Services Provided - Wisdom Teeth Extractions

The above video clip shows a 3 dimensional CT Scan evaluation of a lower wisdom tooth. Click on the video to load in a larger window.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually appear between the ages of 16 and 22. They are generally called wisdom teeth because they appear later in life when people are older (and wiser) than when their other teeth appeared as a child.

Wisdom teeth are classified by their position within the mouth. They can be fully erupted or impacted. The term impaction refers to a tooth that has not fully erupted into its proper position within the mough. Impacted wisdom teeth can be further classified as a Partial Soft Tissue impation, Partial Bony impaction, Full bony impaction, Mesioangular impaction, Distoangular impaction, or a Horizontal impaction.

A wisdom tooth is extracted to correct an actual problem or to prevent problems that may come up in the future. There are a number of problems that can occur in association with wisdom teeth. Your jaw may not be large enough for them, and they may become impacted and unable to break through your gums. Your wisdom teeth may break partway through your gums, causing a flap of gum tissue to grow over them. Food and germs can get trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. More serious problems can develop from impacted teeth, such as infection, damage to adjacent teeth and bone, or a cyst. One or more of your wisdom teeth may come in at an awkward angle, with the top of the tooth facing forward, backward, or to either side.