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.
An representation of a tooth impacted by soft tissueSoft Tissue
An example of a tooth with a partial bony impactionPartial Bony
An illustration of a tooth completely impacted by boneComplete Bony

Chapin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 6 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Review

I will be recommending Chain Oral Surgery to anyone that may need it! Friendly staff and great assisting staff and Doctor!!

- Joyce U

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Wonderful! I was terrified but they made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. After care wasn't bad at all. I'd definitely recommend them !

- Alisha K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Wonderful staff! Excellent care! I was nervous being my first time under anesthesia, all staff members assured me everything would be fine. Nurse was very informative. Surgery went well. Thank you!

- Courtney P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Everyone was very friendly and explained everything in terms easy to understand

- John T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I was referred by my dentist to have a wisdom tooth removed that had broken through the gum line at an angle, and was causing a lot of pain. I was sent straight down to Dr. Hairr's office and was back in a room speaking with Dr. Hairr within 10 minutes. The staff at the front desk and back in the patient area were very friendly, and explained everything very well. Dr. Hairr was also very friendly, and made me feel very relaxed and comfortable about the procedure. He was able to extract the tooth and everything went well. I am very happy with the care that I received, and very impressed with the office, and the staff. I would definitely recommend Dr. Hairr to anyone who needs to see an oral surgeon.

- Jessica O

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I had all four wisdom teeth removed the same day and expected swelling and pain after the procedure.....to my surprise, I had little to no pain or swelling. I did follow the instructions given closely and I appreciate Dr. Hairr, calling himself later that day of my procedure to check on me. Thanks to all and I hope you are very successful with your new practice here in Chapin. 5 star rating all the way!

- Michael J

5 out of 5 stars on