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 had and excellent experience. I was not looking forward to having a tooth pulled. I was anxious. But during the whole procedure it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I loved Dr. Sangiacomo and his technique, and professionalism, and he had a nice way of talking to me to make me feel less anxious. Once it was over, I was like, your finished! A much better experience than any other teeth I had extracted in my lifetime.
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I’m not a fan of oral surgery at all! I actually passed out after I left! However, the staff & doctor were friendly & did a great job! I would definitely recommend this office if you’re in need of oral surgery!
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This is a very efficient group of professionals. They clearly explained the procedure and did everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible. I am very impressed.
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I was scared to be going in to get my wisdom teeth out without getting any anesthesia. The assistant talked me and eased my mind before the first shot of novacane. It only took about an hour to have all 4 wisdom teeth removed. All I felt was pressure. No pain at all during the procedure. Highly recommend to anyone who meeds work done on their teeth.
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Wonderful experience all around. Doctor and staff are top notch! Thank you
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Getting a wisdom tooth extracted isn't fun but these folks made it bearable. The staff was kind, helpful, and supportive.
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Overall my experience here was really good and i would come again. I will be recommending my friends and family here
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Everything that I encountered from the first time talking to the staff on the phone was wonderful. Everyone is very pleasant and friendly. The dentist was calming. I have to say it also helped that the room was painted in a very calming tone..not stark white which helped me. The room, office and entire area was clean and welcoming.
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Dr. SanGiacomo and all the staff in the office helped me through what I considered a terrifying process. They made it bearable and as painless and quick as possible. I can't thank everyone enough for their kindness and patience.
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i had to have a tooth extraction for my rear molar. Needles are my worst fear but the Dr. was so good i didn't even feel it coming. His dental nurse was outstanding in every way-- from the time i sat down till the time i left she did her best to keep my mind off what was going to happen.
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A very tough extraction was easier with the kindness and professionalism of your staff. Thank you for making it as enjoyable as it could be!!
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