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

Overall awesome experience with first tooth extraction. Thanks to staff and Dr. Abed, he was very patient and helpful throughout.

- Prats J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very positive experience

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

So efficient and kind. Thank you!

- Joy L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

It was a pleasure dealing with Dr. Twersky and his staff. Thank you to everyone.

- gina z

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I really liked Brenda and the surgeon ,Brenda called us the same day to check on Nasim .I work in healthcare so its really nice when someone treats you with respect ,kindness is caring and courteous. I did not like how i had to pay up immediately before the service .Why not wait until insurance has decided what i really owe .

- shafa z

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Hands down, the best place to go for any extraction. I have used them three times for extractions and each time, it was completely painless. Also post op instructions were great and clear. I have had Dr. T and Dr. A both and they are both amazing! I had to get an emergency wisdom tooth removal and they were able to get me in the same day and the procedure was quick and painless!

- Shanae J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Painless!!

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had a very good experience here, the staff was friendly and my consultation was very speedy. Also I really liked how quickly I was brought in and that I didn’t have to wait for a long time in the waiting room.

- Tina T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I will be back for any future oral surgeries if needed. 4 wisdom teeth removed at once and only one day of discomfort thanks to the excellent staff at Oral Surgery Associates

- Jhani P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very pleased with the staff and the procedure

- Carmen o

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very pleased from start to finish.

- Giana l

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Was very pleased with experience so far.

- Katie D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everyone is nervous for dental procedures. This office understands and counters the nerves with confidence, reassurance and expertise.

- Heather B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff were nice and put me at ease

- Laura S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Overall experience was positive.

- Tyler V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The procedure started exactly on time, ended on time, and the patient had hardly any swelling or discoloration and has not used one pain killer.

- Andrea P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Doctor and staff both made sure my son was comfortable and could not have been kinder. Very good bed side manner and made us feel confident and at ease for the procedure

- Terry M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

DR. Twersky did an amazing job highly recommend this place.

- Luis E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very happy with the experience. Dr Horne was great as well as his support staff. Seth

- seth n

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everything went so much better than anticipted. No pain, no swelling, hardly any bleeding. Very pleased!

- Jasmine B

5 out of 5 stars on