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
Staff very friendly. Doctor made me feel very comfortable and at ease with the procedure of removing my sixteen-year old's four, impacted wisdom teeth. My son has no pain or discomfort and was back to normal eight hours later!
- Tracy M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was very nice! I would definitely return if I needed another procedure
- Jessica P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Alkhatib was amazing! Very friendly, his assistant was equally amazing and very knowledgeable! Thank you
- Erica B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I heard so many stories being the last one of my friends to get my wisdom teeth out about how horrible you feel. I woke up the next day with minimal pain was able to go about my life like normal. Can't express how thankful I am for the job that was done
- Ryan K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had my wisdom teeth pulled and I was in and out. The staff was very professional and nice.
- Elizabeth A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. ALKHATIB made this process smooth and as painless as possible. Excellent bedside manner. I would highly recommend him.
- Leah F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly staff!
- David B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had an amazing experience! I was terrified coming in but everyone comforted me. It's only been 2 days since my extractions and I feel great
- Kimberlitz M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very thorough and friendly
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Its been three days since i had three wisdom teeth pulled and other than the occasional discomfort which is expected I feel great. I was able return to work in less than a week with no complaints. Barely any swelling and im able to chew and swallow comfortably.
- Kaydian S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very Happy
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Appointment was on time and everything was explained
- Danielle Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The surgery went extremely well. Dr. Abed E. Alkhatib was also great with his initial consultation. He kept me well informed in what the procedure will entail. I am healing quickly from my surgery.
- Jonathan W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Quick and painless. Would recommend to anyone. Was in and out in about 15 minutes.
- Julie C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very nervous about getting my wisdom teeth removed and everyone I interacted with at the office was very kind and reassuring. Dr. Twersky even let me keep my teeth 🙂
- Jess Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Twersky has always done a great job on removing wisdom teeth. Impacted or not after 4 kids I am happy he was there for us.
- Sherri H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Horne communicated very well and was very professional , empathetic and listened carefully to my answers to his questions and my input. I have had other wisdom teeth extracted by other Doctors and my experience with Dr. Horne was much better. He did an outstanding job with a difficult extraction, and an anxious patient - my previous extractions had not gone very well. I highly recommend Dr. Horne.
- Gilbert D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Absolutely loved going here! Dr. Alkhatib was SO nice and my wisdom teeth removal was quick and painless! Would recommend to anyone!
- Alyssa M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Doctor and nurse are so nice. I felt like I was in good hands. I felt very comfortable.
- Juilia C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My granddaughter loves Dr. Horne She has not had it easy in her life with Dentists. She is terrified of needles, for Dr. Horne to get her to take it I WAS AMAZED. He is a lovely man and I am so glad my granddaughter had him for her wisdom teeth. I have heard some terrible stories from friends whose children and grandchildren had had the same procedure but did not come out as great as Hannah my granddaughter has. She has slight swelling and not much pain. We gave her the iboprophen and she slept for 4 hours after the procedure. She was sore after but had no pain. She was afraid to brush her teeth for 3 days though, rinsed her mouth only,
- Valerie C
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