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 jaw is not large enough 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.
Are You Experiencing Issues With Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Types Of Impactions
We will need to see you for a consultation to determine if you will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. A panoramic x-ray of your mouth and jaw 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.
Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi
5 out of 5 stars based on 3 Wisdom Teeth reviews.
Patient Review from Stephanie S
Dr. Nichols and his staff are amazing!! They went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and well cared for! I would recommend Dr. Nichols and the staff at Oral and Facial Surgery of MS to everyone I know!
- Stephanie S
5 out of 5 stars by Stephanie S on
Patient Review from Arissra S
Very please with the visit.
- Arissra S
5 out of 5 stars by Arissra S on
Patient Review from Melissa H
Will definitely refer Dr. Nichols to friends whose kids need to have their wisdom teeth removed.
- Melissa H
5 out of 5 stars by Melissa H on