Wisdom Teeth

By the age of 18, the average adult has 32 teeth; 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom. Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine, and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces. The back teeth (molar teeth) are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.


The average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt.

These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the teeth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain, and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Drs. Fitzgerald, Twersky, and Alkhatib can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or may be future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Drs. Fitzgerald, Twersky, and Alkhatib has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth

In most cases, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or general anesthesia. These options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Once the teeth are removed, the gum is sutured. To help control bleeding, bite down on the gauze placed in your mouth. You will rest under our supervision in the office until you are ready to be taken home. Upon discharge, your postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (203) 371-5595 .

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

Oral Surgery Associates, LLC

5 out of 5 stars based on 505 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Horne and staff were extremely kind and accommodating to my daughter who had her wisdom teeth out.

- Samantha G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very pleased with whole experience. Post op instructions were very thorough. Entire staff were very knowledgable and friendly. Would highly recommend.

- Winifred P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional and helpful. Overall just a great experience. (And I'm not just saying that because I was high) if I had to get my wisdom teeth pulled again, I would come here.

- Destene S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Wonderful experience. The staff made me feel very comfortable and calmed my nerves before the procedure.

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I found all staff that I met from initial call to schedule consultation to the Nurse leading my daughter out to our car after her procedure to be wonderful.

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Pleasant and efficient

- Fredric Z

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience. Dr. Horne was very professional and assuring in explaining the process for the wisdom teeth removal. The surgery went extremely well and the recovery is smooth so far. Highly recommend!

- Jonathan M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Staff was friendly and the Doctor was amazing too!

- Am A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very accommodating, friendly, and competent staff.

- Gabrielle J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you for getting my daughter in for emergency surgery. She was in so much pain and you helped out so much!! Will definitely recommend!!

- Carole P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Superb! The doctor and nurses put you at ease and were right! Don't be afraid!

- Monique

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great service

- SANTIARE C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Easy scheduling Friendly staff Very informative

- Karen C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great service

- Celine G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had three previous experiences with Dr. Al and the office & medical staff. Each time, I was impressed with patient care, comprehensive pain management/after care plan and the professional, caring staff working here. Thank you for taking such good care of my kiddos!

- Karen D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Good procedure overall, loved the follow up calls

- Maxfield C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have SEVERE fear of dentistry so, needless to say, my stress levels for the extraction of 3 teeth (1 wisdom) was VERY high. The staff, and Dr Horne, put me at ease and I had NO pain/swelling/soreness/irritation/anything after. Candidly, I have had more issues with having a cavity filled than I did with this procedure. I was INCREDIBLY impressed.

- Michael C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great staff, very kind. Very positive environment, and very trustworthy.

- Rolando N

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Twersky is great at what he does. A great bedside manner and a skillful surgeon. He has surrounded himself with a staff just as kind and professional as he is. A great place to go for something most people dread.

- Susan P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My brother and I went in to get our wisdom teeth removed together and our procedures went WAY better than we expected and we’d highly recommend our doctor (Dr. Robert Horne) and this office to anyone!! I was more worried of the loopyness than the pain with all of those ridiculous videos you see of this procedure online, so when I was knocked out with ease and was completely comfortable during the procedure to wake up perfectly fine, I was thriving!! Absolutely remarkable jobs well done and couldn’t say enough good things about our experiences here.

- Courtney H

5 out of 5 stars on