NavigationWisdom 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.
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.
Oral Examination
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Gregory 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. Gregory is an expert in wisdom tooth removal, having performed the procedure on thousands of patients. He has developed a technique that minimizes surgical complications and patient down time.
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 Irving Office Phone Number 972-401-1100.
Our services are provided in an environment of optimum safety that utilizes modern monitoring equipment and staff who are experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Mark S. Gregory DDS, MD
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
Can't say enough good things. I had two wisdom teeth removed and was super nervous. All of the worry was for nothing. Staff was really nice and calming. From the time I was put to sleep, to when I woke couldn't have been much more than an hour. Recovery has gone wonderfully so far. No pain, just the expected tenderness and stiffness. Only needed regular Tylenol for any discomfort. No nausea from the anesthetic at all. The next morning after surgery, I was ready to tackle the day. Will definitely refer friends and family.
- Monique P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
Very quick, felt no pain.
- Trinity Z
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
I came in to the appointment very nervous, especially during this time with covid, it made this appointment a little stressful for me. However, when I arrived I was greeted by the amazing staff and Dr. Gregory answered all my questions and truly made me feel like I was in great hands. I didn’t feel a thing during the procedure and him and his staff made sure that I got everything I needed after my surgery. I truly had the best experience with this office. Would definitely recommend his office!
- Daisy F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
I visited the Las Colinas location to have my wisdom teeth removed( 4). I have been relucatant over the years to have this procedure done out of nerousness, and procrastination, but I finally decided to go with Dr Gregory after some research. I am grateful, pleased, and most importantly impressed with the outcome. I was comfortable from the beginning of the process and the entire staff was truly helpful , informative, and genuine! Melissa the anethesiolgist was wonderful and patient with me and all my questions. Put aside any worries and do yourself a favor and make the appointment! This team loves what they do and it shows. I had a great experience with little to no discomfort. Thank you again Dr Gregory I'm more confident than ever about visiting a dentist!
- Candice C
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Best Dr
- Omotayo S
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Everything went very smoothly & front office ladies were very pleasant and nice.
- Rebecca S
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I was very pleased with everyone who works there !
- Carlos B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
I was scared to get my wisdom teeth pulled out but everything went so smoothly...during the procedure and recovery! I didn't feel any pain!!! Thanks to Dr. Gregory and all the staff for such a great job!
- Blanca B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Gregory. He was professional and had a great staff of people who cared about me and my needs and didn't just see me as a number of people they needed to get through that day. I really enjoyed the spray that they used to numb my hand before inserting the IV. Even though its not a big pain at all without the spray, it just made the process that much more enjoyable. The staff educated my friend who brought me home very well, though I wish I was prescribed a larger dose of pain medication. My mom who is a 40 year nurse said that the dosage was not high enough for her liking, so i ended up taking additional generic pain meds on top of what was prescribed. I wish that the after care was explained to ME before the surgery and not just to my roommate who took me home. That would have made me feel better and to know what to expect.
- Erin H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
Very nice and quick
- Dwalen E
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
I was very concerned about my daughter's procedure but the staff & Dr. Gregory were excellent! They explained everything & reassured me that my daughter was in good hands. My daughter recovered super fast & never really experienced any pain at all! Thank you so much!
- Jennifer M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
Got all four of my wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Gregory with ease. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He is a pro and his staff and assistants are amazing as well. The operation was so fast with minimal pain and I'm recovering well. So so glad I came to Dr. Gregory for my wisdom teeth problems. It was so worth it.
- Thomas N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
The procedure went amazing. They gave me blankets and rolled me out in a wheel chair. Made me feel calm and safe. I'm 3rd day post-operative and the healing is going great. 10/10 would recommend them for any oral surgery.
- Arianna W
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Excellent
- Faith L
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Great !!!
- Kenvil M
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Service was great! Looking forward for my surgery.
- Emelin L
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Easy
- Jesus M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
Fantastic team and excellent care!
- Brianna L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
Got in the room told me what they were doing step by step and made it a painless operation.
- Zeshawn M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial Old
The staff was very professional and caring. Great personalities and made me feel at ease. Dr. Gregory was the best Dr for my surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend him for oral surgery. They were even a $1000.00 less than my own dentist! If I ever need oral surgery again , I wouldn't go anywhere else in the world!
- Jace H
