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.

Wisdom Teeth Presentation

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.

A diagram half mouth X-ray with teeth impaction and half digital graphic highlighting impacted teeth

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.
A representation of a wisdom tooth impacted by soft tissueSoft Tissue
An example of a wisdom tooth with a partial bony impactionPartial Bony
An illustration of a wisdom tooth completely impacted by boneComplete Bony

Cortland Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 528 reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

It was very fast, I was in and out! And the recovery is amazing, wouldn’t want to go to another oral sergeant!

- Trisha K

5 out of 5 stars by Trisha K on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Highly recommend!! Service was the best !!!!

- Amber M

5 out of 5 stars by Amber M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I couldn't have been more pleased with the my visit and the procedure done. The staff and doctor helped me to feel at ease during a possibly stressful procedure

- Jerry M

5 out of 5 stars by Jerry M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Fast, easy, overall great experience

- Sam H

5 out of 5 stars by Sam H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The doctor and staff were really great.

- Courtney H

5 out of 5 stars by Courtney H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was so nervous but everybody made me feel at ease. The procedure was no problem and I have not had any pain and not needEd any meds. Thank you.

- Cindy R

5 out of 5 stars by Cindy R on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Doctor SanGiacomo (spelling?) is the best dentist/oral surgeon when comes to extractions. He has a gentle touch and when he administers the pain shot he does so carefully. Every other Dentist I've gone to had been more of stabber.

- Josiah H

5 out of 5 stars by Josiah H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Both of my children have had their wisdom teeth out and everyone was very helpful and kind.

- Stacy W

5 out of 5 stars by Stacy W on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Thank you so much. Was a pleasure doing business with you.

- Irene Q

5 out of 5 stars by Irene Q on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Entire office staff were wonderful once again. Both of my daughters have had wisdom teeth removal. The doctor, nurses and front office staff are very kind, caring and amazing!

- Chrissy T

5 out of 5 stars by Chrissy T on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I highly recommend Cortland Oral Surgery Center and Dr. SanGiacomo. He made a stressful situation comfortable by his manner and the only pain I felt was the Novocain needle.

- Julie K

5 out of 5 stars by Julie K on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

So thankful for everyone at the office!

- Mercedes S

5 out of 5 stars by Mercedes S on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Appointment time 3:30, done and gone by 4:05. This is pretty great too because of the condition my tooth was in. Doc did awesome, staff was friendly.

- Bridget M

5 out of 5 stars by Bridget M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The extraction site is healing nicely after 24 hours, with little swelling or pain. Thank you.

- David E

5 out of 5 stars by David E on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very pleasant office staff and the Dr. Was very easy to talk with and my pain was minimal.

- Joyce S

5 out of 5 stars by Joyce S on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Fast and friendly service all around

- Lee C

5 out of 5 stars by Lee C on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff scheduling my appointment worked to accommodate my situation. Everything was explained very well. Procedure went well with no problems. The Dr and assistant were very nice and professional.

- Frank T

5 out of 5 stars by Frank T on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The IV for anesthesia was easy and painless. Every aspect of this business is top notch!

- Ann R

5 out of 5 stars by Ann R on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The Doctor and staff put me at ease, even though I was not looking forward to the procedure. The Doctor gets lots of gold stars for starting my IV as painfree as possible! Amanda watched over me prior to the procedure and made me comfortable. Thanks!

- Joellyn W

5 out of 5 stars by Joellyn W on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Excellence in every way. If they had a bar with complimentary drinks in the waiting room, I'd have a tooth extracted every week. Very nice and considerate staff. And Dr. SanGiacomo is just great. Friendly and informative.

- Daniel N

5 out of 5 stars by Daniel N on