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

The whole procedure was a positive experience. The doctor and nurse explained everything in detail and were comforting. Good communication and bedside manner made my daughter feel more at ease.

- Amy B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everything was go and quick.

- Angel A

4 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Clean, courteous and considerate staff.

- Zureyden N

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Scheduling was quick and easy, procedure went well and doctor was very informative about after care

- Kessrin S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very satisfied with Dr. Alkhatib and the entire office staff

- Lisa M

4 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Both my sons had their wisdom teeth extracted by Dr Twersky. Both had minimal discomfort after and recovery was quick. Highly recommend Dr Twersky

- Kelly D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Horne and his staff were great!

- Juan S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Awesome Staff and friendliness

- G M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Pretty easy and quick, good service

- Lourdes K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Absolutely. Staff, Amanda, and Dr. Horne were professional and kind and understanding. They explained all parts of procedure and follow up care.

- Rita M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The procedure was quick and painless and the recovery has been really easy so far. Everyone in the office went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and welcome.

- Colleen F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Everyone was so nice!

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very caring and attentive staff and Dr's

- Jenn T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very relaxed experience, despite that I had a bad experience with a wisdom extraction a long time ago at a different surgeon. The most positive part of the experience was the post-surgery experience. I almost had no pain the same and next days, only a light bruise feeling which was giving me no discomfort. So far, I even didn't take a pain reliever.

- Herber D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very informative, very friendly! Reassured me through the whole procedure. I knew I was in great hands!

- Krystina H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

No issues at all

- Wole O

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff were very welcoming. Dr. Abed and Christine were awesome. Thank you so much.

- Elda D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I thought Dr. Horne was excellent and his staff was very helpful.

- Lewis B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would definitely recommend your services to friends and family.

- Arelis M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience, everyone was friendly and well educated about my procedure and aftercare.

- Jessie D

5 out of 5 stars on