Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Virginia Beach


Wisdom Teeth Extraction

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.”

What are 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.

Mesioangular ImpactionHorizontal Impaction and Vertical Impaction

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 is 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.

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Virginia Beach, VA | Virginia Surgical Arts

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Vendetti 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-teen 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. Vendetti has the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia from which to select the best alternative.

Wisdom Teeth 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 (e.g. 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, antibiotics and a follow-up appointment in one week. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 757-430-7690 or Contact us by email today.

Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment as well as staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.

“Dr. Vendetti and the staff at Virginia Surgical Arts are so professional I just thought I should tell you. I have had to see them a few times for an issue from somewhere else. They were caring, gentle. It was nothing like I had experienced at the other place. It was more like I was going to an office. Not like a medical center. It was quiet, peaceful and relaxing. I did not hear others in there. He fully explained my procedure. What I should expect. He was very thorough. I was at ease. What I really liked was that Dr. Vendetti called me personally the next day himself. I did not expect that. They are truly a Great firm. If you have a need, give them a call. I am so glad that I did. Thank you Dr. Vendetti and staff.”

James Henning