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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.
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.
Types Of Tooth 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.
Soft Tissue
Partial Bony
Complete BonyAfter Wisdom Teeth removal
- Review our surgical instructions for after Wisdom Teeth removal
Tired of pain? Schedule an appointment today to fix your impacted wisdom teeth.
D Patrick McDonald DMD-Chattanooga Oral Surgery
Patient Review by Ciara W
Best Oral Surgeon & Staff
- Ciara W
Patient Review by Kalley s
They did a fantastic job. I was nervous at first, but they answered all of my questions and reassured me so that I would feel safe. It was a really great experience, and the people were awesome. 10/10 would recommend.
- Kalley s
Patient Review
Very professional and friendly staff
- Anonymous
Patient Review by Hope C
I had a great pre-op appointment with Dr. McDonald and his staff, and the day of my surgery everyone was great.
- Hope C
Patient Review by Haven C
By far the nicest staff and. They are very helpful and willing to answer all of your questions, as well as making sure that you are comfortable. Dr. McDonald is great at what he does and quick. Appointments are easy to make, they also give you close estimates of how long your procedure will take. I thought it was nice that they call and remind you of your appointment as well as call and check on you a few afters the procedure to see how you are feeling. Overall VERY satisfied with my experience here and would without a doubt come back if I needed any work done!
- Haven C
Patient Review by Ryen R
I was very impressed overall with Dr. McDonald's office. From the consultation to the post-op appointment the wait time in the office was minimal, the staff was extremely helpful, informative, and efficient and I felt that I was in "good hands" at all times. As doctor offices are often busy with seeing multiple patients in a day, Dr. McDonald's office and staff stand out as they provide a client-centered approach in their care. You don't feel like you are just another patient. I would recommend this office in a heartbeat to anyone else in the area needing wisdom teeth removal!
- Ryen R
Patient Review by Jill D
My daughter had a wonderful experience with Dr. McDonald and his staff. Very professional, yet down to earth and compassionate.
- Jill D
Patient Review by Cissey V
I will never take my daughter anywhere else the staff and Dr.was great with her and very caring a true blessing everyone of them. Thank you all so much!!
- Cissey V
Patient Review by Justin H
Everyone in the office was so wonderful. I was amazed at how everyone was so helpful and was able to put my son, Justin at ease with the procedure. I cannot thank you all enough of how much I appreciate everyone's kindness and how genuinely friendly atmosphere we experienced.
- Justin H
Patient Review by Cynthia L
Everyone was so sweet and kind. My girls both had their wisdom teeth out the same day. It was a wonderful experience.
- Cynthia L