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.
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

Florida Oral & Facial Surgical Associates

5 out of 5 stars based on 10 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Review

Extremely satisfied with this office. They got me in quickly, and cared from the beginning to end! Highly recommend Dr. Pinker! He removed a wisdom tooth, quickly and it was painless too! The staff was very friendly and caring. Thank you for everything

- Lindsay F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Overall outstanding practice! My son has his wisdom teeth out in May, and the place was super clean and professional, and all the staff went out of their way to be helpful. From the first contact of making the appointment to finishing up the extraction it was a excellent, positive experience. The front desk staff really go out of their way to make the process clear and easy. And, because my son had such a great experience we called hoping they did general dentistry so we could switch! Alas not, but they gave me a couple of great referrals. Overall outstanding experience with them - I would highly recommend!

- Cheryl T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Had a great experience. When my son met with Doctor Pinker for the consultation he felt very comfortable with him and how detailed he was with the procedure. On the date of the procedure his nurses were great, providing details of what they were doing and what my son would experience. Doctor Pinker performed the procedure in what seemed like not time at all. Would recommend Dr. Pinker and his staff to anyone.

- Darren M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Florida Oral & Facial, Carol & Dr. Thayer in particular were excellent in all ways. I would be glad to refer anyone to them for their services!

- Carey B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I was in severe pain when I called to schedule an appointment to be seen. Fortunately, Jenny was able to schedule me within 24hrs to see Dr.Thayer. Dr.Thayer relieved my pain and scheduled my surgical procedure for the very next day! I'm still recovering from oral surgery, but I am so grateful for Dr.Thayer and his staff. If anyone has ever been through difficult experiences when it comes to dentistry, this is the place to come to feel comfortable and at ease. Thank you all for your help!

- Catalina

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dr. Akers performed my wisdom teeth extraction surgery on August 31st, 2017 and I would recommend him and his staff to everyone! The waiting room and exam rooms were very clean. The staff was AWESOME. They were so kind and caring. I was extremely nervous about having my wisdom teeth out, but they were so incredibly nice to me and understanding. They made me as comfortable as possible. Two of my wisdom teeth were impacted, one holding a 2nd molar under the gum. Dr. Akers also worked on that tooth as well, to try to help it come up where it should be. Even in the recovery room, I was treated very well and the staff was kind, caring, and gentle. Dr. Akers and his staff deserve more than a 5 star rating!

- Megan H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I had all four of my wisdom teeth extracted with just local anesthetic and Dr Thayer and his team ensured I was comfortable the whole way through. They continuously told me what they were going to do, what to expect and ensured I was ok all throughout. They're a great team and highly recommend them.

- Cristina P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dr. Thayer & his entire staff put me totally at ease . I was extremely anxious at first , but after initial visit totally at ease about the entire procedure . "Piece of cake" I meant Krispy Kreme LOL !!!

- Mark "Scooter" B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I would highly recommend Florida Oral and Facial to anyone who is looking to have their wisdom teeth taken out. I heard terrible stories about how awful it was and how painful it was going to be. I have had very little pain and swelling after my procedure. The staff was great from the time I walked in to the time I left, they put me at ease as I was VERY nervous being sedated. I can not say enough nice things about Dr Hamilton! If I need anything else done I will be back!!

- Summer L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I was taken by surprise when I called on a Friday afternoon and got a Monday morning appointment !! I was also amazed at the ease of which the shots were given , I am TERRIFIED of needles and I swear it was like giving blood , barely any pain at . The doctor and nurse kept me calm , then did a FANTASTIC job of removing a very tough sideways wisdom tooth . It really was no where near as bad as I though . I was expecting a NICE pain festival , but it was nothing like that at all 🙂 They even called to check up on me later that afternoon !! TOP NOTCH group here and I am GLAD Dr. Valenzi recommended me to your practice . Very professional and compassionate staff and as I said , the procedure was done with hardly any discomfort . How many people can say that about having an impacted wisdom tooth removed ?? THIS guy can , thanks everyone . You can all have the day off with pay 🙂 Seriously , thank you ALL for your professionalism and making me feel at ease in a place where that was the LAST thing I expected to feel . Another thing , I went to the beach in New Smyrna right after since I had taken the day off , BONUS 🙂 🙂 🙂

- Keith C

5 out of 5 stars on