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 would not hesitate to go back if I needed any further oral surgery. It took a bit to remove the tooth, but he remained 'calm' so I did also.
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I have had many dentist visits over the years and dental work is not pleasant for the most part. Dr. SanGiacomo is one of the best and the staff is also at the top of the list. I do not live in Cortland and am not familiar with the area, but Dr. was recommended by my dentist and I am very appreciative of that. If I need more work done in the future, I know where to go. Also, the payment was less than the estimate given at time of appointment - always a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend Cortland Oral Surgery Center.
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Overall good experience. I was extremely stressed about it and the staff was very friendly which made me feel better.
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I'm very pleased with the procedure. My only complaint is that the armrests are not sufficiently long enough for proper white knuckling! Although I plan not to be a regular, should I require oral surgery in the future, I'd call you folks first.
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Although I had some nerves before the surgery, I felt very comfortable because I was in such caring hands between the doctor and the nurses in the office. I’m so appreciative of how they treated me.
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Pulling teeth is never a fun thing, but thanks to the friendly and professional staff it turns into something that is easier to deal with. My greatest appreciation to Dr. SanGiacomo and the Practice staff for the great experience. Thank You.
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Quick, relatively painless. Doctor definitely eased the tension. Didn’t push me when I started gagging. Assistants were extremely nice, routinely checking on me to makes sure I was comfortable and ok. Was as pleasant experience as it could be, all things considered.
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