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
The whole experience went so much better than I thought. We were well informed and my son did fantastic! One day of recovery that was not that bad at all.
- Sue V
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Have had 4 children all get wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Twarsky, has been a positive experience. Would highly recommend.
- Christine Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor was great. If I had to get my wisdom teeth pulled again I'd definitely go to him.
- Cynthia F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When people hear that you are getting your wisdom teeth out, they need to come up with every horror story they can think of about the procedure and what happened to them or to someone they knew. I have to say that I couldn't believe how easily the whole thing went for me! The doctor and staff put me at complete ease and everything was finished before I even knew it. I had very little down time and no complications. Every person that I encountered along the way was so nice and helpful. I would highly recommend Oral Surgery Associates to anyone in need of an oral surgeon.
- Peggy F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I liked the office, the doctor was excellent, everyone very professional and friendly. I would go there myself and recommend to friends
- Faye A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was in and out of my appointment in a timely fashion. I the office, waitin room and the bathroom were the cleanest I've ever seen in a doctors office.
- Kerry C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had a wisdom tooth removed with Dr. Alkahtib and he was excellent. While I did develop dry socket (which is not fault of the drs) they were quick to help with alleviating the pain and making sure I was comfortable. I would recommend them to anyone.
- Jillian Y
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I thought everyone was very professional. I was very impressed when I received a follow-up call from the Dr. checking to see how my kids were doing after their surgery.
- Julie P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Needed an immediate extraction around Christmas and the staff was so accommodating and the dr did a great job. Thank you!
- Maggie B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Had an amazing experience here. Would absolutely recommend to anyone going through this procedure.
- Nicole J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The overall visit was good, I was able to get my wisdom teeth remove in a immediately with minimum pain.
- Ren A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very nice
- Sharon R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Horne and his staff is friendly. My experience was quick and painless. I would definitely recommend my friends and family to go here for any oral surgical needs.
- Latara B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Yes. Dr. Howard Twersky is very good Surgeon. He gives time to hear patient and answer all questions.
- mukesh k
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Twersky and his staff were wonderful. I was scared out of mind, and they put me at ease keeping me informed and were so kind. I healed in record time without any issues and minimal pain. Thank you !
- Michele M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I love that a person picks up the phone within a few rings. Staff was extremely pleasant & helpful. Great experience overall.
- Ann B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have already recommended Dr. Horne / OSA to a friend.
- Heather S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very pleased with our visit. We had one minor billing issue but when I called to ask about, it was taken care of immediately. What really impressed me with that situation was that the person I spoke with (sorry I forgot her name) was very friendly and very concerned that she had missed something. I could tell she took her job seriously and was concerned that it caused us to worry. Having dealt with other billing departments that's rarely the case. The rest of the staff, including dentist, were outstanding and I will recommend OSA to everyone I know.
- Brian C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Felt reassured well informed and comfortable about the procedure.
- Maria O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
While I don't remember the actual surgery as I was "sleeping," the pain afterwards was minimal and the staff was friendly. Nothing felt rushed and I was in a comfortable environment. The assistant who kept calling me "pumpkin" was an absolute sweetheart and I appreciate the respect she showed to me during my time there.
- Melissa M
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