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
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I was there for consultation on a tooth problem. The doctor and the staff were all wonderful - professional, friendly, caring, explained everything very thoroughly for me. I'd most certainly go back if ever need be.
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I had a wonderful experience throughout my oral surgery procedure. Staff was friendly and welcoming and the doctor put me at ease, thoroughly explaining options and answering all of my questions. I was kept very comfortable throughout the entire process and felt I was in excellent hands.
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what a great office - these folks have a genuine feeling of family - very rare these days - and Dr. San Giacomo is simply the best, most skilled oral surgeon in our part of Upstate NY - he is amazingly focused and patient, and great to communicate with - after my experience with Dr. San Giacomo and his staff, i would never consider seeing another oral surgeon....it's just that simple:
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An absolutely pleasant and professional experience from my first call to the office.
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Excellent in every way. Difficult to see how they could improve. Being able to schedule a little sooner would have been good. It was also very difficult to get through on the telephone to make the appointment, it was always busy. It is no wonder the office is so busy as doc is just so so good. Wish there were dental providers in the area half as good. Thank you for the great care.
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i was impressed with the professionalism of the staff and how very pleasant they were throught my visits there.
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Everyone in the office from the receptionists to the dental hygienists to the doctor were all really great, sympathetic and professional. I would highly recommend this office for your procedure.
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They were very friendly talked to you through the procedure.I am very thankful for all they did.
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This was my third time going to see Dr. SanGiacomo to have teeth removed. He has been great all three times. The office, and nursing staff are always friendly and wonderful at easing any concerns or questions you might have. When it comes to the surgery(for me anyway) Dr. SanGiacomo is very thorough, from placing the IV and medication. The extractions and making sure that he has gotten every last bit of debris. Then making sure all the extraction sites are closed and stitched up properly before waking you up. I am also very happy with how the staff interacts with the person that comes with you. Also how they are very detailed in making sure that your person is informed on the after care. I would happily refer friends and family to go here if they are ever in need of having teeth removed.
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Pleasant experience for an unpleasant procedure
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