Wisdom Teeth
The Christiana Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Newark & Middletown DE
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.
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, Dr. D’Amico III, Dr. D’Amico, Dr. Kosa, Dr. Asmaro or Dr. Eltejaye 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. Drs. D’Amico III, D’Amico, Kosa, Asmaro or Eltejaye have 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, if necessary, 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 about one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at Christiana Hospital Location Phone Number 302-292-1600.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
I had emergency oral surgery on Friday at the Concord Pike site, thanks to Dr.Mike and his team he seen me right away, and was able to help me, I am on my way to recovery! A special thank you to Ms Renee at the Newark Christiana oral surgery department who was instrumental in finding a site and setting up the appointment. Ms Renee also reached out to make sure I was ok. I would highly recommend Christiana oral department to anyone in need of oral surgery. Customer service is hard to find today , but this team proves that caring, great customer service still exists! Thanks again Ms.Renee, Dr Mike and staff!!! - Latrece L Very good experience for a teenager - Maria T I would recommend this office 100% for consultations and look forward to my daughter's procedure. - Nicole R This place was heaven sent, my wisdom teeth up top were cracking into pieces, and it was the worse pain I ever had. The Middletown office was so caring and was able to schedule me in a week and I got my wisdom teeth out the next day in Newark. I cannot rave how nice the insurance lady was going over everything and how outstanding the doctor was. I have no pain and the staff at both offices were awesome. I will forever recommend to everyone and make sure my family comes here! - ReAnna H Yes - Aja B Very friendly and answered all questions. - Brian K Amazing staff made me feel extremely comfortable and relaxed. Gave great aftercare instructions. Will definitely recommend - Kayla J This was an amazing experience and I feel so well taken care of. I actually came from another oral and maxillofacial office and did not trust them, and I'm so glad I switched to the Christiana Center based on recommendations. The staff and Dr. Kosa could not be more amazing. Thank you so much! - Jade N The front desk was helpful & quick to get me in when I needed an appointment. The assistant that brought me back was sweet, efficient & amazing. The doctor was amazing. I went in for a consult and he did the procedure right then & there because he saw how much pain I was in. Best oral surgeon office around! - Jennifer J Absolutely love the staff who took care of me. They have such great energy & it made me feel very welcomed. - Jazlynn C Dr Michael very very.nice Doctor. Very courteous always letting the patients know what is his next step going to be. I was nervous as heck made me feel relaxed by saying I will be fine. Exactly that happened. Thank You so much. - Namita S Great Job! - Cassandra Doyle OFFICE VERY CLEAN & WELCOMING! STAFF, VERY POLITE! WE SAW DOCTOR FADI KOSA, HE MADE SURE MY DAUGHTER AND I UNDERSTOOD WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AT HER NEXT APPOINTMENT. WE ARE BOTH NERVOUS AS SHE HAS NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS DONE. I THINK SHE WILL BE IN GOOD HANDS WHEN IT COMES TO DR KOSA. - Heather M Great and cohesive staff - Linda L Everyone was great - Jazlynn C Great - Jeremy K Dr D’Amico is amazing! - Marissa S I have my procedure this Friday but from what i experienced today i know it will be a breeze with great client service and communication. - Eunice H Excellent service - Vaneen B Experience was great. Very friendly and great follow-up - Gregory EThe Christiana Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By Latrece L
Patient Review By Maria T
Patient Review By Nicole R
Patient Review By ReAnna H
Patient Review By Aja B
Patient Review By Brian K
Patient Review By Kayla J
Patient Review By Jade N
Patient Review By Jennifer J
Patient Review By Jazlynn C
Patient Review By Namita S
Patient Review By Cassandra Doyle
Patient Review By Heather M
Patient Review By Linda L
Patient Review By Jazlynn C
Patient Review By Jeremy K
Patient Review By Marissa S
Patient Review By Eunice H
Patient Review By Vaneen B
Patient Review By Gregory E