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 tooth cleaning.
  • Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space to allow the wisdom tooth to erupt partially. 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 the 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

Connecticut Center for Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery, PC

5 out of 5 stars based on 7 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Review

From preparation to post op care Dr. Gady is caring, knowledgeable, and talented. He followed up the evening of surgery, and I texted with concerns on days off and he responded very timely. Appropriate medications were called in to pharmacy, and he made sure I was doing well with the medication while healing. Dr. Gady reassured my family of any concerns and took his time to make sure we understood his explanations.

- Dhani B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dr. Gady is absolute fabulous. He tales time to explain the treatment and procedures before work is done. I had my wisdom teeth extracted and he did an amazing job. I experienced no pain. He also took time to explain the recovery phase and he and his staff were incredibly supportive. My son and daughter have also seen him. He is the best! We love him and would recommend him highly.

- Birgit S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Positive experience.

- Karen D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I felt so at ease; overall great experience!

- Sierra M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

This place was very friendly and guided me step by step through my wisdom tooth procedure, along with follow up days after the surgery. I would recommend this place to a friend.

- Tyna D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Luckily I won't need any additional wisdom teeth taken out, but if I ever end up needing any type of oral surgery again, I'm going back to Dr. Gady! He and his staff are great!!

- Michael W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dr. Gady made me feel very comfortable about my procedure. He took the time to explain my situation. He is a very kind hearted Doctor and I would certainly return to him.

- Martin B

5 out of 5 stars on