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.

For more information about Impacted Wisdom Teeth or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shimane, call our office in Castro Valley, CA at Shimane Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Phone Number 510-885-8720.

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.

For more information about Impacted Wisdom Teeth or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shimane, call our office in Castro Valley, CA at Shimane Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Phone Number 510-885-8720.

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

Shimane Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 137 Wisdom Teeth Removal reviews

Patient Testimonial

Overall I think the process went very smoothly! Will definitely be recommending to friends!

- Amy L

5 out of 5 stars by Amy L on

Patient Testimonial

I really don't like coming to the dentist at all but coming to here with Dr. Shimane, I didn't feel like i was coming in to a regular dentist. Every one goes above and beyond for you and I greatly appreciate that.

- doris c

5 out of 5 stars by doris c on

Patient Testimonial

Coming into this office I was definitely nervous about getting my wisdom teeth pulled out. The staff and Dr. Shimane made me feel at ease throughout the whole process! It was definitely quick and easy as they described and now I am free of my wisdom teeth!

- Matthew A

5 out of 5 stars by Matthew A on

Patient Testimonial

I had a great experience with Dr. Shimane. The procedure was quick, I had very little discomfort, thanks to the staff.

- Victorio C

5 out of 5 stars by Victorio C on

Patient Testimonial

The best dental experience so far

- Meenal K

5 out of 5 stars by Meenal K on

Patient Testimonial

My daughter was very scared to get her wisdom teeth out. From the beginning, they made her feel very comfortable. Thank you so much.

- Victor J

5 out of 5 stars by Victor J on

Patient Testimonial

I was particularly happy to have been contacted by Dr. Shimane following the procedure. Everything went very well and I will certainly recommend the practice.

- Benjamin W

5 out of 5 stars by Benjamin W on