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 back teeth or molar teeth are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing. Typically, 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.” Questions about 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.

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Williams 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. There is not an ideal chronological age for wisdom tooth removal but there is a preferred dental developmental stage that typically minimizes surgical risk when treatment is recommended.

X-ray showing wisdom teeth

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Dr. Williams has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia for patients to select the best alternative. These services are provided in a facility designed for office based surgery in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment with staff experienced in anesthesia techniques.

After Wisdom Tooth Removal

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

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Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 16 Third molar/wisdom tooth extraction reviews.

Patient Review by Salsa M

The team eased my anxiety and Dr. Williams also took that into account! It took no time and I was done! Thank you for all your patience!

- Salsa M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Mark E

Efficient. Dr. Williams and Courtney were both very calming in the room.

- Mark E

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Cole S

I had my lower wisdom teeth removed while sedated. During consult they made sure I was knowledgable in what I was about to do. When it came to the actual procedure it was quick, painless, and the staff was friendly and helped assure my fears. Overall, I recommend this place.

- Cole S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sarah F

Getting wisdom teeth out was easy and simple. I had a very comfortable time overall and the post operative instructions made the healing process very quick and very painless.

- Sarah F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sierra F

The entire staff was so helpful and comforting. They managed to make me feel a little more at ease when they saw I was anxious. They also helped my parents feel more comfortable. Over all very kind and definitely went the extra mile for their patient. Also did a good job on the surgery itself of course! 🙂

- Sierra F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ryan M

Surgery was quick and post operation recovery was speedy and relatively pain free. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and would recommend it to anyone.

- Ryan M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Anne G

Procedure was very easy to understand from doctor and even easier to deal with afterwards than I had imagined. Should've done this a while ago!

- Anne G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Brian S

I had to wait a while for my initial consultation, Dr. Williams was running late and had a personal emergency on top of that. The staff was beyond courteous and extremely honest. They turned a negative situation into a positive, by the way it was handled.

- Brian S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Meccia W

I hated this had to be done but we had a great experience.

- Meccia W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Emma L

Very great job, especially since I have very high anxiety when it comes to my mouth and surgery. Extremely pleased with everything!

- Emma L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Megan F

They really took care of me and answered any any and all questions I had.

- Megan F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kimberly W

Our overall experience was very successful. My daughter had a little anxiety of just having to have the four wisdom teeth removed. The office, Doctor, as well as team prepared us, reassured us and answered all questions before as well as afterwards. The dental assistant, Heather was extremely helpful afterwards. I would recommend this office to EVERYONE. So give them a call and schedule an appointment today.

- Kimberly W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Michelle S

Wonderful doctor and staff!

- Michelle S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jacob T

Good experience

- Jacob T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Christopher T

Good experience!

- Christopher T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Bob S.

Dr. Williams is Awesome!

- Bob S.

5 out of 5 stars on