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
Excellent service...Dr. Twersky and his staff were great.
- Lauren H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had all my wisdom teeth removed. I assumed that it will take me at least 1 week before the swelling subside. I was really surprised that there was no swelling nor bleeding at all after the surgery. Doctor Alkatib has the lightest dentist hands I have ever had. I did not feel any pain at all after the surgery. The staff are very friendly and accommodating too. I would highly recommend their clinic to all my family and friends. You guys are AWESOME! Thank you!!!
- Klarenz S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Yes. the team was open / very personable and professional
- Roger D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Oral Surgeon with a caring staff. Highly recommended.
- Philip M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was so nice and helpful!
- Missy T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went smooth. I would highly recomment your office to my friends and family. Thank you so much.
- Klarenz S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
got to say very helpful staff, informative and customer centric, yes patients are customers!
- Richard d
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was recommended to get my wisdom teeth removal surgery with Dr Twersky. Even though my drive to the office is one hour away, all I can say is well worth it. Dr T carefully exam the x-ray and answer ll the questions I had. I was extremely nervous on the day of the surgery, hate needles, and first time being put to sleep. I must say, the whole procedure went so smoothly that I didn't even feel anything! I am recovering quite well. I like how the office call you in the evening to make sure you're feeling fine and answer the questions you may have. The front desk staff was friendly. I will definitely recommend this office to other people.
- Y C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Staff was very accommodating and helped me all the way through the process. They really went above and beyond.
- William N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We had a very good experience- staff was helpful & friendly. The doctor was very nice & did a great job communicating expectations. My daughter only had real pain the day of the surgery, procedure was excellent.
- Maria C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Twersky has a great repore with my daughter
- Kathy L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All staff were friendly and knowledgeable.
- Debra E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Dr's and the staff was amazing - I had the best experience I could ask for. They removed my wisdom teeth and even called me the same day later on in the day to ask how I was doing. I know everyone is different, but I feel like my procedure went great - I even went to work the next day. Everyone was kind, respectful, and attentive, and made sure they left no question unanswered. If I had to get my wisdom teeth removed - I would do it with Oral Surgery Associates in a heart beat!
- Natalie C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and patient no matter what question I asked
- Nicole C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything was so smooth Right from taking appointment over phone to the actual wisdom tooth extraction. I could not have asked for better experience than this. Dr Abed Alkhatib was excellent and so do all the staff.
- Anish P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Really excellent bedside manner. Quick and efficient. Really made a difficult procedure easy to deal with.
- G K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had such a great experience with Dr. Howard and his staff. He made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process and the office called me multiple times after the surgery to follow up and see how I was feeling.
- Melissa B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very positive experience.
- Debra C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so easy and relaxing. I didn't have a worry in the world and the patient (my daughter) felt the same.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
You've taken excellent care of both of my kids under very different circumstances. Outstanding care both times
- Marilyn S
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