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.”
Call us with any questions or to make an appointment.
Shadyside: 412-661-7690 Monroeville: 412-372-4489 Tarentum: 724-224-4463 South Hills: 412-595-7775Why 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.
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 or Dr. Robertson 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
Patient Testimonial
I received an excellent care during my third molar surgery!! My iv was a breeze thanks to extra ordinary nurse anesthesist , Linda. Dr Smiga was excellent during my consult as well as the surgery. The office staff was proficient and personable. All in all, PGH is lucky to have an office like this. Would recommend this office highly.
- Leah S
Patient Testimonial
It was fast & they answered all my questions - definitely not super fun to recover from but my in-office experience was great!
- Rebecca M
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Davies and staff were amazing. Procedure was quick and she was in recovery in no time.
- Rachel R
Patient Testimonial
Great experisnce
- jordan r
Patient Testimonial
The staff was absolutely great. I had a small issue after my procedure and they were kind and understanding. Made me feel like they cared. Needed two appointments and they made sure I got in!
- Rose P
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Davies and the staff at Shadyside office were very professional and answered all questions I had in great detail. I had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted and it was done within one hour. Thank you again for taking care of me.
- Haroon K
Patient Testimonial
My son was very well cared for from start to finish. Every question was answered, His and ours. Will definitely recommend Dr. Davies and staff to friends and family. This is our third time to Dr. Davies, for three different procedures, twice in Tarentum, once in Shadyside. Excellent care at both offices. We really appreciated the free parking at the Shadyside office.
- Kelly I
Patient Testimonial
Monroeville's Pittsburgh Oral Surgery was wonderful in taking care of my four wisdom teeth. As a 25 year old, I was very nervous about how much mine had grown and the effect they were having on my jaw. Thankfully all four of my wisdom teeth were easily dealt with and I had absolutely no swelling afterwards. I was done in 30 minutes and only needed one dose of extra strength Tylenol in the evening. I'm very happy with my results!
- Jennifer C
Patient Testimonial
I had an apt at the Monroeville office and saw Dr. Eichner to have my wisdom teeth removed. I was nervous walking into it but was reassured by the staff. I was amazed how FAST the procedure went. It took longer to get numb than to extract the teeth. I felt no pain, had little to no pain after getting home, and a little soreness the next day. I would 100% recommend this office and staff to others. Thanks so much Monroeville staff for making my experience so easy and great!
- Jenna L
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Eichner was fast, efficient and most of all, friendly. 100% class act!
- Justin Marton
Patient Testimonial
On July 14 2016 my son had all four of his impacted wisdom teeth removed. Up until this point he hadn't even had a cavity and he is 17. Dr. Davies and her staff were WONDERFUL with him! My son had never had an iv before, he was nervous but the staff were great! He had his procedure which only took about a half an hour, woke up and had no pain or swelling! I know this sounds crazy but even in the following days he had ZERO swelling and his pain was minimal! I am so grateful for Dr. Davies and all of the wonderful staff who work there! Thank you so much for making that procedure easy on my son!
- Nancy M
Patient Testimonial
I was so scared to have my lower wisdom teeth extracted that I let it go for too long and ended up with a very serious infection. Dr. Eichner was wonderful in working with my general dentist and working with me and my fears of surgery. I woke up in no pain, and was kept comfortable for the following few days. I am so thankful for the Monroeville office and for Dr. E
- Mark M
Patient Testimonial
My oral surgery went great. I was nervous at first but the nurses and staff helped me keep a positive mindset to help keep me as calm as possible. They made my experience very comforting. Thank you!
- Kaelene D
Patient Testimonial
I was very impressed with the entire experience. The atmosphere of the office, the courtesy of the staff, and the efficiency of scheduling were outstanding. The procedure was handled so professionally, respectful and smoothly. I was put at ease and really comfortable with Dr.Davies. They did an excellent job and I won't hesitate to recommend this office.
- Adrianna S
Patient Testimonial
After visiting other dental offices and searching desperately to have my tooth extracted to be cleared for surgery, I was referred to Pittsburgh Oral Surgery. I wish I could give more stars. Five stars are not sufficient to adequately rate my visit.
- Beddalyn O
Patient Testimonial
Dr . Eric Smiga DMD Was awesome, he removed my wisdom teeth, I had very little pain after the procedure and the following day very little swelling...I heard all these bad story's of getting wisdom teeth out .. Dr. Smiga turned that from bad to good! I did have I.V Sedation and I highly recommend that route. Once the IV was in I was on cloud 9 ... From the time I made the appointment and had the procedure they all get 5 stars!! Everyone at the monroeville office was super nice and very professional!! Thank you all so much for everything!! I highly recommend Dr. Smiga and the monroeville office
- Damion C
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Eichner was my doctor. He was great!!! He was so caring . Staff was great going over the post op instruction. It was nice when he call me after surgery to check up on me. Thank you
- Jake
Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied wonderfull thank you
- alvie e
Patient Testimonial
Great experience! Did not hurt like expected.
- Yohosuah A
Patient Testimonial
Very satisfied
- edward b
Patient Testimonial
I went to this office nervous and in extreme pain. I was first greeted by the receptionist, who was so friendly and had a wonderful smile. I was than called back by another wonderful friendly dental assistant. Than Dr. Friend came in and he was a very outgoing friendly surgeon. He said he was going to take care of my problem right away. In spite of the great staff, i was still nervous and afraid of the pain i might encounter with having my tooth extracted. Was it going to hurt? Was i going to be in agonizing pain as he pulled it? These were some of the questions that haunted my mind.Well imagine my excitement when Dr. Friend pulled my tooth out and i felt nothing, no pain at all, i even had to ask him if he had pulled it out yet. Because it was so quick and painless. I had such a pleasant experience at this office ( and its not always easy saying one had a pleasant experience at an oral surgeons office) that i will recommend Dr. Friend and staff to anyone who is in need of dental care. If your looking for a great friendly staff who will make every effort to make your experience a great one, than i totally recommend them. Thank you Dr. Friend and Staff for making my experience an easy one.
- lisa s
Patient Testimonial
Everyone was so nice! They took care of me and did a great job removing my wisdom teeth.
- Erin F