Wisdom Teeth Removal in Pennsauken, NJ
Wisdom teeth removal takes out one or more third molars that are impacted, crowded, or already causing pain or infection. AZ Dental Spa handles both surgical and non-surgical extractions, with sedation available and the same calm, spa-like care as every other visit.
The molars that show up uninvited
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, the last set to come in, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth removal is the procedure that takes one or more of them out when they don't have room to erupt properly or start causing problems for the teeth around them.
Most mouths just aren't built to fit a third row of molars. When a wisdom tooth comes in at an angle, stays partly trapped under the gum, or crowds the teeth next to it, that's when pain, infection, or damage to a neighboring tooth becomes likely. Some people never have an issue. Plenty of others do, and it's usually not subtle once it starts.
Different from a regular extraction. Our tooth extraction page covers pulling teeth that are decayed, broken, or in the way of orthodontics. Wisdom teeth are their own category, since they're more often impacted and more likely to need a surgical approach.
How do you know your wisdom teeth need to come out?
Pain or swelling at the very back of your jaw is the clearest sign. A few other signs are worth watching for too, especially since impacted wisdom teeth don't always announce themselves right away.
What happens if impacted wisdom teeth aren't treated?
An impacted or partially erupted wisdom tooth doesn't resolve on its own. Left alone, it can trap food and bacteria under a flap of gum, leading to infection or gum disease around the area. It can also crowd nearby teeth or damage the roots of the molar next to it, and in some cases a cyst forms around the buried tooth. Not every case needs to come out right away, but it's worth having it checked and monitored rather than ignored.
Not every wisdom tooth comes out the same way
Which approach you need depends on how the tooth has erupted. Dr. Khan handles both, and you'll know which one applies to you after your exam and X-ray.
Non-Surgical Extraction
- For a tooth that's fully erupted through the gum
- Comes out much like a routine tooth extraction
- Usually a shorter appointment and simpler recovery
Surgical Extraction
- For a tooth that's impacted under gum or bone
- A small incision reaches the tooth, sometimes removed in sections
- May need stitches and a slightly longer recovery
What happens at your appointment
Here's what actually happens once you're in the chair, whether it ends up surgical or not.
Exam and digital X-ray — we check the position, angle and depth of each wisdom tooth to plan the right approach.
Numbing or sedation — local anesthesia numbs the area. Sedation dentistry is available if you're anxious or need more than one tooth out.
Exposing the tooth — if it's impacted under gum or bone, a small opening is made to reach it.
Removing the tooth — the tooth is loosened and removed, sometimes in sections if it's impacted or awkwardly angled.
Cleaning the socket — any debris is cleared out to lower the risk of infection.
Gauze and stitches — gauze controls bleeding and stitches close the site if needed, then you'll get aftercare instructions before you leave.
Most single-tooth removals take 15 to 45 minutes. Removing all four wisdom teeth in one visit typically runs 45 to 90 minutes total.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
A simple, fully erupted tooth can take as little as 15 to 20 minutes. An impacted tooth that needs to be sectioned takes longer, often 30 to 45 minutes per tooth. If all four wisdom teeth come out in the same visit, plan on the appointment itself running 45 minutes to an hour and a half, including numbing or sedation time. We'll give you a realistic estimate once we've seen your X-ray.
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
No, not during the procedure. You're numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation dentistry is available if you'd rather not be aware of what's happening at all.
During treatment
You're numb or sedated, so you shouldn't feel pain, just pressure and movement.
Right after
Soreness and swelling for a few days is normal, especially with impacted teeth.
If pain gets worse
That's not typical after day 3 or 4 — call us to rule out dry socket or infection.
What wisdom teeth removal recovery actually looks like
Most people feel noticeably better by day three or four. Here's roughly how it unfolds.
First 24 hours — rest with your head elevated, bite gently on gauze to control bleeding, and use ice packs 20 minutes on and off. Swelling typically starts here. Skip straws, spitting, and rinsing for the day.
Days 2–3 — swelling and bruising usually peak, then start to ease. Warm salt water rinses can begin. Stick to soft, cool foods and keep taking pain relief as directed rather than waiting for soreness to build.
First week — swelling fades noticeably, stitches (if you have them) dissolve or are removed, and you can gradually work back toward normal foods. Most people are back to work, school, and their regular routine by day 7.
Full healing — the gum tissue closes over the socket within a few weeks. The bone underneath keeps healing for a few months, but that background process doesn't limit anything you do day to day.
What to eat (and avoid) after wisdom teeth removal
Soft, cool, easy-to-swallow foods for the first few days, then a gradual return to normal eating. Here's the breakdown.
Eat
- Soup and broth, once cooled to warm
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies, eaten with a spoon instead of sipped through a straw
- Scrambled eggs
- Applesauce
Avoid
- Straws — the suction can dislodge the healing clot and cause dry socket
- Hot food or drinks until numbness fully wears off
- Hard or crunchy food, like chips or nuts
- Spicy food while the tissue is still healing
- Small seeds or grains, like rice, that can lodge in the socket
How long after wisdom teeth removal can you eat?
Once the numbness wears off, usually within a few hours, you can start with liquids and very soft foods like broth or yogurt. Give it a full 24 hours before trying anything with more texture, like mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. Hold off on hard, crunchy, or chewy foods for about a week, longer if a tooth was impacted, and skip straws for at least a week no matter what since the suction can pull the healing blood clot loose and cause a painful dry socket.
What wisdom teeth removal costs
Cost depends on a few things: how many teeth are coming out, whether they're impacted or fully erupted, and whether you choose sedation. A simple, non-surgical extraction generally costs less than a surgical one, and having all four removed at once often costs less overall than treating them separately over time. We accept most major dental insurance and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club. Ask us for a real number before you commit to anything.
Payment plans also available through CareCredit & Lending Club.
Dr. Aurangzaib Khan, DMD
Founder & Lead Dentist, AZ Dental SpaDr. Khan has been treating patients in Pennsauken Township since 2005. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and completed his General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital, one of the region's busiest trauma centers, where surgical extractions were routine work. He handles both simple and impacted wisdom tooth cases in-house.
Wisdom teeth removal near you in Pennsauken Township
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What our patients say
“Dr. Khan takes away any anxiety of a dental visit and takes the time to explain everything. His dedication and knowledge are exceptional and his friendly personality puts you at ease. I would highly recommend him.”
“I recently cracked a tooth and Dr. AZ took care of me right away! The procedure was pain-free and I felt like I was priority #1. Never felt as comfortable in any other dentist office.”
“I've always had a strong fear of the dentist, but Dr. AZ Khan completely changed that for me. His gentle approach and genuine care have transformed my entire perception of dental visits. Truly a 5-star experience!”
“I've been going to AZ Dental since 2011. Dr. Khan meticulously explains the treatment options and every staff member is courteous, knowledgeable and attentive. I wholeheartedly recommend AZ Dental Spa.”
“Dr. Khan and his staff went out of their way taking care of my emergency root canal! His caring way of including me in every aspect of my care goes a long way, and one of the best parts, NO pain.”
“This is the best place to go for dental work. I'm treated like family when I walk in the door. I got my front four replaced recently and would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.”
Questions about wisdom teeth removal
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
It depends on how many teeth are coming out, whether they're impacted, and whether you choose sedation. Simple non-surgical extractions cost less than surgical ones. We accept most major insurance and offer payment plans — ask us for a specific estimate.
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
Not during the procedure. You're numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation dentistry is available if you'd rather not be aware of what's happening. Soreness and swelling for a few days afterward is normal and manageable with pain relief.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
A simple, fully erupted tooth can take 15 to 20 minutes. An impacted tooth that needs to be removed in sections can take closer to 45 minutes to an hour. Removing all four at once usually runs 45 to 90 minutes total.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day or two: yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (no straw), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and blended soup. Avoid anything hot, hard, crunchy, spicy, or seedy until the socket has started to heal.
How long after wisdom teeth removal can I eat?
Once the numbness wears off, usually a few hours, you can start with liquids and very soft foods. Give it 24 hours before trying anything more textured, and hold off on hard or crunchy foods for about a week.
What's the difference between surgical and non-surgical wisdom teeth removal?
A non-surgical extraction is for a tooth that's fully erupted through the gum; it comes out much like any other tooth. A surgical extraction is for a tooth that's impacted, still under the gum or bone, and needs a small incision to reach it, sometimes removed in sections.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Some people have enough room and their wisdom teeth come in straight and healthy with no issues. Removal is recommended when a tooth is impacted, causing crowding, hard to keep clean, or already causing pain or infection.
How long is recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Most people feel noticeably better within 3 to 4 days and are back to normal activity within a week. Full healing of the gum tissue and bone inside the socket takes a few months, but that doesn't limit your daily routine.
Will I need someone to drive me home after wisdom teeth removal?
If you have sedation, yes — plan on a ride home and someone around for the rest of the day. If you only have local anesthesia, you can typically drive yourself.
Do you accept insurance for wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club.
What's the difference between wisdom teeth removal and a regular tooth extraction?
Wisdom teeth are third molars that often come in at an angle or stay partly trapped under the gum or bone, so removing them is more likely to need a surgical approach. A regular extraction usually involves a fully erupted tooth and tends to be more straightforward.
What happens if wisdom teeth are left untreated?
An impacted or partially erupted wisdom tooth doesn't fix itself. Left alone, it can lead to infection, gum disease around the area, crowding of nearby teeth, or a cyst forming around the tooth. Not every case needs immediate removal, but it's worth having it checked and monitored.
Wisdom Teeth Bothering You?
Don't wait for it to get worse. Book your visit and we'll figure out the right approach.