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
Wonderful experience (if that is even possible when having oral surgery)! My daughter was very anxious but was quickly reassured and with anesthesia, didn’t “feel anything”. One day later, has minimal swelling and was able to start a new job! Highly recommend!
- Mary B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great service, friendly staff answered all my questions with patients.
- Emilio M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My procedure was very quick and staff was very nice and caring.
- Deja S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Denise and Dr. A are legends, dispelled any anxiety I had before the procedure and all went smoothly. Have been putting off wisdom extraction for years, now I wish I'd done it sooner. Also, really appreciated the check in call the day after my surgery.
- JP
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
friendly, professional, efficient
- Renae H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I felt very confident in my doctor and the staff was very nice. Felt very comfortable and the procedure felt quick.
- Erin B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly staff, great doctors.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
overall, a positive experience
- Janice L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Three members of our family have hd teeth removed by OSA. We return to the office because of the professionalism and patient care.
- Pamela P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall the procedure was nice and quick. The office was clean
- Leticia F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Love this office
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Friendly, courteous staff. Comfortable and quick procedure.
- Joseph P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The only thing I didn’t like was that since I had Epilepsy I was considered high risk so both my neurologist & dentist wanted the surgery done ASAP, but the office kept postponing it throughout quarantine since the pain was lessening, even though they could do surgeries if they were necessary
- Taylor L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was very professional, while still being friendly. It made me feel relaxed.
- Denis G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Twersky removed my wisdom tooth as if it was as easy as tying his shoe. I was surprised at how quick it was! Alleviated my pain post procedure within a few days.
- Shaquille S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Procedure was very quick and easy.
- Laura A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
You all are great!
- Patrick H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I get anxious during procedures and the staff was so nice and welcoming and made sure I was calm and relaxed. Also, their measures to security from covid we’re great! Thank you:)
- Brianna R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great office great experience
- Kelly C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Smooth procedure and overall good pain levels after!
- Anonymous
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