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
Everyone has always told me how hard it is to have wisdom teeth removed and all the problems of the recovery period. I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed by Dr Kelly. It was quick and easy. I would recommend Dr Kelly and his surgical team. They really are so awesome. This is the office and the doctor to see. Thank you all so much.
- E K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr K is a very fun doctor. He made me feel welcome and important to him. This is the place for your oral surgery needs!
- Jack K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I honestly thought that getting my wisdom teeth out was going to be this huge ordeal, but honestly, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I healed up pretty quickly and I started feeling like myself. The stitches stayed shut once they were sewn and I didn't have any issues with any of them reopening. As far as getting my wisdom teeth out, it was a breeze.
- Mary M