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.

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

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The staff and Dr Erickson were absolutely phenomenal. We had to get in quickly to get some impacted wisdom teeth extracted and ended up with some issues that required more anesthesiology help. The staff was more than willing and gracious with their time in helping us negotiate how to get all this done through insurance and the anesthesiologist. They were able to fit us in and Dr Erickson was very very conscientious and kind. I just can't recommend this practice enough!

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Overall I had a great experience at Dr. Erickson's office

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My son had all 4 wisdom teeth removed. Dr. Erickson and all of his staff were knowledgeable and friendly. My son's recuperation went smoothly. No surprises! I would definitely recommend this oral surgeon.

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Grateful that my regular dentist referred me to Dr. Erickson.

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EVERYONE working in the office is wonderful! I would absolutely recommend them to any and everyone! Thank you so much for all that you do!

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Fantastic service in an incredibly quick timeframe, and I walked away with no pain and no complaints! Would definitely recommend for anyone who needs their wisdom teeth removed!

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