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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What was an intimidating problem with my tooth was made much easier by the caring treatment. Thanks for the excellent care.
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We had an excellent experience from start to finish for my daughter’s wisdom teeth extraction. The front office staff was exceptionally helpful with insurance questions and general questions about the procedure. The medical staff (doctor and nurses) were excellent. They also give you a booklet spelling out exactly what you need to do for follow-up care. I couldn’t have been happier with how things went.
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Had an appointment scheduled the week prior but came down with a severe cold. Was given the option of keeping the appointment or rescheduling for less than a week later, which I did. The procedure went very smoothly which led to a very easy recovery.
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I’ve had 2 teeth pulled by this Doctor and he’s done a great job both times. Everyone is nice.
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The staff was very nice, and the doctor was fantastic. He's also very funny, which put me at ease. Highly recommended!
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The doctor was timely and has a good sense of humor. Would recommend the doctor.
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The entire office was very friendly and put my son at ease during his wisdom tooth extractions.
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The procedure was carried out with efficiency, care for my comfort and disclosure of follow-up options. The paperwork for after-care was comprehensive. So far so good on recovery. As pleasant an experience as can be expected for a tooth extraction.
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Our son was referred to Cortland Oral Surgery as a less expensive alternative to a local oral surgeon for removal of all four wisdom teeth. The price was about half what we were quoted by the other O.S., but the quality of care was not lacking at all. At his initial appointment, actual surgery day and follow appointment he was seen promptly, the staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. There wasn't a single issue or problem after our son had his teeth pulled. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone needing specialized dental care.
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