Wisdom Teeth
What are 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, canines, 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.
Experiencing Wisdom Teeth Issues?
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, our doctors 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.
Removal
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 observation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Luckily I was able to go to nearby dentist and the dentist referred me to here right after taking a look. Both places accept Delta dental and Amazons Delta dental insurance. I highly recommend for anyone near Martinsburg or lives in Martinsburg with same insurance. Everyone is extremely nice and caring! Life saver for me in an emergency wisdom tooth situation after having to wait 4 days because of holidays and weekends and on Tuesday both of these places were able to take me in immediately with also being a new customer.
- Torie M
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Great place
- Jill O
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We had a great experience.
- Samuel S
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This place basically crushed all fear of dentist that I had. I wish they had a dental office as well. And I wish all doctor offices were as kind, gentle, understanding and patient as they were with me.
- Stephanie C
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
The staff were very polite and allowed me to listen to music while I was getting my wisdom tooth removed. I thought I was going to feel a lot of sharp pain, but thankfully I had only experienced dull pressure.
- Bashiyra M
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Amazing experience, looking forward to having my surgery with this office!
- Shelby B
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Was a great experience. Everyone was nice and really cared.
- Brittany D
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Thank you for taking good care of my child!
- Vanessa F
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My daughter tried to tell the doctor that her wisdom teeth were on the left and not the right. She tried to point out that there were a R and L in the X-ray, even though it was backward to look at. He did not listen and proceeded to make an unnecessary incision on the right hand side. Guess what...no Tooth!!
- Claudine H
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Exceptional experience considering it was oral surgery. Excellent education and reassurance by the assistant and Dr. Both.
- Julie A
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Worked me into the schedule on short notice, on a holiday week. They were very professional, and provided excellent customer service!
- David P
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Awesome!
- Sara R
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N/a
- Arianna M
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Everything went great
- Linette C
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Overall experience has been excellent
- Tom D
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Perfect customer service, wonderful Doctor, very compassionate
- Shelley T