Impacted Wisdom Teeth
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. They are usually the last teeth to develop and are located in the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Their development is usually completed between the middle teenage years and early twenties, a time traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and the attainment of wisdom.
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.
What Is An Impacted Tooth?
Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting they are called impacted. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.
Types Of Impactions
We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A special x-ray of your mouth and jaws (panorex) will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
- Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process, and creates cleaning problems, among others.
- Complete Bony Impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal.The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to remove. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complex.
Soft Tissue
Partial Bony
Complete BonyCortland Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Not sure if my previous review was received so have done a second one. Walked in after being referred by my dentist to get information on tooth extraction. Worked out that they could take me in that afternoon. With less time to worry, all the staff were professional, courteous and very calming. The doctor walked me through the procedure to extract a tooth and put my nerves at ease. Would recommend them to anyone, very pleased. Thank you to all.
- Marlene R
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I wasnt very brave when it came to the needles but they were very good about it and actually had someone hold my hand during it to help. They got me in right away, i had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled, and i was out in about an hour. They have a very kind and well working staff and i would tell anyone who needs teeth work to go here.
- Marjorie T
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Your staff was very friendly and professional. Dr SanGiacomo made me feel comfortable. I had a tooth extraction with minimal discomfort.
- Andrew C
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I had a very pleasant experience and will go back when necessary.
- Rita O
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The extraction was quick and painless
- Margaret B
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Doctor SanGiacomo made a challenging extraction much less stressful with his patience and good humor. Everything came out all right in the end, despite deep roots and brittle tooth.
- Amy S
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I dont have a single bad thing to say. Staff and Doctor were fantastic. Truly wonderful
- Tim S
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Felt at ease during my procedure
- Megan H
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Even though I did not want to be there - the staff and doctor did a fine job!!
- Diane B
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I would recommend Cortland Oral Surgery to anyone who needs procedures done. They have very friendly staff and the work is performed quickly but with great care and attention to detail.
- Hunter S
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Everyone was so nice and friendly. Very pleasant experience. Wonderful Dr. and Staff!
- Cynthia R
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We were happy with the quality of service received for this medical procedure. We were pleasantly surprised by a family discount due to another sibling having the procedure done previously.
- Erin B
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Wonderful service. Made me feel comfortable. Pretty much painless surgical extraction. Professional staff. Highly recommend this doctor.
- John E
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Excellent service and fast
- Richard C
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These people made a stressful, normally uncomfortable procedure all most fun! Very appreciative.
- JOHN A
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Wonderful staff, the dentist was very gentle, and funny too! I went in anxious as ever, but was soon at ease. Very little pain and swelling the days following 3 teeth extractions.
- Adajean W
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Very good experience everyone was very professional and friendly. If I ever need an oral surgeon again I would definitely go back.
- Cindy C
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Everyone in the office is wonderful! They've exceeded my expectations and made the process as easy and affordable as possible. I would (and have) highly recommend Dr. SanGiacomo to anyone who needs work done.
- Raechel A
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very pleased
- Ronald B
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Great experience with a difficult procedure! Thank you!
- Carter F