Wisdom Teeth Removal Ithaca NY

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.”

Do you or your teenager need wisdom teeth removed?

Trust your care to expert oral surgeon Timothy D. Bonniwell, DMD! Contact us today to schedule your consultation

Call us: 607-266-8600

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.

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

Oral Examination

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Bonniwell 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. Bonniwell 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. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at Finger Lakes Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 607-266-8600.

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

Are You in Need of Oral & Maxillofacial Treatment?

You can trust Dr. Bonniwell to provide you with outstanding care. Contact us to learn more about your treatment options.

Call us: 607-266-8600

Finger Lakes Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 5 Wisdom Teeth reviews

Patient Review By Marcia C

Dr Bonniwell and his entire staff are amazing! I myself have worked in a dental office for over 16 years and can say it’s rare to find an office where the entire staff is as welcoming and friendly as at this office. After hearing positive feedback about Dr Bonniwell, we made the decision to travel an hour and a half to see Dr Bonniwell for my sons wisdom teeth. We were not disappointed! The entire process from scheduling the initial consult appointment, to the after care appointment after the extractions was a great experience! I highly recommend Dr Bonniwell and his team!

- Marcia C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Sarah R

Dr. Bonniwell, the nurses, and the staff at Finger Lakes Oral Surgery are highly capable, professional, skilled, and also friendly and kind. Years ago at a different dental practice I had a lot of problems during and after an oral surgery, so I was deeply apprehensive when I needed to have my wisdom teeth extracted as an adult. I expected a lot pain and distress. Dr. Bonniwell and team made the entire experience easy. They were a friendly and efficient; they worked together so that the teeth were extracted successfully and I did not experience any pain at all. So grateful for their excellent care.

- Sarah R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Carl S

Great experience. The one thing that separates FLOS from the rest is the continuity between the staff, there simply is no breakdown. Exceptional care and quality team work. Thank you. Would definitely recommend.

- Carl S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Sharon N

It is not every day that you leave a wisdom tooth consult feeling happy, but Dr. Bonniwell and his team help patients feel important and cared for. It's just a shame that Dr. Bonniwell and team don't do other kinds of medical work. We need more of this high caliber care in all medical fields in this county.

- Sharon N

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Ralph B

I had broken a tooth and they found a way to fit me into their schedule quickly. The procedure went extremely well, as I am one day post surgery and pain free. No issues which I attribute to a skilled staff! If you prepare well you reduce the possibility of problems! I would go back to them as needed without hesatitating! And I usually do not like dentists so this is a rare recommendation!

- Ralph B

5 out of 5 stars on
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonniwell, call our office in Ithaca, NY at Finger Lakes Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 607-266-8600 or request an appointment online.