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

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The service was great and getting my tooth pulled was totally painless. Even the next day I have had minimal pain.

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Overall great experience. Especially grateful that I was able to get an appointment so quickly, as I was in significant pain. My own dentist wouldn't even find the time to squeeze me in just to take a look at my issue. COS got me in DAYS after initial contact. Surgery went well and I feel great now!

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Good visit. Would use again.

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Was so afraid of the Tooth Extraction, but all went well!!!

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I've had several procedures at this office. I quite often leave there a little numb in spots but overall I am VERY satisfied with the level of care, courtesy and competence that I have been treated with every time. I wholeheartedly recommend this office and its staff.

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I was nervous to go as I had teeth to be extracted but the doctor and staff put me right at ease. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

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I was very nervous about getting an implant! The procedure was amazingly simple, and painless! The doctor and the staff, were very caring, and went out of their way to make me feel very comfortable! Would definitely go here....& do this again !!!

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Everyone was great! Procedures went well. Hope I would not have to return(LOL!!) but if the need arose I would definitely return to Cortland Oral Surgery!!

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Yesterday morning i went in for my wisdom teeth extractions and the staff and doctor were so great. They saw how nervous i was, especially about the IV and going under anesthesia they did a great job getting the IV in the first time, i have no bruising on my arm at all. My mouth is a little sore and swollen on the bottom left side but other than being sleepy, i feel great. Thank you so much for taking care of me!

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Very satisfied.

- Anne H

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I was extremely scared and would have given anything to my husband to let me cancel my appointment! Never had a tooth extracted and am 41 yrs old with only two cleanings in my life, zero cavities I may add! It is the sound of things that make me cringe, not needles like the normal people! I must say my experience yesterday was fantastic and I will never fear coming there again! Ok maybe a little for my impacted wisdom teeth but I will go to sleep for that You are all amazing and made me feel comfortable and eased my anxiety!!!!

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Probably one of the best dental experience I've had. Got me right in for an emergency tooth extraction. Hardly any pain. And the after care booklet was great.

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Dr was so awesome and trying to get my daughter to laugh and relax before doing the iv, everything went great.

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