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

Keystone Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C.

5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Review

I really appreciate the staff getting me in for an appointment. Dr Kasper was very thorough and explained everything as he went.

- Emily H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Was a great experience! Although I don't want to have any more teeth extracted, I would go back if duty calls!

- Britney C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

As 70 year old patient was very apprehensive about recovery. Arrived home at noon after procedure, took pain pill and turned on Fox News. Zero swelling during afternoon. Took 2nd and last pain pill. By the time Bill O'Reilly came on, felt great. Went back to work next day.

- Robert W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

If you need quality oral surgery, Keystone is the place. This was not our first visit. Dr. Kasper also performed a lingual frenectomy on my 3 month old son to help him eat better with less reflux. His professional knowledge surpasses his colleagues! The staff are so friendly and professional. Megan took care of my daughter during her wisdom teeth extractions, and Katie took care of my 3 month old son. Thank you Keystone!

- Krystyn V

5 out of 5 stars on