Impacted wisdom teeth

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Houston TX

A Common Dental Condition

9 out of 10

Did you know that 9 out of 10 dental patients will develop at least one impacted wisdom tooth during their lifetime? This makes impacted third molars the most common reason for oral surgery, particularly wisdom teeth removal.

32 teeth, 28 spaces

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?

The typical adult mouth has room for only 28 teeth — that’s enough to accommodate incisors, canines, premolars, and second molars. However, third molars — commonly called “wisdom teeth” — are the last to develop. When they attempt to grow in, they often encounter limited space in the jaw, leading to impaction.

Impacted wisdom teeth are those that do not fully emerge from the gums or erupt at an incorrect angle. This can lead to a variety of complications, including:

  • Gum infections
  • Jaw fractures
  • Damage to adjacent teeth

At Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we specialize in impacted wisdom teeth extraction in Houston TX and utilize the latest techniques to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

To learn more about our expert training and approach, visit Why Choose an Oral Surgeon?.

What does it mean if a tooth is impacted?

An impacted tooth is one that has not erupted properly into the mouth. Instead of growing upright, wisdom teeth often come in:

  • Sideways
  • Tilted forward or backward
  • Partially through the gumline
  • Completely trapped below the jawbone surface

Even when symptoms are not present, impacted wisdom teeth are at high risk for future complications. That’s why early evaluation and, in many cases, timely extraction are highly recommended.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions

Angulation
  • Mesial Impaction: The most common type of impaction, the tooth is angled forward toward the front of the mouth.
  • Horizontal Impaction: The tooth is lying on its side.
  • Distal Impaction: The tooth is angled toward the rear of the mouth.
  • Vertical Impaction: This indicates an almost-normal orientation, where the tooth is mostly upright.
Tissue type
  • Soft Tissue Impaction: The upper portion of the tooth has erupted through the bone but not all the way through the soft (gum) tissue.
  • Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth is still mostly located within the jawbone, although a small portion has pushed through.
  • Full Bony Impaction: The entire tooth still lies within the jawbone.
Soft tissue
Partial bony
Complete bony

When to Consider Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Houston TX

If you’ve been told you have impacted wisdom teeth, you’re far from alone. At Memorial Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we regularly perform safe, comfortable impacted wisdom teeth extraction in Houston TX, even for the most complex cases.

Our board-certified oral surgeons are trained to handle every stage of wisdom tooth evaluation, surgical planning, and post-operative follow-up. We use advanced imaging and sedation techniques to make the process as effortless and painless as possible for our patients.

Benefits of Choosing Memorial OMS

  • Expertise and Credentials: Our surgeons are extensively trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery, offering the highest level of care possible.
  • Advanced Technology: We utilize 3D imaging and minimally invasive techniques to improve surgical precision.
  • Comfort and Safety: We offer various sedation options and ensure your experience is seamless from consultation to recovery.
  • Comprehensive Services: From wisdom tooth removal to dental implants, our practice is fully equipped to meet your needs in one place.

Our Commitment to Your Oral Health

If impacting wisdom teeth are not addressed early, they can result in long-term issues, including cyst formation, gum disease, and damage to nearby teeth. That’s why early evaluation by a specialist is key.

At Memorial OMS, we take the time to explain your condition clearly, present treatment options, and work with you to create a plan that fits your needs. Your comfort, safety, and health are our top priorities.

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