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.



Cortland Oral Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Any form of dentistry always makes us cringe. It would seem to be a natural reaction. We dread even making the initial call for an appointment. However, I can honestly say that after my tooth extraction, I would have no hesitation contacting this office again. Extremely busy, but well organized staff. From the moment you enter and approach the check-in counter, they are ready for "you". Very friendly and professional.
- Linda W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My overall experience was great. I was warmly welcomed and greeted in the waiting room as the window was busy. I have never had this happen. Everyone was very kind and welcoming.
- Connie P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Overall - - The receptionist, staff, & dental assistant were very pleasant & made me feel @ ease & comfortable in facing a tooth extraction. The Doctor (Dentist) made me feel at peace & felt real confident in his expertIse. The tooth extraction was done in a shorter period of time than I expected.
- Arlene L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr SanGiacomo rescued me by doing an unanticipated extraction shortly before an international flight. I was very grateful.
- Karin S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Highly recommend this office. Great staff and dentist.
- Maryann W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff was wonderful you can tell they care about there patients.
- Anonymous
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional crew. Amazed at how painless the procedure was... The pain two days after was pretty bad, but following directions given by your office was very helpful....
- penny L
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My surgery went well. I was very pleased with this office.
- Daniel D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Excellent dental practice. Thank you for your care and concern.
- Linda H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was anxious and the nurse as well as Dr. SanGiacomo assured me I would be fine. Through their caring ways and kind words, I was able to have my extractoin and bonegraft without any sedation. I highly recommend this office for needed oral procedures.
- Virginia D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very warm and caring staff.They took me in on the same day I called and in 1 hour I was done.Wonderful Surgeon who was polite and very skilled.Will surely return if needed.
- michael c
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I needed an emergency wisdom tooth extraction, but no one in the syracuse area was available. Dr. SanGiacomo's office explained the options I had if I wanted to have the procedure done immediately, and they were able to schedule me THAT DAY! Although I was hesitant to only use Novocain, the procedure was extremely quick and pretty much painless as far as tooth extraction goes.
- Calli S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My experience with Cortland Oral Surgery was very enjoyable under the circumstances. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing oral surgery.
- Terry B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I could not have been more thrilled with the extraction of my wisdom tooth. I was very anxious, but the office staff were quick to put me at ease. Dr. SanGiacomo was friendly, fun, and expedient- and made a very stressful situation quite pleasant. My wisdom tooth extraction only took a few minutes, and I had very little pain. THANK YOU for a great experience!
- Stacey G
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
My 15 year old daughter had all four wisdom teeth extracted. The staff and doctor were so kind and funny and made her feel at ease. I was extremely happy with the entire experience. I would recommend this office over and over again.
- Christine T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you for being so patient and understanding.
- Tracy K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was given the drs name by a friend and a relative. and I would def. share his name to anyone who may ask if I know of a oral surgeon.. He's that good... along with his staff.. Everyone here looked out for my needs and always checked on me to see how I was doing...
- kathleen e
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I was so pleased with my treatment. Even though I was in extreme pain when I walked in, I walked out with very little pain and with a smile on my face. That rarely happens after a dentist appointment !!
- Patricia H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very professional staff and dr my husband had a stroke and is sometime very uncomfortable going to someone new by himself. They treated him very professional and with utmost respect thank you for your respect and compassion
- Ronnie O
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
A warm place to have an uncomfortable procedure easier
- Linda B