable why they’d be nervous about the anticipated procedure.”

For most patients, the procedure is routine and recovery is predictable when post-operative instructions are followed. An evaluation with an oral surgeon can help families understand whether removal is recommended, determine the best timing and choose the appropriate sedation option.

Smiling woman and dentist in scrubs give thumbs up in Premier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery office. — Anna and Dr. Zenga

A local teen’s wisdom teeth experience

As a locally owned, surgeon-led practice with offices in Bergenfield, Ho-Ho-Kus and Englewood Cliffs, the team at Premier Oral + Maxillofacial Surgery enjoys directly supporting local families wherever possible. Its doctors recently hosted a raffle for a free wisdom teeth removal in connection with the Tenafly 5K and was thrilled to provide the service to Anna, an 18-year-old Tenafly resident. Dr. Zenga performed Anna’s procedure.

Beyond wisdom teeth, Premier Oral + Maxillofacial Surgery Group provides a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical services to patients throughout Bergen County.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit premieromsg.com.