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. Hishmeh 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. Hishmeh 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 301 384-5700.

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

Sam B. Hishmeh, DDS, PA - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 23 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

The experience was very good. The office staff is well organized and prepared for my visit. The doctor and his assistant were pleasant, precise, and did a great job explaining the procedure. The actual procedure took less time than I expected, I was surprised at how early I was on my way back home. I would recommend this office for anyone in need of the services they offer.

- Randy G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Somewhat of an emergency visit and staff was very good about calling me with a cancellation time so I could get in sooner. There was a little bit of a wait beyond my scheduled appointment time but it really wasn't an issue.

- Robert F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

They well done . They wonderful team and smart Doctor

- Amany B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

The physician, office staff, and all aspects of our experience have been a 5 out of 5. Dr. Sam and his staff are adults, they care, they are knowledgeable, they listen, they care, and they respond. We will be sure to do all of our oral needs with them and will be sure to let our dentists know to refer their patients here as well. Thank you for being such a great service to your clients and for bringing adults with experience to the office.

- David M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

I would highly recommend to anyone Dr.Sam Hishmeh and staff for dental service.

- James

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Absolutely loved your office staff and Dr Hismeh. I am in healthcare and I am always looking for good referrals for patients. You all will be on the top of my list.

- Beth S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

The staff is great. This was our third child to have their wisdom teeth taken out by Dr. Hishmeh and each experience was super!

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Many thanks for your collective skills and care.

- Wyman S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Dr. Hishmeh and his team were very thorough during my initial consultation and took the time answer all of my questions. Surgery day was fantastic, and recovery has been very smooth. Dr. Hishmeh is a great doctor with a fun sense of humor, and his team is friendly and attentive.

- Anna K

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Very friendly, professional and efficient. Follows up on patients after surgery. Have had appointments in both offices with equal efficiency, at least some of the staff is the same in both offices. Three sets of wisdom teeth removed from three teenagers, will plan to go there again with the fourth.

- Elisa G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Excellent service

- Fatima D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Had a pleasant experience here, everyone is so nice 🙂

- Ana L

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Excellent dentist! Very pleased with the care 🙂

- Dani S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

The staff was wonderful to work with and the doctor was open, friendly, and informative. Right before the procedure, my daughter had a mild health issue and the staff and doctor were extremely responsive and made sure it would be safe to proceed with wisdom tooth removal. My daughter had a quick and easy recovery. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone.

- Andrea T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

We were nervous in the beginning but Dr. Hishmeh assured us that everything would be just fine. Better than we expected. He also has a good sense of humor which lightens things up! I'd recommend him to anyone.

- Monchae S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Had a great experience. Whole staff was kind, friendly, and very helpful. Would definitely recommend to a friend!

- Kyle Z

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Very relaxing environment. Came in to make sure everything was healing correctly, and was reassured.

- Michael B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

The staff and Doctor are very patient and kind. Loved them!! They made the procedure real simple and calm.

- Mildred c

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

I was recommended to Dr Hishmeh for extraction of a wisdom tooth. I was able to secure a next day appointment. The office staff was very pleasant and gave me all the information I needed. The wait was not overly long and the extraction went way more smoothly than I expected! As a matter of fact, I didn't even realize that it was over! I hope I won't need more extractions, but if I do, I would return to Dr. Hishmeh in a heartbeat!!

- Joanne M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Everyone was very nice and efficient in scheduling my appointment. I felt comfortable and the procedure went quickly and smoothly.

- Caitlin D

5 out of 5 stars on