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.
Are You Seeking Relief From Wisdom Tooth Pain or Irritation?
Don’t suffer any longer! Dr. Kelly can gently extract impacted wisdom teeth to relieve pain and prevent future complications.
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.
Paul Kelly Maxillofacial
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Kelly and his staff made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I was really nervous to have my wisdom teeth removed and Dr. Kelly put all my nerves at ease. He walked me through all the steps and made sure I was comfortable at every stage. I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you Dr. Kelly and staff!
- Shannon D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The staff seemed to have great knowledge in all of the procedures and were very professional and helping at the same time. Also, my mom and I were very pleased by the design and ambience of the office.
- Melvin A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Kelly! He is as efficient and he is kind. Both my kids had their wisdom teeth removed by him and the whole process from start to finish was seamless. The office is beautiful, the staff attentive...I would highly recommend Dr. Kelly.
- Jennifer N