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

Do You Need Relief from Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Don’t suffer any longer! Dr. Bonacci can gently extract wisdom teeth to prevent future complications.

Call us: 703-255-9400

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 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.
An representation of a tooth impacted by soft tissueSoft Tissue
An example of a tooth with a partial bony impactionPartial Bony
An illustration of a tooth completely impacted by boneComplete Bony

Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions: Christopher E. Bonacci, DDS, MD, PC Office Phone Number 703-255-9400

Christopher E. Bonacci, DDS, MD, PC

5 out of 5 stars based on 123 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The procedure was quick and easy. The doctor and staff is very nice. The procedure was also very successful.

- Geoffrey B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Highly recommend Dr. Bonacci. He was transparent about what to a expect before, during, and after surgery. And he is an excellent surgeon! All good. We will be back when my younger son needs his wisdom teeth extracted.

- Jennifer T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Who knew it would be so easy and kind of fun to get my wisdom teeth removed?! Fun, friendly staff and excellent care! Recovery was super easy.

- Greer G

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

A great experience with my boys' back to back wisdom teeth removal

- Kristin C

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very pleased with the care I recieved

- charlie f

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was nervous about getting all of my wisdom teeth removed, but the procedure was smooth and the staff was great! Very pleased with my whole experience!!

- Tim W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

It was a good experience. Everyone in the office was friendly. The procedure went smoothly and the swelling was less than expected.

- Christina Z

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very kind and professional, answered all our questions and made us feel very at ease with the whole procedure!

- Rachel M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I didn't have much swelling at all, everything went fantastically.

- Thomas M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had a great experience - Dr. Bonacci was awesome, the staff was awesome, and I would definitely recommend coming here for any oral surgery.

- Michelle B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Quick and easy, no problems after at all.

- Scott R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

They were very informative and friendly!

- Bridget F

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Staff were extremely nice and informative, very easy to work with especially with a hard schedule like mine.

- Leland J

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

good

- Madeleine E

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

An overall top notch experience. Dr. B. explained everything that would happen with Samuel's surgery, post-op procedures, and a follow-up visit to make sure healing was taking place properly. We followed Dr's instructions and Sam had little swelling and only took Ibuprofen for pain. Couldn't have asked for a better experience and his surgery was a bit complicated. Highly recommend.

- Samuel R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

great experience

- mark m

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Great staff. Very friendly, cordial and helpful. Doctor was very efficient in his work and made both the procedure and recovery process comfortable and easy. Thanks!

- Joseph M

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

best experience ever thanks so much

- heather l

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Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I felt very comfortable about the operation and there were no problems, everyone was very welcoming and helpful.

- Dasha B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Procedure went very well, thanks to everyone!

- Carolyn M

5 out of 5 stars on