Wisdom Teeth | Midtown Raleigh NC
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.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, the surgeons at Capital Oral & Facial Surgery 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. Capital Oral & Facial Surgery’s surgeons 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 general anesthesia. Options, as well as the surgical risks (i.e., sensory nerve damage, sinus complications), will be discussed with you before the procedure is performed. Sometimes the gums are sutured after your teeth are removed. 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, prescription medications, gauze, and an optional follow-up appointment in one or two weeks. 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 who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
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Capital Oral & Facial Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
really can't say enough good things about Dr. Ahmad and his staff at Capital Oral and Facial Surgery. If you need wisdom teeth removed this is the place to go. I had all four of mine removed by Dr. Ahmad about two weeks ago. It was a great experience I have to say. After hearing all the horror stories from family and friends it is easy to expect the worst. I'm happy to say it was a very pleasant experience. I don't remember any of the procedure. After the procedure I really did not have any pain and would have been okay with no pain medicine. I put this procedure off for years and seemed to have lucked out with Dr. Ahmad. Really cool guy. He even called me to check on me later the day of the surgery. I certainly plan on returning to Capital Oral and Facial in the future, should the need arise. On another note...the anesthesia is the best sleep you'll ever have. -Antwan
- Antwan H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I started to have some discomfort with my wisdom teeth, so I searched online for reviews of oral sugeons in the area. I picked Capital Oral Surgery because I liked what I read and their website. I was very pleased with the facility and service when I came for my initial appointment. The surgery was a piece of cake. I didnt feel a thing. Of course, I was put to sleep. When I woke up, we were done. I didnt believe it. It felt like we just started. I didnt take any of the pain medication afterwards and healed great. I highly recommend Dr. Ahmad to anybody who needs their wisdom teeth out. It was easy and painless.
- Chris W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I am an older patient and did not want anesthesia but a local to have my wisdom tooth removed. I came in very scared but the staff and the doctor reassured me and the procedure went smoothly and I was very pleased with the entire procedure and experience. I would highly recommend the doctor and his staff.
- Sherry
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Fabulous staff and location.
- Jennifer B