Impacted Wisdom Teeth

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.

Side-by-side images of a mouth X-ray showing impacted teeth and a 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

Ridgeline Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 15 Wisdom Teeth reviews

Patient Review By Ken McKenzie M

Had 4 wisdom teeth removed they had cool food stress squeezes that were cool the nurses assistants were very nice and very respectful to me I highly recommended these guys for wisdom teeth extraction removal if you want the bravest patient award for a coffee or an Italian soda if you want!

- Ken McKenzie M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Julie R

I saw Dr. Peterson on March 4 for removal of wisdom teeth. Dr. Peterson and his team provided excellent care for me prior to and during my procedure. Dr. Peterson and his team helped me feel calm and confident. I experienced a remarkable recovery with no severe pain and no swelling.

- Julie R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Julie W

My son Mitchel (20 years of age) had all four wisdom teeth pulled by doctor Lenox during one office visit. Dr. Lenox built a rapport with my son immediately and I remember my son said, "He's cool" on our drive home after the first visit. There were no complications and Mitchel healed quickly. I appreciate that Dr. Lenox explained the home care instructions in detail and checked in on Mitchel while he recovered at home. Dr. Lenox's obvious expertise put Mitchel's mind at ease and he somehow took the tension out of the entire process for both Mitchel and me.

- Julie W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Teasa J

I was in and out so quick. Doctor called and checked up on me the same day. Seriously amazing doctors.

- Teasa J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Lori C

My 14-year-old son had his wisdom teeth removed by Dr Lenox and had an extremely easy recovery. The entire procedure took only an hour and later that day Dr Lenox himself called to check up on him. Although I expected some complaints of pain, but my son never had ANY pain. I was very pleased with how the entire process went and would recommend Dr Lenox to anyone needing their wisdom teeth removed.

- Lori C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Zachary j J

They got me in ASAP and removed all 4 wisdom teeth and they acomadated to my needs, the staff was super friendly and made me feel really comfterble and like they were going to take care of me. Here I sit 4 hours after my operation and I’m completely better than I was before. Recommend time and time again.

- Zachary j J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Mary O

Great service! Everyone was very helpful, friendly and informative. My daughter kept saying how nice everyone was (she was still a little loopy but meant it).

- Mary O

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Kaylee V

They were awesome!

- Kaylee V

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Joseph D

Thanks for your patience while Joey was in recovery. He was very chatty, but all of you were patient and answered any questions we had. Thanks especially to Brent, as he was so understanding while Joey was being readied to leave.

- Joseph D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By alice farias

Everybody was nice and professional great experience there

- alice farias

5 out of 5 stars on

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