Wisdom teeth (third molars) often lack space to erupt properly, leading to pain, swelling, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth. At Blue Dental Clinic on the Upper East Side, we evaluate and remove wisdom teeth with a calm, comfort-first approach—so you can get relief and protect your long-term oral health.

Why choose us

• Comfort-focused: Thorough numbing, gentle techniques, and nitrous oxide available.
• Simple & surgical cases: From erupted third molars to impacted teeth requiring minor surgery.
• Careful planning: Digital imaging and a step-by-step plan tailored to your anatomy and timeline.
• Trusted referrals when needed: For complex anatomy or deeper sedation, we coordinate seamlessly with oral surgery partners.
• Insurance-friendly: Up-front estimates, benefits verification, and claims filed for you.

Common wisdom tooth problems

• Impaction: Teeth trapped in bone or gum, sometimes angled toward the molar in front.
• Inflammation/infection (pericoronitis): Sore, swollen tissue around a partially erupted tooth.
• Pressure and crowding: Risk of shifting or damaging adjacent teeth.
• Decay & gum disease: Hard-to-clean position increases risk.
• Cysts or lesions (less common): Require prompt assessment and management.

Signs you may need removal

Jaw pain or swelling • Gum tenderness behind your molars • Bad taste/odor • Recurrent infections • Headaches or earache-like discomfort • Crowding changes • Cavities in the back molars

Your evaluation

We start with a focused exam and digital imaging (panoramic or 3D, if indicated) to assess root position, bone, sinuses, and the nearby nerve. You’ll get clear options, timelines, and a written estimate before we proceed.

How removal works

1. Anesthesia & comfort: Local anesthesia; nitrous available on request.
2. Atraumatic technique: Gentle elevation and, if needed, small incisions and sectioning to free the tooth while protecting bone and soft tissue.
3. Site care: Irrigation, smoothing of bone if necessary, and sutures (dissolvable or to be removed at follow-up).
4. Instructions & meds: You’ll leave with personalized aftercare guidance and recommendations for pain and swelling control.

Recovery timeline (what to expect)

• Day 0: Rest, head elevated; bite on gauze to control bleeding.
• Days 1–2: Swelling/bruise may peak; use cold compresses in short intervals the first day.
• Days 3–5: Steady improvement; switch to warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours.
• Day 7+: Most routine cases feel much better; sutures removed if non-dissolving. Full healing continues over several weeks.

Eating & oral care

Stick to soft, cool foods at first (yogurt, eggs, soups). Avoid straws, smoking/vaping, vigorous rinsing, and hard/crunchy foods for several days. Brush gently around the site; begin warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours.

Dry socket prevention

Keep the blood clot stable: no straws or smoking, easy brushing, and follow all instructions. If pain increases around days 3–5, call us—relief is available.

Cost & insurance

Fees vary by tooth position (erupted vs. impacted), complexity, number of teeth, and sedation needs. We verify benefits in advance, provide transparent estimates, and submit claims on your behalf. When medically indicated, we’ll coordinate any oral surgery care and discuss coverage implications.

FAQs

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not always. If they’re healthy, fully erupted, easy to clean, and symptom-free, we may simply monitor them.

What’s the best age to remove them?
Late teens to early twenties often means easier removal and faster recovery, but comfortable care is possible at most ages.

Will it hurt?
You’ll be thoroughly numb. Expect pressure, not sharp pain, during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal and manageable.

Can I work the next day?
For non-physical jobs, many patients can—especially after single-tooth cases. Plan extra rest after multiple or impacted removals.

Is IV sedation available?
Many patients do well with local anesthesia and optional nitrous. For deeper sedation or complex anatomy, we coordinate with trusted oral surgeons.



Ready to get relief?

Book a wisdom tooth evaluation at our Upper East Side office. We’ll confirm what’s needed, review options and costs, and make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.