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

My daughter and i both had wisdom teeth removed and we both are very pleased with results and quickness of recovery

- Celeste B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would and have recommended this office to my family members and friends. My son needs his wisdom teeth out also and I wouldn't bring him to anyone but Dr Alkhatib. He's truly the best!

- Jeanne S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

In addition, I had some difficulty with paperwork FROM ANOTHER PHYSICIAN that was requested and Pam helped me navigate and figure that out with patience and a good sense of humor as well 😉

- Andrea G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

We has time constraints they were able to accommodate us. They never acted as if it was a huge imposition. My son was treated with care and attention to detail.The experience was exactly as you would hope it to be... the best possible outcome. Overall a positive.

- Gretchen V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Horn and staff were exceptional.

- Michelle P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very good experience

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Twersky has pulled the wisdom teeth for all 3 of our children, all 3 had a positive experience, minimal pain and excellent results. He and his staff are very friendly and helpful- highly recommend!

- Lori U

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I really appreciate how the entire staff is on "your side". They always try to help you whether it's making the benefit and payment process explained in a down to earth simple way or when they're allowed me to get. Head start of filling the prescription before the surgery was completed so that I could save time and prevent the patient from having to drive to a pharmacy post op-they convey to you a respect and spirit of helpfulness that is exemplary. Also we have the utmost respect and trust in Dr Tweesky and especially appreciate how he sums up very simply and clearly "what the next three days will be like" so that you are not overly worried about your patients healing timeframe. He's extremely reassuring andKe you feel like there's no such thing as a dumb question. Very very happy with this office/staff from the top( the doctors) to the reception.

- Patty L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

We are definitely going back to Dr. Horne. He was great.

- Nancy H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff was courteous and extremely helpful through the entire process. Dr. Alkhatib is patient to answer all our questions and reassured us every step of the way. The staff took time out if their busy schedule to call us the following day to answer any questions post-op. I will recommend OSA to all my friends and family.

- Jannette F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you so much for taking care of my son. He experienced NO swelling, which tells me that his surgeon is great at what he does.

- Hector M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

As mentioned above, Dr. Twersky, the nurses and staff, were very courteous and helpful. They explained everything, answered my questions and made me feel at ease regarding the removal of wisdom teeth for my twins. I would recommend them to others! Thank you for making this a smooth experience.

- Tiffany V

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Twersky explained the procedure in detail, answered any questions and created a relaxed atmosphere. Received a followup call later in the day to make sure all was well and I had not issues or questions.

- John

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

It was a very pleasant experience, overall and I would recommend this group to friends.

- Dana P

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Our experience was excellent. Would definitely refer others. My older son was there 2 years ago and our experience was excellent then as well which is why I brought my 2nd son to your office.

- Michele S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great service and everyone is extremely nice and helpful

- Kevin R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Yes!

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Office did a great job, caring, and compassionate

- Nyinka R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Twersky and the rest of the staff answered all of my questions and were extremely courteous. I would recommend OSA for any procedure.

- Alexander M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Alkatib was excellent! My daughter had 4 under the gum wisdom teeth removed without any issues. We will use him again.

- Nancy C

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