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
We loved everyone in the office. We have seen both Doctors and they were amazing! It was a wonderful experience!
- Savvina k
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Famiglio and his staff were very friendly and professional. They put my fears at ease and the procedure went off without issue. Dr. Famiglio even followed up with a personal phone call that night to check on my status. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
- Chris B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Familio and his staff are very helpful as well as competent.
- Megan D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Good
- Colby S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everything went as planned. Staff was wonderful with my daughter and made her feel at ease and were concerned with her comfort.
- Jodie R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent job would recommend a friend
- Richard L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
As wonderful an experience as it can be.
- Emilie B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Everyone was so extremely helpful and friendly!! It truly made our experience an enjoyable one regardless of the procedure!! My son left and said "I really like those doctors!!"
- Kim D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The wisdom teeth extraction procedure for my son went so smooth. What I loved the most was the clear - yes clear - communication of the procedure and communication of expectations before, during and after the oral surgery. Best medical staff experience ever!
- Margaret B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience. This is the 2nd child Dr. Famiglio did an extraction for of ours and there will be a 3rd. Still can't believe he calls that night to make sure everything is ok.
- theresa f
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
For oral surgery, I would not send my family any other place. I highly recommend Dr. Famiglio and Associates.
- Cheryl B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very friendly atmosphere with a professional staff . Was a great experience dealing with everyone there thank you again !!
- Michael H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very caring and pleased with my experience.
- Julia M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I had an amazing experience with Dr. Famiglio and his entire staff, from my initial appointment to after the procedure. I felt very comfortable and at ease with everything. I was also very pleased that Dr. Famiglio called me personally a few hours after my procedure to check in and see how I was doing. I would absolutely refer any family or friends to this practice. The only recommendation I can think of is to have staff talk their way through what they're doing leading up to the procedure. I had the laughing gas mask put on my face and I could tell my nurse was attempting to place an IV, but she didn't talk to me the entire time. It would have been nice to hear "okay you're going to feel a little pinch" or something to talk me through it. This didn't take away from my experience at all though. It really was a breeze
- Sloan G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr famiglio took excellent care of my 12 year old with an extraction of all four wisdom teeth. He understood the fears, listened, respected and made them feel at ease. He even called that night to check on my child
- Jackie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Famiglio and staff were all great to work with!
- Cadi G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Famiglia and his staff were outstanding. Extraction went well and healing was very quick.
- Zack G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Entire staff was wonderful! They made me feel at ease with my procedure!
- Janaya B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Once I got past actually needing Dr Famiglio's services, the entire experience from consult to post op was wonderful. From prescription changes, date changes, pre and post op questions....I felt like everything stopped for me. The office staff is great. Although I hope I don't need you again, if I do there will be no hesitation. I have already referred your office multiple times. Thank you!!
- Kimberly D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The entire staff was professional and really put my daughter at ease for her extractions. I would highly recoommend you to anyone having wisdom teeth extractions.
- Katharine K