Wisdom Teeth Removal in Norwalk, CT
Wisdom teeth care with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
From evaluation of developing wisdom teeth to removal of complex impacted third molars, Dr. Sung Han provides surgical and anesthesia care in a modern dental setting.
Serving families in Norwalk and throughout Fairfield County.
Wisdom Teeth Care With a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon
Dr. Sung Han, DMD
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Han evaluates developing wisdom teeth and removes complex impacted third molars, with anesthesia planned around the case and your health history. He will tell you when removal is recommended, and when monitoring is the better choice. More about Oral Surgery Here.
Meet Dr. HanWhat Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last teeth to develop. They usually appear on imaging in the teenage years and arrive, if they do, in the late teens or early twenties.
There is often not enough room for them at the back of the jaw, which is why they frequently come in at an angle, only partly emerge or stay buried.
Does Everyone Need Them Removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that come in usefully, meet the opposing teeth and can be kept clean may not need to be removed at all.
Removal, like any Tooth Extraction, is recommended when there is a clinical reason for it. Where there is not, monitoring at routine visits is a legitimate choice.
When Removal May Be Recommended
Pain or Recurring Inflammation
Repeated soreness, swelling or infection around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Decay That Cannot Be Restored
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back and can be difficult to clean and to restore predictably.
Gum Problems Around the Tooth
Periodontal pockets behind the second molar that are hard to keep healthy.
Damage to the Neighboring Tooth
A wisdom tooth pressing into the second molar can cause decay or bone loss there.
Impaction
A tooth that cannot come through into a useful position, whether angled, partly through the gum or covered by bone.
Cysts or Other Pathology
Changes around an unerupted tooth seen on imaging that warrant treatment.
Anesthesia Planned Around the Case
Wisdom teeth can be removed with local anesthesia alone or with sedation, including IV sedation. Dr. Han recommends an approach based on how the teeth are positioned, how many are being removed and the patient’s medical history. IV Sedation and Anesthesia. For pain control after surgery, ask about EXPAREL®.
Wisdom Teeth FAQ
Usually in the teenage years, when they can be seen developing on imaging. Evaluation does not mean removal is required.
It depends on the case, their medical history and the agreed anesthesia plan. Dr. Han discusses the options with you beforehand rather than assuming one approach.
It varies with how many teeth are being removed and how they are positioned. You will be given an expected time at the consultation.
Many patients plan for a few quiet days. Some swelling is expected and commonly peaks in the first couple of days. You will receive instructions for eating, activity, school or work and care of the site, and the Wisdom Teeth Treatment Guide below covers healing day by day, including dry socket.
Lower wisdom teeth can sit near a nerve. Where that is a consideration, Dr. Han will discuss it with you, including what imaging shows (3D Imaging may be used when clinically indicated) and how it affects the approach and the risks.
Call us if bleeding does not settle with pressure, pain is worsening rather than improving after the first few days, swelling increases after it had started to settle, or there is fever, a bad taste with persistent pain, or numbness that is not resolving. If there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Time to Get Them Looked At?
Book a consultation and we will tell you what is actually needed.