Dolman Oral Surgery
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Compassionate removal, comfortable recovery.
Expert removal by a board-certified oral surgeon with comfortable sedation options and a well-supported recovery. Choosing the right oral surgeon is the single most important factor in your outcome.
A Common Procedure, Handled By An Expert
The removal of wisdom teeth is a highly common procedure. Early removal (late teens to early twenties) has proven to be easier, with a more rapid and comfortable recovery.
Wisdom teeth are one of the most common problems handled at Dolman Oral Surgery. Choosing a board-certified oral surgeon is a crucial factor in the care and outcome that you receive.
Wisdom Teeth 101
What are wisdom teeth?
Usually, an adult develops four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant (corner) of the jaw. The first adult molar generally erupts around age 6, and is often referred to as the “6-year molar.” Around age 12, the second molar erupts directly behind it and may be referred to as the “12-year molar.”
The expectation is for the third molar to erupt directly behind the second molar around age 18 (17–25), or the time when one should be gaining wisdom, hence the term “wisdom tooth.”
Impacted Teeth
Problems with impacted wisdom teeth
When a wisdom tooth is unable to erupt or push through into the mouth, it is referred to as an impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth may be fully embedded in the jawbone or may be partially exposed into the mouth.
Impacted wisdom teeth usually result from an inadequate amount of space in the jawbone and/or a misalignment of the tooth itself, meaning the wisdom tooth is tilted, angled or crooked.
These impacted wisdom teeth and their surrounding soft tissue may become inflamed, painful, infected, and/or decayed. They may compromise the periodontal health of the adjacent second molar and/or contribute to decay. Rarely, the tissue around wisdom teeth may develop into localized cysts which in turn may compromise the strength and integrity of the jawbone if not treated.
State-of-the-art panoramic and 3-D (I-CAT) imaging guides every treatment plan.
When To Remove
Three reasons patients come to us
Pain, swelling, or halitosis (bad breath)
Typically the patient will have a decayed wisdom tooth and/or infected soft tissue (pericoronitis) surrounding the wisdom tooth. They often have difficulty opening their mouth and their face and/or neck may be swollen. The pain may increase when biting. In more advanced scenarios fever may be present along with difficulty swallowing.
A hidden problem
This group includes patients with a situation they are not aware of, such as decay (caries) or periodontal disease that is silent or dormant. Rarely, they may have a localized cyst or tumor. These patients are typically identified on a routine examination.
Planned, early removal
The classic group of 16–25 year olds in whom impacted wisdom teeth are identified during routine radiographic work-up. Removal is generally beneficial to prevent the onset of pain, infection, periodontal disease and decay. Surgical removal in this group is often the easiest, with the quickest recovery and least amount of risk.
Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to come out?
A consultation with Dr. Dolman includes a full exam and panoramic imaging so you get a clear, honest recommendation. Same-day surgery is often available.
What To Expect
Your Typical Wisdom Tooth Treatment
At Dolman Oral Surgery, you will be thoroughly and comprehensively evaluated to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed or whether retention is more appropriate. As with each patient, Dr. Dolman will listen carefully to your concerns, examine you fully using state-of-the-art technology, and completely customize your treatment.
A thoughtful first visit
At the initial visit, Dr. Dolman will carefully listen to your concerns. He will compile a complete medical and dental history followed by a thorough physical oral and head and neck examination inclusive of the TMJ.
Detailed imaging
This will be followed by detailed radiographic evaluation comprised of a panoramic radiograph and occasionally a 3-D image or I-CAT CT scan when required and as determined by the needs of the patient.
A plan made for you
Once all the information has been compiled and reviewed, Dr. Dolman will explain the nature of your situation, review all associated risks and benefits, and recommend the appropriate treatment specifically for you. All of your questions will be answered carefully and to your satisfaction in an unhurried manner.
Comfortable + careful surgery
An appropriate surgical date and time will then be arranged to accommodate your schedule. If required and desired, surgery may be possible on the same day.
On the day of surgery, your treatment will be reviewed again together with you, and all your questions will be answered. Informed consent will be reviewed and signed, and treatment will be completed in an unhurried, uninterrupted, comfortable and calm setting.
When done, you will remain in the office for a short time for observation and then be able to go home. If required, a car will be called on your behalf and you will be escorted to it. A follow-up will be pre-arranged for the week(s) following your surgery.
Recovery & Aftercare
Healing Comfortably After Surgery
Most patients are back to themselves within a few days. A little planning makes recovery smooth — here’s what to expect.
Rest & limit swelling
Bite gently on the gauze, apply an ice pack 20 minutes on and off, and keep your head elevated. Take it easy, arrange a ride home, and skip strenuous activity for the day.
Soft, cool & hydrated
Stick to soft, cool foods and plenty of fluids. For several days, avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing as each can disturb the clot and lead to a dry socket.
Managing discomfort
Take any medication exactly as directed. Swelling usually peaks around 48–72 hours, then steadily improves. After the first day, gentle warm salt-water rinses keep the area clean.
Reach us anytime
A follow-up is arranged for the weeks after surgery, and Dr. Dolman is available after hours by phone, text, or email. If anything concerns you, just call.
Common Questions
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
No. Every case is different. Occasionally, a wisdom tooth will fully erupt into a normal position. Provided it can be easily maintained and it remains free of periodontal disease and decay, it can usually be left in place.
Additionally, it is important to evaluate its effect on the neighboring teeth. Oftentimes, your dentist or hygienist will recognize that your wisdom teeth are interfering with your ability to properly clean and maintain the adjacent second molars. Even though the wisdom teeth are not problematic per se, it may be decided to remove them to help you maintain the teeth directly in front. Dr. Dolman will examine you carefully and determine if in fact your teeth need to be removed.
Of course, every case is different, some taking longer than others. Recognizing that often all 4 wisdom teeth are removed in one visit, it will usually take less than 1 hour for treatment to be completed.
No. Each treatment plan is specific to the patient and will be customized, combining Dr. Dolman’s recommendations and the patient’s needs and wants.
No. Dr. Dolman will make your treatment fully comfortable. Should you desire, he will use intravenous sedation or general anesthesia as needed.
No. Dr. Dolman can perform your procedure with complete comfort and absolutely no pain without the need to go to sleep.
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Typically, the usual recovery ranges from one to four days.
Dr. Dolman is easily available after hours. He can be reached directly on his cell phone and/or email or text messaging. You can feel fully at ease with the understanding that Dr. Dolman is easily accessible for any questions you may have.
A dry socket is a situation when the blood clot in the extraction site dissolves too soon and leaves the area exposed. The site becomes very painful and will not typically respond to the use of analgesics (pain medication). This usually occurs on or around the 4th day after surgery. Should you have a problem at any time, you can easily reach Dr. Dolman on his cell phone, via texting or email.
What Patients Say
“Dr. Dolman is amazing. I went in for a consultation on a Wednesday, and that Friday morning I was in for quick and easy surgery and on my way — sent home with ice packs and wound care, and healed up quickly.”
— Conor C. · Google“I was very afraid of surgery, but it was easy in the end. Dr. Dolman has the most amazing bedside manner — one of the best doctors I’ve ever encountered — and I’m fully healed now with no complications.”
— Laura B. · Google“Highly recommend Dr. Dolman and his team. My wife’s wisdom teeth removal went smoothly, and they were fully transparent about insurance and pricing before we agreed to move forward.”
— Chris C. · GoogleGet Started
Schedule your wisdom teeth removal consultation
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We look forward to caring for you.
Visit us in Midtown Manhattan. We’re happy to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you book a time that works.
16 E 52nd Street, #402, New York, NY 10022
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM