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.”
Gentle Procedures With Experienced Doctors
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.
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
Patient Testimonial
Everything went well and smoothly. The doctor and all staff were professional and friendly. Happy with this practice.
- Natalia G
Patient Testimonial
Exceptional work from both Dr. Robertson and Kaitlyn. The procedure was done to a high standard with minimal recovery time. I am very appreciative and would definitely recommend this practice to others.
- Jonathan P
Patient Testimonial
Very friendly and informative staff
- Debbie K
Patient Testimonial
The process was quick and simple.
- Kitoko C
Patient Testimonial
Excellent practice! All the staff and doctors are great with teens
- Elizabeth V
Patient Testimonial
I love the efficiency at Shadyside.
- Zhiyao A
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Robertson and his team were fantastic! The local anesthesia process was smooth and painless. The actual extraction process took less than 5 minutes! All the office staff was very professional too.
- Jiajun L
Patient Testimonial
The doctor and staff were great.
- jeffrey m
Patient Testimonial
Very friendly, professional team. Everyone we met in this office were patient and efficient. Dr. Robertson was amazing, explained everything comepletely, asked if we had any questions, and was very patient-friendly. He and the nurse Anesthetist did excellent work with my daughter's surgery, no problems at all.6
- saundra s
Patient Testimonial
I'd highly recommend Pittsburgh Oral Surgery. I had never needed any dental procedures (aside from a cleaning twice per year) until needing my wisdom teeth extracted, so needless to say I was terrified. Dr. Davies and the staff were absolutely amazing and did a great job calming my nerves prior to the procedure. The procedure itself was quick - took a little nap and woke up with four fewer teeth and little to no swelling. Had them out on a Thursday and was back at work on Monday morning. I can't believe I put the surgery off for as long as I did, because it was nothing to worry about!
- Gabby F
Patient Testimonial
The staff was friendly and professional.
- Dereck G
Patient Testimonial
Thank you to Dr. Davies and the entire staff!
- Alexandra P
Patient Testimonial
Everyone was terrific
- Andrew p
Patient Testimonial
From my first initial phone call to the office, every staff member has been extremely helpful and kind. Both my consultation and surgery were uncomplicated and efficient. I felt like I was taken care of every step of the way. Dr. Robertson is wonderful and explained everything in an understandable way, and was happy to answer any questions I had. Overall I am extremely satisfied, and would highly recommend Pittsburgh Oral Surgery.
- Sarah F
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Robertson is very professional, easy to talk to and care about patients. My anesthetist Karen is also very gentle and nice when putting the IV. They made me feel comfortable and put me at ease. The whole procedure is quick and painless and all the staffs are very caring. Thank you Pittsburgh Oral Surgery for helping me solve my wisdom teeth problem so professionally. I would highly recommend this place!
- Ruoqing C
Patient Testimonial
Very easy in and out. Everyone in the office was very professional and helpful
- Cheryll L
Patient Testimonial
I would like to express sincere gratitude for the overall care provided at Pittsburgh Oral Surgery in Monroeville. Thank you!
- Anais P
Patient Testimonial
Very nice experience!
- Charles R
Patient Testimonial
Quick and efficient service. Staff was wonderful and very informative.
- Matthew P
Patient Testimonial
Everyone was so nice to both me and my daughter. The receptionist directed me to make sure I knew where to get a convenient parking spot. The medical staff then walked us through the medical procedure and were very good about making my daughter feel as comfortable as possible, both before and after the procedure.
- Lisa P
Patient Testimonial
Quick and painless
- Joe S
Patient Testimonial
everyone in the office was very nice and made me feel comfortable during the procedure
- Nicole A
Patient Testimonial
They helped me feel comfortable and I don't remember much else.
- Sidney N
Patient Testimonial
Staff was very patient and caring. The procedure went quickly.
- Britt Nee W
Patient Testimonial
Procedure went great, very nice staff, Dr very caring
- Domenick M
Patient Testimonial
both initial appt and the procedure appt were easily scheduled without long wait times all staff were competent, knowlegable and friendly! appreciated the help with insurance questions too.
- Katherine C
Patient Testimonial
Most quick and literally painless doctor visit I've ever had. Staff was very informative and pleasant.
- Jessica M
Patient Testimonial
Staff is very pleasant and caring. Dr Davies was wonderful!
- Amy P
Patient Testimonial
Kind and professional staff, very patient with my son’s anxiety about the procedure.
- Chris V
Patient Testimonial
Very nice and calming people. Made it very anjoyable!
- anthony r
Patient Testimonial
Everything went smoothly, instructions were clear. Care was great!
- suzanne p
Patient Testimonial
So far everything has gone well!
- jennifer d
Patient Testimonial
Entire experience was great!
- Isabel V
Patient Testimonial
Everyone at the office was very friendly and on time for my appointments. My consultation with Dr. Davies helped to ease my anxiety about the procedure.
- Marissa H
Patient Testimonial
Very nice experience
- Derrik W
Patient Testimonial
I mean i was nervous, but you guys helped alot.
- George M
Patient Testimonial
Good job
- walker h
Patient Testimonial
Very nice staff & doctors. Helped me feel less nervous before the surgery.
- kayla j
Patient Testimonial
Did an absolute amazing job, the whole thing was in and out with in seconds, took very excellent care of me!
- Emily B
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Davies is super nice. The process of removing my wisdom teeth is quick.
- Min Zhang
Patient Testimonial
The staff and doctor were awesome
- trynai b
Patient Testimonial
Super quick. Awesome staff
- Macy M
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