By the age of eighteen, 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 or 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 Remove My Wisdom Teeth? 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 erupt successfully. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth 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 tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or 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. Having trouble? Please make sure you have version 7 of the Flash browser plugin in order to correctly view this presentation. This software is available as a free download. Oral Examination With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Perry can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or 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. Perry 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 post-operative 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 (631) 654-0707. Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

                                                  CARE OF THE MOUTH AFTER AN EXTRACTION

 1.  DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY.    Tomorrow, rinse mouth gently every 4-6 hours using ¼  teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water.  Continue rinses for several days. 

 2.  BLEEDING.  Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected.  If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over bleeding occur, place gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly or 1-2 hours.  Repeat if necessary.  Some oozing of blood can cause pink saliva for several days.  DO NOT SLEEP WITH GAUZE.  You might want to place a towel on your pillow to protect your sheets.

 3.  SWELLING.  Ice bag or a cold moist cloth should be applied to area outside the mouth.   Ten minutes on and ten minutes of for the first 12-24 hours.

 4.   PAIN.  For mild to average pain take over the counter Tylenol or Advil or Motrin the same as you would for a headache.   You can refer to the directions on the bottle from the manufacturer.

 5.      FOOD.  Light diet is advisable during the first 24 hours.

 6.      BONY EDGES.  Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing.  These are not roots.  If annoying, return to this office for their simple removal

 7.      If any unusual symptoms occur please call 631-654-0707 at once.

 8.      Simple care is required for an immediate recovery.

 9.      Soreness or pain can be for up to 2 weeks in some cases depending on the difficulty of the extraction.

 10.  SMOKING.  You should refrain from smoking for up to 72 hours after your extraction.  Smoking will often triple the time it takes to heal and can cause damage and destruction to the healing site.  This can cause more pain.

 11.  MEDICATIONS.   Please take all your medications as directed.   If you have any questions please call the office at 631-654-0707.

 12.  NO SPITTING OR USING STRAWS FOR DRINKING FOR 24- 48 HOURS.

 13.  YOU SHOULD REFRAIN FROM EXCERCISE OR HEAVY LIFTING FOR 24- 48 HOURS AFTER YOUR EXTRACTION.

                                    DO NOT EVER SLEEP WITH GAUZE IN MOUTH