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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.

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. xray and drawering

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.

soft impaction
Soft Tissue

partial bony - UT Dentistry - San Antonio
Partial Bony

complete bone - UT Dentistry - San Antonio
Complete Bony


Learn About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth Management

Available Practices

The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Faculty & Resident Clinic

We offer surgical services for those who need removal of teeth, replacement of teeth with dental implants, correction of their bites and facial cosmetic surgery. Top services: dental implants, TMJ (jaw joint) treatment, wisdom teeth removal, extractions, bone grafts and cleft lip and palate treatment.

Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice

Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice

Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Make an Appointment

UT Health San Antonio<br />
Dentistry 8210 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX 78229

UT Health San Antonio
Dentistry

8210 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229

210-450-3700

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