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
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I didn't feel no pain.
- Ariana R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Daughter had a good experience and minimal pain with wisdom teeth removal. Very happy
- Norma Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Procedure went great, Dr. A did a great job. Shout out to Brenda and the rest of the staff who were very kind and comforting.
- Ryan K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Horne removed both of my sons' wisdom teeth. He is excellent with his patients and very personable. His nurse is wonderful...they took great care of us.
- Tracey L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My son had a great experience. Recovery from 4 wisdom teeth was quicker than expected. I highly recommend Dr. Horn.
- Janet G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This procedure went even more smoothly that I could've hoped. Minimum pain after the wisdom teeth surgery. I also received a clean set of instructions along with the necessary medication to help me recover as quickly as possible. Highly recommend Dr. Twersky and his staff!
- Irina M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall great experience for a scary time in our teen's life. Office staff and Dr. Horne were compassionate and understanding and very easy to work with. Procedure was described perfectly and made our son comfortable.
- Susy E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Easy scheduling, on time appointments, friendly staff.
- patty m
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Quick recovery, all went well. Thank you!
- Kim D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The procedure was painless and the staff was excellent!
- Kristina L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The best wisdom tooth pulled i ever had in my life painless
- Robert F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Amazing experience, it was over before I knew it.
- Cheryl J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent
- Maria N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a fantastic experience! I was able to schedule a prompt appointment to inspect my wisdom teeth and from there Dr. Twersky explained everything that would be done. Scheduling my actual appointment was easy with no hassle. On the day of my appointment I was brought in promptly and the entire procedure took about 45 minutes. Dr. Twersky was extremely efficient and professional, and I would recommend everyone to this practice!
- Nicholas C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great experience. Amazing staff. Dr. Horne was fantastic to work with. Spencer had very little pain, NO swelling and recovered very well.
- Patricia B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor Horne, was very friendly, calming, and professional. I had one wisdom tooth removed, using a local anesthetic. Dr. Horne made quick work of my wisdom tooth and made sure I was comfortable throughout the whole procedure. The nurse who assisted him was also very professional throughout every aspect of the procedure.
- Brian W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Greatly recommended
- Jay J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I'd recommend this office to anyone
- Cathie L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They are a GREAT team!!! Dr. A is the BEST!!
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thanks!
- Olive M
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