Wisdom Teeth Removal in Cherry Hill, NJ

Understanding Wisdom Teeth: When Removal May Be Necessary

Between the ages of 16 and 21, many people have their wisdom teeth developing or beginning to emerge. A complete adult dentition typically contains 32 teeth, including 16 upper and 16 lower teeth, although some people develop fewer wisdom teeth. If you are wondering what wisdom teeth are, they are the third and final molars that usually develop at the back of the mouth. At Barclay Family Dental, we provide evaluations for wisdom teeth removal in Cherry Hill, NJ, to help patients understand their options when these teeth cause discomfort or other dental concerns.


However, many adults do not have sufficient jaw space for all four wisdom teeth to erupt properly. Each tooth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of our mouths, including incisors and canines, are primarily used for biting and tearing food, while premolars also assist with chewing. For patients experiencing wisdom teeth with insufficient room to erupt, our dentist can evaluate whether extraction or continued monitoring is appropriate.

The back teeth, or molars, are used to grind food into smaller pieces suitable for swallowing. Wisdom teeth are the final molars, and while some people have enough room for them to develop normally, others experience complications due to their position or lack of space. These concerns may require wisdom tooth extraction or professional monitoring to help maintain oral health.


For many patients, there is not enough space in the jaw for a wisdom tooth to erupt into its proper position. This can lead to impacted wisdom teeth, where the tooth becomes partially or completely trapped beneath the gum tissue or within the jawbone. A wisdom tooth growing sideways or positioned against another molar may require further evaluation. These are among the reasons some patients consider impacted wisdom teeth removal.


Before wisdom teeth become problematic, our dentist may recommend monitoring their development or considering removal based on clinical findings. Preventive wisdom tooth removal may be appropriate in selected situations, but extraction is not automatically necessary for every patient. Depending on the procedure and individual circumstances, local anesthesia and appropriate sedation options may be discussed to help manage discomfort.


For patients who retain their wisdom teeth, possible complications include teeth growing sideways, partially erupting, or remaining trapped beneath the gumline and bone. These are examples of wisdom teeth trapped in bone or partially erupted wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth can sometimes cause pain, swelling, or difficulty cleaning the surrounding area, although some remain symptom-free. Our team can help determine whether wisdom teeth surgery is necessary based on symptoms, examination findings, and dental imaging.


When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, the opening in the gum tissue around them can allow bacteria and debris to accumulate, increasing the risk of inflammation or infection. This condition, known as pericoronitis, may result in swollen gums around a wisdom tooth, stiffness, discomfort, or difficulty opening the mouth. Patients with a partially erupted wisdom tooth infection may also notice an unpleasant taste or tenderness near the affected area.


In some cases, wisdom teeth may be associated with pressure on neighboring teeth or damage to adjacent structures. However, wisdom teeth do not necessarily cause crowding or changes in orthodontic alignment. Less commonly, cysts and other complications may develop around impacted teeth. Removal of impacted third molars may be recommended when there is evidence of disease, damage, or a significant risk of future complications. Early evaluation helps our dentist assess these concerns and develop an appropriate treatment recommendation.


During adolescence, patients often begin discussing wisdom tooth development with their dentist, orthodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon. During this visit, we can answer questions such as when wisdom teeth should be removed, what age wisdom teeth are commonly extracted, and how to know if wisdom teeth are impacted.


With an oral examination and appropriate dental X-rays, our dentist can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and identify concerns that are present or may develop over time. Patients looking for a wisdom teeth consultation in Cherry Hill, NJ, can contact Barclay Family Dental to discuss their symptoms and treatment options.


Before a tooth is removed, we evaluate your oral health, medical history, and the position of the tooth. This wisdom tooth extraction assessment helps determine whether removal is necessary and which approach is appropriate. Our goal is to recommend treatment that supports your overall oral health while explaining the expected benefits, limitations, and possible risks.


If you are experiencing discomfort and need wisdom tooth pain treatment, are searching for wisdom teeth removal near Voorhees, NJ, or want an evaluation for jaw pain caused by wisdom teeth, our team can help determine the next steps. We can also discuss common questions, including whether wisdom tooth removal hurts, how long the procedure takes, and what to expect during recovery.


Patients experiencing wisdom tooth swelling or infection should contact our office for an assessment. Severe or rapidly worsening swelling, particularly with difficulty breathing or swallowing, requires immediate emergency medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?

    Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removal, as some wisdom teeth erupt normally and remain healthy without causing problems. However, extraction may be recommended if a wisdom tooth is impacted, causes repeated infections, damages a neighboring tooth, or creates persistent discomfort. Symptoms can include jaw pain, swollen gums, difficulty opening the mouth, or tenderness near the back molars. At Barclay Family Dental, our team provides wisdom teeth evaluations in Cherry Hill, NJ, using dental examinations and appropriate X-rays to determine whether removal or continued monitoring is suitable.

  • Is wisdom tooth extraction painful, and what anesthesia is used?

    During wisdom tooth extraction, local anesthesia is commonly used to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort. Depending on the position of the wisdom teeth, the complexity of the procedure, and individual medical needs, additional sedation or anesthesia options may be discussed. Patients may experience temporary swelling, soreness, or jaw stiffness after the procedure. Our team can explain what to expect during wisdom teeth surgery in Cherry Hill, NJ, discuss applicable anesthesia arrangements, and provide guidance to help patients manage discomfort during recovery.

  • How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?

    Wisdom teeth removal recovery varies depending on whether the teeth were fully erupted or impacted, the number of teeth removed, and the complexity of the extraction. Many patients experience the most noticeable swelling or discomfort during the first several days, with gradual improvement afterward. Complete tissue and bone healing can take longer. Following postoperative instructions, maintaining appropriate oral hygiene, and avoiding activities that disturb the extraction site are important. During your consultation, our team will explain expected wisdom tooth extraction recovery time based on your treatment needs.

  • What happens if impacted wisdom teeth are not removed?

    Some impacted wisdom teeth remain symptom-free and can be monitored without immediate removal. However, others may contribute to gum inflammation, recurrent infection, decay, damage to neighboring teeth, or cyst formation. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also be difficult to clean, increasing the possibility of bacterial buildup around the gums. The decision to proceed with impacted wisdom teeth removal depends on clinical symptoms, examination findings, imaging, and individual risk factors. Our dentist can discuss whether continued monitoring or extraction is appropriate for your oral health.

  • How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Cherry Hill, NJ?

    The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Cherry Hill, NJ, depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being removed, whether they are fully erupted or impacted, the complexity of the procedure, and the anesthesia arrangements required. Dental insurance may cover some extraction-related expenses depending on your benefits, deductibles, and plan limitations. At Barclay Family Dental, our team can review your individual treatment requirements, estimated costs, and available payment options. Contact our office to schedule a wisdom tooth extraction consultation and discuss your concerns.