Wisdom Teeth
The average adult has 32 teeth by age 18; 16 teeth in the upper jaw and 16 teeth in the lower jaw. 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 molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
However, the average mouth has sufficient space to hold only 28 teeth. It can be extremely 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. Wisdom Teeth are normally the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When there is adequate space, they align properly and the gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen.
For more information about Wisdom Teeth issues or to schedule a consult with Dr. Kutcipal and Dr. Mahil, please use our Contact Us form below or call our office: Ballard Oral Surgery Phone Number 206-783-9672. Read Patient Reviews below.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when those teeth are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, or 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 erupt successfully.
These poorly positioned, impacted teeth may cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and food debris to become trapped eventually causing inflammation and infection. The result is swelling, jaw stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may cause pain in the general area. Another serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the removal of wisdom teeth.
With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, our doctor will evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if there may be future or present 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 your doctor.
All surgery is performed with appropriate anesthesia. Drs. Kutcipal and Mahil has training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia to allow procedures to be completed comfortably. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and staff experienced in anesthesia and surgical techniques.
Patient Reviews: Wisdom Teeth Removal
This reviews section is in progress. Please visit the Patient Review form to leave a review about your Wisdom Teeth experience with Ballard Oral Surgery. Call our office if you would like more information: Ballard Oral Surgery Phone Number 206-783-9672.
Ballard Oral Surgery
Patient Testimonial
The wisdom teeth removal procedure was quick and easy. My daughter has Type 1 Diabetes and Dr. Tidwell and staff were very knowledgeable and sensitive to her needs during and after the surgery. Dr. Tidwell communicated very clearly with me his decision to handle the potential inflammation differently for my daughter because of her Diabetes. We followed their instructions carefully and she recovered very well.
- Sabrina E
Patient Testimonial
Great care! Friendly, efficient, transparent and skilled. Staff is great to talk to and pain afterwards was minimal. Thank you!
- Meredith G
Patient Testimonial
Everyone was very kind and welcoming. The procedure was easy, painless, and expeditious. All of my questions were answered and my concerns were taken seriously. Overall a very positive experience!
- Sam G
Patient Testimonial
I had 5 wisdom teeth and Dr. Kutcipal was very professional and informative about my procedure. All of the staff kept me very calm before my surgery.
- Marina C
Patient Testimonial
I was so happy with my experience here. Everyone in the office was friendly and welcoming and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. I had all four wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Kutcipal, whose consultation was thorough and informative. I chose to go with laughing gas and remain conscious during the procedure, and I could not have been more comfortable. Dr. Kutcipal was reassuring and kept me feeling safe throughout the surgery. She is a truly kind person. Merci beaucoup !
- Marcelle S
Patient Testimonial
I had all four wisdom teeth removed here and Dr Kutcipal and assistants did a fantastic job. It was a very smooth procedure and I felt well taken care of throughout the whole process, including follow-up. I recovered very quickly with a lot less pain than expected. Staff were also very helpful when I called in for questions and efficient scheduling and billing. Highly recommend if you want a professional, worry-free experience.
- Linnette T
Patient Testimonial
Friendly, attentive, efficient, and streamlined! I felt very informed and safe throughout the entire process. Thank you, Isabelle and Dr. Tidwell!
- Yee W
Patient Testimonial
I can't impress enough how wonderful this practice, Dr. Kutcipal and her team are. Who knew that getting wisdom teeth removed could be so easy? Before scheduling with Dr. Kutcipal, I had my extraction planned with a different oral surgeon but didn't feel that I was getting care I could trust. I decided to schedule with Dr. Kutcipal instead and could not be happier that I did. You can tell they truly care about what is best for the patient and really listen to patient's interests. Everything went smoothly and I did not need any prescription medication. Went as well as having teeth removed possibly could.
- Cally S
Patient Testimonial
Three of our teenagers had their wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Tidwell. He and his staff were amazing throughout the entire process. He does an initial consultation with you, and there are no pressures to do any unnecessary procedures. The entire office was very kind and professional throughout the entire process. They made sure our teenagers were comfortable along the way. Dr. Tidwell even followed up personally on the evening of the surgery. Overall, the experience has been fantastic. Thank you Dr. Tidwell and staff!
- Burke F
Patient Testimonial
My experience with Dr. Kutcipal was unbelievably positive! Not only was the desk staff kind and friendly upon arrival, but Dr. Kutcipal was incredibly engaging, knowledgeable, kind, and fun. It is evident that she values excellence and has extensive experience performing oral surgeries! My time with her was very informative, and I walked away from both my consultation and surgery feeling prepared and aware of my next steps. This office will take amazing care of their patients, and I feel fortunate to have been a patient here!
- Melissa S
Patient Testimonial
I will be sure to return if needed!
- Michael C
Patient Testimonial
Each one of the staff members were very kind professional and informative. Made me feel comfortable and worry free.
- DeJordan J
Patient Testimonial
Overall I had an amazing experience at Ballard Oral and Maxilofical Sugery. I felt safe and comfortable in the care of the staff and Dr. Tidwell. I would highly recommend a friend.
- Kylie K