Wisdom Teeth


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.”

Are Your Wisdom Teeth Causing You Pain?

Don’t suffer any longer! Drs. Eichner, Smiga, Davies, Robertson or Hartman can gently extract wisdom teeth to prevent future complications.

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.

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.

Wisdom Teeth Presentation

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.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Eichner, Dr. Smiga, Dr. Davies, Dr. Robertson or Dr. Hartman 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. Our doctors have the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients.

Removal

The removal of wisdom teeth is performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or in most cases IV sedation. 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. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff that are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Reviews

Pittsburgh Oral Surgery, PC

5 out of 5 stars based on 128 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Testimonial

Thank you to Dr. Smiga and his wonderful staff in the evaluation and surgical needs for our teens. Every step in this process was well communicated and executed perfectly. We appreciate the expert, compassionate care!

- Kelly S

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Patient Testimonial

Everyone was nice and professional. If we had a question, they were always there with a quick response. Highly recommend!

- Kristi B

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Patient Testimonial

The staff were very kind and helpful when my daughter was scared of getting her IV put in. The staff and surgeon were great.

- Anonymous

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Patient Testimonial

Everyone has taken great care of me, from the scheduling, the pre-surgery visit, the anesthesia procedure and the post-surgery release.

- Mariarosaria D

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Patient Testimonial

I had a pleasant experience-- I was in and out quickly with all of the information I needed for my wisdom teeth consultation.

- Elizabeth M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

The staff was wonderful. Explained everything to me thoroughly before doing it and treated me with gentleness and care. I always felt like I knew exactly what was going on and what was expected of me.

- Carrie D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Everyone I met was so friendly. Wisdom teeth extraction was very quick and I was very comfortable. They did an amazing job.

- Monica S

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Patient Testimonial

Everyone was so friendly and made me feel very comfortable!

- Megan B

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Patient Testimonial

I loved the staff here especially the person that does the registration. She was such a big help. The doctor and the anesthesiologist were great and friendly as well, they did an awesome job. Definitely would recommend this place to everyone.

- Mohammed A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Seamless process, very professional and friendly staff

- Ion B

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Patient Testimonial

So calming and helpful!

- Madison B

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Patient Testimonial

This office was wonderful from start to finish. They made the entire process very simple and comfortable. Everyone on the staff was kind and helpful in making sure I understood the what was going on and why. I was in and out of the office in about 30 minutes (if that!). 10 out of 10!!

- Maggie A

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Patient Testimonial

Anesthetist was amazing and made me feel comfortable. Doctor came in before surgery and answered the questions I had

- Victoria C

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Patient Testimonial

The Shadyside office definitely made me feel as comfortable as possible. Great experience overall

- Shannon

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Patient Testimonial

Dr. Davies was amazing! Surgery done on a Friday, and back to work on Monday. Staff was great!

- Anthony V

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Patient Testimonial

Dr. Robertson and his staff did a great job

- James F

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Patient Testimonial

Felt comfortable and safe. Really friendly staff and doctors who were supportive the entire time. Will definitely recommend to a friend!

- Ashley P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Saw Dr. Smiga for impacted wisdom teeth extractions. Very kind, great bedside manner, very professional and is happy to answer any questions you may have. Eased any concerns and fears I had going into a procedure like this.

- Emily B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr smiga and staff were excellent

- Lydia M

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Patient Testimonial

Excellent care

- Hannah S

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Patient Testimonial

I loved my nurse, Lynn. She made me so comfortable and the surgery went really well.

- Jayden

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Patient Testimonial

Everyone was very pleasant and made my experience great.

- Tamara Harris

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Patient Testimonial

Office was wonderful from the front office staff to the back office staff. I have NO complaints.

- Courtney S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

New to Pittsburgh as a uni student, alone in the city over winter. Went to get all my wisdom teeth removed by Dr Robertson 3 days before Christmas and still had a lovely holiday, recovery and all 🙂

- Joanne C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

The day of surgery went very well, and we were very pleased with the courtesy, kindness, care, and competence extended especially by Jill, Kate, and Dr. Davies. Thank you for making the experience a positive and successful one!

- Judith B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

one of the best dental experiences i have ever had. i was very nervous but everyone's kindness put me at ease. i'm healing very well thanks to everyone!

- Regan M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Went to see Dr. Robertson to remove my two wisdom teeth and he was very kind and caring and so was the rest of the staff. He helped ease my nerves as I haven't had surgery of any kind since I was an infant. Thank you so much!!!

- Mallory O

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

very quick and efficient

- Veronica B

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Patient Testimonial

Staff was kind and informative, and the doctor was great! Scheduling appointments was very easy, and both my consultation and surgery went very smoothly.

- Margaret R

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Patient Testimonial

Everyone was SO nice I had an incredible experience!

- Andrea B

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Patient Testimonial

Friendly staff easy procedure

- Leo Merhaut D

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Patient Testimonial

I was terrified walking in to the building, but as soon as I sat in the chair and the wonderful anesthesiologist talked to me along with the doctor and staff I was relieved and comfortable. They helped curb my overwhelming fear of the dentist. Absolutely would return (hopefully I don’t have to!)

- Abby C

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Patient Testimonial

Lovely and nice

- Ebony

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Patient Testimonial

Excellent care with my wisdom teeth removal. Dr Davies and her team did an incredible job. I was able to return to work the next day.

- Ivan N

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Patient Testimonial

very friendly staff made me feel comfortable undergoing my first surgical procedure

- Sharon T

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Patient Testimonial

This was my second surgery at the monroville location and both have been great experiences. Staff was very kind in every department and there was little to no wait time. I would recommend this place to a friend

- Hanna H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

This is my second positive experience with two very different children. Thank you so much for your patience and expertise.

- Jody B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

They were really thorough and made me feel relaxed when I was feeling anxious. Would definitely recommend!

- H I

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

After hearing stories from friends and family about their experiences with wisdom teeth removal I was extremely nervous to have the procedure done. However, Dr. Robertson and his staff made me feel comfortable and relaxed for the procedure. I barely had any pain and swelling post surgery. I feel like I had the best experience I possibly could have had and I would reccomend anyone to Dr. Robertson for wisdom teeth removal.

- Sarah D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Best experience ever. My anesthesia nurse was so kind and wonderful. MD was competent kind and professional. Katelyn was the sweetest!! You were all lovely

- Nova H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Everyone in the office was so nice and really helped make the experience a lot less anxiety inducing. I especially appreciated how much time Karen spent going over the procedure with me and making sure I was comfortable. You guys made it so quick and easy! Thanks to all!

- Jessica R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Terrific experience. The front office staff is exceptional, friendly and very helpful. The medical staff was also exceptional.

- Jackie W

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Patient Testimonial

We had a great experience with the helpful and caring staff!

- Heather S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Dr. Davies and the staff were helpful in explaining our teen's wisdom teeth extraction. Our daughter got great care. Relative to her procedure, it was a breeze.

- Mark D

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Patient Testimonial

I was able to get an appointment surprisingly fast which was great for me because I was incredibly nervous. The staff was very friendly and answered my numerous question I had pre-surgery as well as post-surgery. This was my first time having any kind of surgical procedure done and Dr. Robertson did a great job. I'm about 1 week past my surgery date and so far so good!

- Danielle P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

All staff and clinicians were nice and respectful. They made sure I knew what to expect before the procedure began.

- Evelyn H

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Patient Testimonial

The office was friendly, clean and knowledgeable. The anesthesiologist I had was amazing! She was really nice. She explained everything she was going to do and put me at ease. Honestly she’s the only one I remember specifically.

- Anita M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

All of the staff members were very friendly and made the process as easy as possible. Overall it was a great experience!

- Amanda F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

I was extremely anxious about getting my wisdom teeth removed, but Dr. Davies made it a smooth procedure and the staff was very nice. I feel great and can’t even tell I just had 4 wisdom teeth removed.

- Jennifer P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Everyone was so kind and helpful. Having a tooth removed is nerve wracking, but they put me at ease and I was in and out in under an hour.

- GLENN F

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