Can all four wisdom teeth be extracted at the same time?
Patients who require the extraction of wisdom teeth sometimes ask if they must come in for separate appointments or if all four teeth can be removed at the same time. In most cases, it is advantageous to have all four removed in one appointment.
Is it safe to remove all 4 wisdom teeth at once?
Anticipating oral surgery (or any surgery) can be an anxiety-inducing event, but rest assured, removing all four wisdom teeth at once is a common and safe procedure. This approach minimizes the need for multiple surgeries and anesthesia sessions, which can actually reduce overall recovery time and stress for our patients.
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in NJ, we take every precaution to ensure a smooth and safe procedure, including a thorough pre-surgical assessment and detailed post-operative care instructions. During the initial assessment, we will examine your jaw using x-rays and other imagery tools. If there are any concerns that contraindicate the removal of all four wisdom teeth at once, we will recommend a different strategy.
Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, and we will be here to support you throughout the entire process.
If you have questions or concerns, our team is here for you. We welcome you to make an appointment for a consultation at any of our four Oral Surgery offices in North Jersey.
Benefits of Removing All 4 Wisdom Teeth at Once
From convenience to safety and comfort, there are many benefits to having all 4 wisdom teeth extracted in one surgery. They include:
- Saving money: Removing all four wisdom teeth at once is the most affordable option. Paying for multiple office visits will increase the total price of extraction.
- Minimize sedation needs: Removing all four wisdom teeth at once reduces the number of times you will need anesthesia. When IV sedation is required, it’s better to minimize and limit your exposure to sedation when possible.
- More convenient: Given that some rest is typically required to recover from wisdom tooth extraction, it makes sense to do this once instead of multiple times. A single procedure makes it easier to schedule treatment with work and you can save your vacation days for something fun!
- Comfort: The number of teeth extracted at one time has little impact on patient discomfort. Similar postoperative instructions will be given whether having one, or all, of your wisdom teeth removed. Contrary to popular belief, the pain of having all four wisdom teeth removed is not quadruple the pain of having one wisdom tooth removed. You should consult your oral surgeon to clarify your specific situation.
Recovery Time for Wisdom Tooth Removal
For many patients, the timeline for wisdom teeth removal recovery can take about a week. However, no two mouths are alike, so this can vary from person to person. Still, you might be wondering what to expect the day of and the days following surgery.
- Pain: You won’t feel pain during the surgery. You will receive local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation anesthesia through an intravenous line in your arm.
- Swelling: You’ll likely see some swelling in your lower cheeks, sides of your face, or even the eye area, which can be reduced with cold compresses or ice packs. This might peak a few days after the surgery and should go down from there.
- Stiff Jaw: This might last a few days or longer than a week.
- Sensitivity: Your wisdom teeth sockets might feel a bit tender and sensitive.
- Bleeding– During the first day, you might experience some bleeding, so keep cotton gauze handy and bite down on it as needed to prompt clotting. Bleeding varies from patient to patient, so we encourage patients to call us if they’re concerned.
- Soreness– You can expect a manageable amount of pain in the gums and jaw area.
When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
Many of our patients have their wisdom teeth extracted between the ages of 16 and 19. But while wisdom teeth extraction is a common rite of passage, there is more to the equation than age. If you are experiencing jaw pain, shifting teeth, or even infections, it may be necessary to have your wisdom teeth removed now to avoid further problems. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause gingivitis and other gum disease if left untreated for too long.
We also typically recommend our patients have their wisdom teeth pulled prior to planned orthodontic treatment. Emerging wisdom teeth can cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift, which could impact the benefits of your treatment.
Our doctors are the only dual-degree surgeons in Bergen County, which means they are extensively trained in both dentistry and medicine. This prominent distinction makes our team the best oral surgeons for wisdom teeth extraction.
Helpful Links
- Wisdom teeth removal in NJ
- 5 signs you need your Wisdom teeth removed
- What happens if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth?
The Leading Oral Surgeons Serving NJ & NY
For more than 70 years, Bergen Oral Surgery has provided the very best oral surgery services for NJ and NY patients, with a long-standing reputation for expertise, exceptional patient care, and deep community roots. Many of our doctors maintain hospital affiliations in both NJ and NY and continue to share their expertise by educating their peers on the latest advancements in oral surgery.
We are here to answer any and all questions and guide you through the process. We’ll continue to be available after your procedure, responding to any follow-up questions and ensuring your comfort and wellness through recovery and beyond.
Contact one of our 4 North Jersey oral surgery offices.
We look forward to connecting with you.
Learn more about wisdom teeth removal in NJ.
