Wisdom Teeth
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, Dr. King can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine 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. Dr, King has 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 local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia) or general anesthesia. 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 postoperative kit will include postoperative instructions, a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and a follow-up appointment in one week for suture removal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 301-645-4555.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
King Oral Surgery Group
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Wonderful staff and very customer service oriented.
- Suzanne B
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
We really appreciate Dr. King letting us know the honest truth that makes alot of sense. We had previously seen an Oral Surgeon and he insisted that we get Molars pulled. Thank you Dr King and the amazing staff. God bless you!
- Crystal L
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
I would recommend King Oral to and and everyone. The doctor was amazing and staff followed suit. Which is rare to find these days. I appreciate the staff and doctor for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for making my wisdom tooth extraction a piece of cake!
- Adrienne S
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
The office feels a little sterile despite the warm welcome. Perhaps a plants more artwork in the waiting room. The office for the consult felt the same. Wonderful staff!!!!
- Danielle D
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Dr. King is a straight forward kind of guy. Stated what he was going to do and asked me a few questions. Appointment scheduled and out the door. No complaints here
- Sade H
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Dr King is a wonderful doctor with excellent bedside manner. He made my daughter feel exceptional safe and comforting knowing she was in good hands. Awesome staff!!
- MICHELLE W
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
As a Senior Business Advisor, it is easy for me to analyze and evaluate all aspects of how a business is ran. From customer service, to talent, knowledge and even bedside manner, I have very high expectations. Dr King met them all. My very first consultation, interaction with Dr King’s office staff, the actually surgery and post surgery consult were all grade A.
- Dominique J
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
My experience was good. I've heard horror stories about going to dentist offices but none was there. It was nice and easy.
- Mercades B
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Dr. King was awesome!! Made me feel comfortable when he knew I was scared. The first time I went in I wanted one tooth pulled instead of 2. But ended up going back to get that 2nd tooth pulled. His nursing assistant was also very sweet.. I was so scared that I had tears in my eyes and she patted it off. I would go back to his office if I have to and I would highly recommended Dr. King and his staff to other people
- Tammy J
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Very pleased with Dr. King's work and professionalism. The office was very clean, well lit and well organized. Thank you for your services.
- Jacqueline S
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Awesome staff and Amazing service
- L Q
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
A great group of people! The staff was so friendly and tried to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Dr. King was incredibly efficient and did a fantastic job making me as comfortable as possible and informing me of what to expect during the procedure. Looks great and super easy!
- Caitie O
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Dr King is amazing!!!!
- Gage B
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Excellent service
- Timothy
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
The doctor is very professional & will even crack a joke or 2 to make you feel comfortable.
- Zachary B
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
The dr is not just trying to make money he was honest and pleasant.
- Nagee S
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
The whole experience was effortless and staff were very friendly and efficient! Dr. King was absolutely wonderful in making Sadie at ease during prep for the oral surgery. Sadie loved the fact he knew about ice hockey!
- Sadie H
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
My daughter came in for her wisdom teeth. All of the staff was nice and professional! The office was clean and felt very safe.
- Jazmin B
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Besides the wait time on the phone killing me (they work hard though) the whole process was smooth. The tooth extraction was smooth, needle hurt for a bit, but other than that smooth. As Dr. King would say, it was "easy friday".
- DeVon T
Our Latest Patient Testimonials
Dr.King was A+++ AWESOME!!! His professionalism and care was great and his staff was very attentive as well. The cost of removing my 4 wisdom teeth was phenomenal in comparison to some other overpriced offices. I recommend his services to anyone who wants A1 care!!! Thank you Dr. King!!
- Keyia R