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

Burlington Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 513 Wisdom Teeth reviews

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Great bunch of staff. Friendliest all around at GRMC

- Casey M

5 out of 5 stars by Casey M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Both times I was here the staff was very friendly and efficient. I was attended almost immediately to the time of my appointment each time. The surgery was very quick with no complications. My wife was even jealous of how I was doing after my wisdom teeth extraction compared to how hers went when she had them done.

- Michael V

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Great doctor, felt I was in good hands

- Katlin K

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Excellent service

- Gavin T

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Very good with making you feel comfortable and letting you know what will happen step by step.

- Anonymous

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I was very worried about my procedure but with the reassurance of the whole staff everything went wonderful. I had minimal pain afterward and felt great.

- Lacy B

5 out of 5 stars by Lacy B on

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Very pleased with my appointment and surgery here. I got in right away and everyone is very friendly and accommodating. I have already recommended this office to my friends.

- Danielle B

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Good

- Somer H

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Very pleased with everything

- Liandra M

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Incredibly smooth and surprisingly pleasant process. Staff was friendly and professional and highly competent. Couldn't have asked for a better wisdom tooth removal

- Anonymous

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Overall, everything went very well. Thank you.

- Aden A

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The whole team here made my experience smooth, comfortable and easy.

- Anonymous

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I would recommend to a friend

- Tate S

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Very professional and personable staff from receptionists to the doctor. Procedure was successful and smooth. Only reason I wouldn't or rather couldn't come back for additional care is because I'll be moving out of state.

- Anonymous

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The procedure seemed to be quick and easy. Everyone was really nice and made me feel really comfortable.

- Anonymous

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.

- Rachel F

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I don't know what to comment

- Anonymous

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Great experience

- Anonymous

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It was a very good and safe procedure!

- Samantha B

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Will come back if needed the hole process was painless and easy to

- Parker H

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