Wisdom Teeth
By the age of 18 the average adult has 32 teeth: 16 teeth on top and 16 teeth on 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 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 is meant to hold 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 is not what generally happens. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, only partially emerge from the gum, or can 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. An impacted tooth simply means that it is “stuck”.
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 impacted teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid complications.
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Drs. Famiglio or Chun can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential 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. Famiglio or Chun is trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.
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 suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at Exton: 610-383-7000 and Exton: Brandywine Dental Implant and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Phone Number 610-363-7000.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety. We utilize modern monitoring equipment and our staff are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Dr. Peter M. Famiglio & Associates - Brandywine Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly doctor and assistant great personality
- Doris K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Famiglio cam highly recommended and did not disappoint, the dr. was lighthearted and very easy to talk to! I was also very impressed the way the office respected the health of the patents concerning Covid-19 with all there protocols that are in place. Great experience considering why I was there!
- Ronald P
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Thank you
- Ron T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
We are so fortunate to have this brilliant and talented oral surgeon in our area. Put all of your fears aside, you are in great hands with Dr. Chun.
- carol D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking to have any type of oral surgery done. I have a daughter who will be getting her wisdom teeth out shortly and I feel so comfortable going to Dr. Famiglio and his practice.
- Joey C
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Big Thank you.
- Jeff R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for everything. I am not the easiest patient to have considering I am terribly afraid of dental work, but Victoria and all the other staff involved in my procedure made me feel as calm and reassured as I could be.
- Ronald L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall the staff was pleasant and helpful. I went in with dental pain and had a vacation scheduled in 2 weeks. I was seen the day after for surgery, Thank goodness cause I was in a lot of pain. This surgeon told his staff that if I wasn't able to be put in the schedule that week, he would come in early. I know that dental pain is next to birth in my book and the staff here got me in as soon as possible. You couldn't ask for more polite people in my book!!!! Excellent service!!!!!! And to top that off, the dental surgeon called me the night of the surgery to make sure that I was ok. You truly do not get this kind of service anywhere anymore!! Thank you for making my experience wonderful and very accommodating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!
- Christina Mitchell M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Chun is fantastic! Wonderful personality and excellent oral surgeon. I have had other oral surgery, I'm 75, and always have dreaded the injection of novacaine. Her technique was great, only little prick. She kept me informed of what she and her assistant were doing and everything went very well. She and staff told me what to expect for the next few days and when to contact them if I had a problem. I will definitely recommend her and will use her again if I need to. God bless her and her staff!
- Mari M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My wisdom tooth extraction by Dr. Famiglio was amazing. Him and his staff made it a very calm and happy environment. I had minimal swelling and pain. He also called me personally to see how i was doing. Amazing and will definitely recommend!
- Kayla L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Between the successful surgery, ease of recovery, and great patient care, I would highly recommend Brandywine Oral Surgery and Dr. Famiglio to anyone needing oral surgery.
- James A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr.Famiglio was so nice! The staff and my nurse was also very nice! The procedure was fast and he made it so easy and I was so nervous he made me feel so comfortable!
- Allison N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Four of my five children have had thier wisdom teeth extraction, performed by Dr. Famiglio. The entire team from beginning to end made it a pleasant process. I was given everything I needed for pre and post oral procedure. Initially, I was referred to Dr. Famiglio from a Co-worker, and I now refer Dr. Famiglio when possible. My youngest son will get his wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. Famiglio.
- Desi B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Famiglio is an excellent Oral Surgeon who delivers his care in a very personal and friendly manor. Has a great sense of humor & Terri with kids and parents. Just Love him. Wouldn’t go to any other Orsl Surgeon!!!!
- Lorraine W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
All people were friendly and informed, good instructions of what to expect, how pt prevent complications, I appreciated the next day follow up call made by the office.
- Ellen A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Famiglio rocks! His staff is kind and caring.
- Donna L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
great experience w/ ext. of wisdom teeth for my son! assts. couldn’t have been nicer and more patient w/ him. loved Dr. Famiglio great bedside manner!
- Jennifer W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
excellent service doctor explained exactly what he was going to do. Nurse explained everything she was doing. Will recommend t hem in a heart beat.
- Shirley M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
After my son's surgery, we followed all the postop instructions, and he did not have much pain and no swelling at all. We recommend Dr. Famiglio to our family and friends all the time.
- Agnes O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thankyou for doing an amazing job and making me feel like you guys care about me.
- Barbara M