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. Chotkowski 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. Chotkowski 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 New York Office Phone Number 347-921-1173.

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

Gregory Chotkowski, DMD

5 out of 5 stars based on 15 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you for making my wisdom tooth extraction so painless and easy! I am very phobic of needles and medical procedures and staff and surgeon listened kindly to all my concerns and treated me with respect. I highly recommend this place!

- Ann D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Really pleasant experience all around, whole team was great

- Doug B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very friendly and efficient

- Hannah

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr Chotkowski knows what he's doing and is able to explain the procedure in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident about the care you are getting. He and the staff are truly invested in the quality of your care.

- Jonathan B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Chotkowski is very professional and patient. He goes over the procedures thoroughly and answers all questions. He is also great at stopping to ask if I am in pain or uncomfortable during the procedure and always adjusts accordingly. He is a great surgeon.

- Azenath A

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Had a very easy time scheduling and attentive care. Offices are very modern and clean!

- Shelby C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff and doctor were very friendly and put me to ease immediately. They answered all my questions, explained in detail all my options both financial and procedural. My health and recovery was given priority and I felt sovereign as a patient. It's nice yo know that there are professionals who go above and beyond their jobs. Thank you.

- Anjali M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Chotkowski was informative and transparent about the procedures required he made me feel like I was in good hands, I will be coming back!

- Franklin S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellent experience.

- Rachel K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My wisdom teeth were taken out successfully and I haven't felt any pain during the first week.

- Sotirios N

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience, would recommend Dr Chotkowski to others

- LL

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great experience with staff and the doctor. Everyone is efficient and knowledge in their tasks.

- Lameck

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very good experience - although there were complications with my wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Chotkowski did his best to make it right and for me to heal as quickly and painless as possible.

- Abigail M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have been to many dentists before and I haven't met anyone so nice, very thorough, professional and charming dentist like him. Dr Chotkowski is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and get the best dentistry he can offer. He will make you feel comfortable and relax in his Spa like office and his office staffs are friendly (Carolyn, Hailene and Gina) approachable too. I'm so glad that he is my dentist now! More power Dr. Chotkowski Highly recommended to my family and friends!!! Thank you Dr. C!

- Evonne S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Chotkowski removed my four wisdom teeth in a one-time procedure. He is very professional and experienced. He said it was going to be easy, and so it was. The recovery was easy too. His personal assistance is great, helped me to relax, very warm and tender. The medical staff in the park office helped me deal with the insurance and were very pleasant. All in all, highly recommended!!

- Dorit F

5 out of 5 stars on