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. Comiskey 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. Dr. Comiskey 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 Concord Office Phone Number 704-785-8060.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Related Wisdom Teeth Articles
Wisdom Teeth – To Be Or Not To Be
Facts you need to know about these curiously named teeth. They are so-called because a moderate amount of wisdom is supposedly achieved at about the same time these teeth typically make their appearance. This article will review the problems associated with wisdom teeth and whether or not they should be removed… Read Article
Removing Wisdom Teeth
Removing wisdom teeth is a common treatment prevents major dental problems before they occur… Read Article
A Simple Tooth Extraction?
From a procedural or professional standpoint, a simple extraction refers to removing a tooth in which the shape of the root or roots lends to easy removal… Read Article
Comiskey Oral Surgery
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It went very smoothly and the staff was kind and helpful. I would definitely recommend.
- Elizabeth S
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I had a very good experience. Dr. Comiskey and his staff were very kind and attentive. I would highly recommend to others.
- Amber C
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Dr. Comiskey and his staff made getting wisdom out about as painless as possible. Everybody was really nice. I went home with cold packs and hot packs and very helpful written instructions for followup care. The surgery and the recovery have been pretty uneventful, which is a good thing!
- Noah D
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We had a wonderful experience with Dr. Comiskey. Both of my children required their wisdom teeth removed, and the process was mostly painless, quick and easy. No issues, and everyone was professional, kind and caring. Definitely recommend!
- Angie T
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Easy operation, took about 20 minutes, quick 2 week healing, no dry sockets or infections.
- Angela C
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Dr Comiskey and his staff were amazing. I was nervous about having a wisdom tooth removed but he assured me it was a simple procedure and everything would be fine. He was right. He took exceptional care of me and made me very comfortable.
- Candace D
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Dr. Comiskey and his staff were very polite and able to work with my schedule to get my wisdom teeth taking out. They took all of four of them out and it went very well! Before the procedure they walked me through everything that would happen and what the procedure would entail before, during, and after (recovery). I was never overly nervous or felt in the dark of what to expect. I highly recommend them!
- Kevin F
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As someone who was nervous about getting their wisdom teeth out, this process was relatively painless and easy to undergo thanks to Dr. Comiskey and his team.
- Rachel D
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Dr. Comiskey and his staff were very informative about the process of wisdom teeth removal. I was very nervous about having the procedure but I felt very taken care of and they assured me that everything would be fine! Through the extraction process, they continued to check on me and let me know what was happening as it was occurring. This made me feel 100% comfortable the entire time. I would absolutely go back to this practice if I needed any additional work completed.
- Adrianne S
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I would highly recommend Dr. Comiskey. They exceeded my expectations and took eexcellent care of me.
- Don B.
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great experience from beginning to end.
- william L
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Dr. Comiskey was AMAZING. He not only worked me in, he spent ample time with me and was able to extract the tooth that was causing so much trouble on the spot. I had a PHENOMENAL experience and will be recommending to everyone I know.
- Megan C
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Dr Comiskey made my procedure stress free. Great office and friendly staff. The staff all seem to truly care about their patients.
- Kassie H
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Staff was very friendly, each visit the wait time was less than 5 minutes. The appointments were in and out.
- Jade H
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Everything was great. I prolly called 10 times with questions before and after the surgery and the staff were always very helpful. The only concern was I never received an email/text confirmation/reminder the day before the appointments.
- Kevin E
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I am so glad I chose Dr. Comiskey for my wisdom teeth removal. I was very nervous about the procedure but he and his staff made me feel comfortable. They were very attentive and answered all of my questions and concerns. Dr. Comiskey was reachable at all times after the procedure. I genuinely felt cared for and will absolutely choose Dr. Comiskey if I need work done in the future.
- Haley L
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The staff were very courteous. Dr. Comiskey was very professional and put my nerves at ease. I definitely will recommend this practice to others.
- Kaitlyn L
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Very nice and professional. Put me right at ease with what needed to be done.
- Sandra G
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I had a great experience here!
- Mikayla D
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I was nervous going in but Dr. Comiskey was very knowledgeable and personable and made sure to take the time to ensure I was comfortable. Scheduling was quick and easy and all the staff was kind and caring. I was in and out and I could tell Comiskey was one of the best! I would recommend him over any other!
- Ben S