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
Great service
- John H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience was one the best I've had with a dental / oral surgery practice. I am a nervous patient and was treated kindly and with great care. The staff made sure I was comfortable and informed and prepared. Compassionate care and respect makes a huge difference when you are in pain and having anxiety, they all went above and beyond. Day of my surgery the office staff even went to get my ride coffee when they didn't have time to make the stop prior to my early morning appointment. Highly recommend!
- Meagan H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
They do the most accurate and precise tooth extractions then any other place I've been! Hands down the best wisdom tooth removal.
- Rebecca C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Extraction was smooth and easy given that I was 32 weeks pregnant!
- Katelynn K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful experience.
- Jennifer G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very pleased with the whole experience. Insurance companies need to speed up their process. Other than that, we were pleasantly pleased with all aspects. All the staff were very accommodating, kind & caring. We appreciate all the time & care given before & after the procedures.
- Michelle R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Couldn't be more pleased from first initial consultation to extraction. Excellence from EVERY staff member!!!
- Isaac R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The only Dr. I will bring my family to
- Ciera C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Famiglio is amazing!!!! He is very funny and has a great personality.
- Sasha G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
If you need to have oral surgery, look no further. This was the best surgical experience ive ever had. I had my wisdom teeth pulled, and it was a complete non event. The staff did an exceptional job dealing with my insurance and making sure that insurance paid what they were supposed to pay. The Dr., the office staff, and the nurses, are all first class. Leadership starts at the top and Dr Famiglio is absolutely fantastic! Thanks to all!
- John D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I have four adult children who had all their wisdom teeth out at this office. One of them also had implants done. Prior to my first appointment with Dr Famiglio we went to another Dr to have my sons tooth pulled. That was such a horrible experience. After my first phone call to Dr Famiglios office I could immediately see the difference. His staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. As soon as I met Dr Famiglio any fear that I had left over from my prior experience at that other office was gone. He was amazing! He made my daughter feel at ease. He answered all of my questions and I didn't feel like he was rushing to the next patient. Since that visit my family has returned 3 times. The office is not that close to my home but it is worth the drive. I wouldn't even consider another doctor other than Dr Famiglio.
- Joy D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Both my kids had their wisdom teeth out and it went as well as it could have gone. Dr. Famiglio really knows his stuff, and he put my children at ease.
- Amanda B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Profesional care from doctor And his staff. I really recommend this office
- Kasia M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
When I ran into difficulty with an open socket, the staff made sure that I was able to get in immediately and helped me with the embedded piece of food.
- Patricia F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience. Everyone went the extra mile to make me feel comfortable!
- Samantha B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
With never being put under anesthesia or having any teeth extracted, I was very nervous prior to having my wisdom teeth taken out. I could not have made a better choice when going to Brandywine Oral Surgery. Every staff member, especially Dr Famiglio, quickly diminished much of my fear and anxiety within the first meeting. The procedure itself went very smoothly, including a quick recovery. Hands down, if I needed to have any more specialty dental work done, I would come here!
- Beth
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The Best!
- Patty/Matt F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Our experience was perfect. Everything was throughly explained and everyone was very helpful.
- Jade B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Efficient, friendly and excellent service!
- TONI H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was very nervous for my wisdom tooth extraction. Everyone made me feel very comfortable and it was a great experience.
- Theresa M