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, Dr. Oseas 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. Dr. Oseas has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative.
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 South Bay Oral Surgery & Dental Implants Phone Number 310 373-7773.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
South Bay Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Highly recommend Dr Oseas and his staff. A very caring and helpful office from start to finish!
- Denise G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Oseas and his staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend this facility if someone ask for a good oral surgeon in the area.
- Tina K
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Quick and painless procedure and easy recovery
- Matt S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was a little nervous going in but everyone helped to alleviate it in any way they could.
- Nicholas L
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Very pleased with the ease of the procedure. Friendly staff and easy to schedule. Would recommend to a friend.
- Jakeb C
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It was quick and painless and the doctors were all really nice
- Cole A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The appointment was very easy and efficient. The doctors were very nice as well.
- Austin A
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Great!
- Nicole T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I've had wisdom teeth extraxctions before with mixed results of pain and agony but Dr Oseas was such an expert that I had no pain after the procedure! Highly recommended dental office!
- Mario F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The doctor and staff are easy to approach and talk to. Very nice and clean office.
- Yuu O
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Felt very taken care of and the process was made effortless by the staff. Appreciated the text reminders too.
- Emily C
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Friendly staff and great office.
- Ellie F
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Surgery experience was quick and easy, staff made me feel at ease.
- Kit M
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Superior and caring doctor and staff. Office is neat and clean.
- Hailey E
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The best oral surgeon you could ever go to!
- Yae K
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Great experience. Was made to feel very at ease with the procedure.
- Brooke M
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Excellent, friendly, accommodating, and friendly staff from top to bottom! Made what was thought to be a painful procedure, extremely comforting and simple.
- Jason C
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I love the efficiency of the office and the technology. The staff is great Dr. Oseas is awesome.
- Natasha W
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Best experience for the girls on scary procedures.
- Dawn M
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I had the best experience ever , I have recommended them to my friends and family
- Freshta A