Impacted Wisdom Teeth | Bend, OR
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.
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.
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 Tissue
Partial Bony
Complete BonyKrueger & Lenox Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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
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
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
Patient Review By John S.
My husband is 62 and needed his wisdom teeth pulled. We were aware, given his age, the procedure could be a little more involved. We were a bit nervous going to Dr. Welch because there weren't too many reviews on his performance. BUT, after meeting with him, his kind, calm demeanor and confidence put us at ease. He did say that, with age, the sinus bone does get larger and the roots to my husband's wisdom teeth were very close to this bone, so there was a likely chance the bone could break making healing longer. Not only did the extractions go quickly, but the bone stayed intact. Dr. Welch checked in on him that night as well. He has such a kind demeanor, great at what he does; we were so pleased with him in every aspect. HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR. WELCH. As a side note, over 10 yrs ago, I went to Dr. Krueger for some involved surgery. He too was great - demeanor and skill. It's nice to see that from the ladies in the office to the doctors, there's a common thread. Again, highly recommend.
- John S.
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
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
Patient Review By Jillian G
I was so impressed with Dr. Krueger. I was very nervous going into my procedure and his calm and positive demeanor made me feel so much better. He called the evening of my surgery to check up on me and make sure everything was okay. I would highly recommend him. Thank you so much!
- Jillian G
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
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
Patient Review By Morgan J
Getting my wisdom teeth out was so simple, and almost painless! Dr. Krueger and his staff were very kind and made the whole procedure so much easier.
- Morgan J