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 is great and the Dr was awesome!
- Jervon S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall good experience with Dr. Horne and Dr. Alabeib
- Kathleen N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It came to me later in the day, but I thought it might be worth mentioning to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Oral Surgery Associates. Patients with clinical anxiety (which my daughter has) I feel should've been given a better explanation and with more patience as to what was going to happen before just throwing in topical numbing sticks in her mouth and covering her nose with what I believe to be some sort of oxygen. I understand time is precious, but feel there might be a few steps one can take to help minimize a patients anxiety.
- Erin H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Twersky is one of the kindest Dr to have treated us in Ryan’s 19 years. He was superb at explaining the procedure and was open to our questions. So caring. And, twice he removed Ryan’s teeth without incident and healed beautifully. Can’t say enough positives about him and will definitely recommend him to others.
- Glenda O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Procedure was very stressful for me and the staff were supportive
- Sheila F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I wish the discussion of at home care after surgery was not so rushed and explained more in depth. I felt rushed
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The day of the procedure was very organized, made you feel at ease & explained after care.
- Lynn S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Experience couldn’t have been easier!
- Sean G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Twersky and staff are a pleasure to work with. All three of my children had their wisdom teeth out and I’m very pleased with the level of care we received.
- Lisa F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The surgery went so well, it felt like I was in the chair for 2 minutes. Recovery is going well, and there are no conplications
- Alyssa P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for making me feel comfortable! And for comforting me when I was terrified of the IV.
- Rachael E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Fairfield office staff were awesome, I was in so much pain and they took me in right away. Barbara was amazing...very sweet and shows she cares about her patients...the Surgeon was great...did not feel anything when he pulled out the Wisdom tooth....very pleased and happy with the service provided!!
- evelyn G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was very kind and courteous to us.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Although, a young adult, I am close to my mother and the staff did not tell my mom they were going to prepare me for surgery causing my mom to sit idly in the waiting room. My mom questioned my status and then they allowed her in. Everything else was great and smooth. Thank you for the positive experience.
- Meghan A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very organized and efficient
- Margaret B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for the prep call and follow up. My daughter’s procedure went very smoothly. The entire experience exceeded our expectations.
- Ashley E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As the mother of my 18 year old son (patient) I was extremely impressed and thankful with the communication of both staff and Dr. Alkhatib, thorough explanation of the procedure, possible complications, initial consult and post-op instructions. I will recommend this practice to everyone in need of oral surgery!
- Jennifer W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall a positive experience. Brenda was especially kind and showed a true concern for my daughter. 🙂
- Millie P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I appreciated the expertise and professionalism at your office.(Fairfield). Dr. Alkhatib did an excellent job removing 3 teeth . Made me feel at ease and the procedure was done very smoothly, quickly, and with no discomfort during extractions.
- Mary Ellen L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Both doctor and staff members did an excellent job
- Jamal C
Find Us Online