Impacted Wisdom Teeth • Cranberry Township

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.

Are Your Impacted Wisdom Teeth Causing You Pain?

Don’t suffer any longer! Cranberry Oral Surgery can gently extract impacted wisdom teeth to relieve pain and prevent future complications.

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.

Wisdom Teeth impacted in jaw: Patient x-ray on the left and illustration on the right

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.
Jaw illustration: Impacted lower Wisdom Teeth affecting the soft tissueSoft Tissue
Jaw illustration: Partial Bony Impaction by lower Wisdom ToothPartial Bony
Jaw illustration: Complete Bony Impaction by lower Wisdom ToothComplete Bony

Patient Reviews: Wisdom Teeth Removal

Please read testimonials from our patients about their experiences at Cranberry Oral Surgery. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hitchan, please call our Cranberry Township office: Cranberry Township Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 724-779-7999

Cranberry Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 3 Wisdom Teeth reviews.

Patient Testimonial by Mary H

I'm grateful that this office is located so close to home for me. Dr. Hitchan relieved so much pain for me by extracting my wisdom teeth and his extensive knowledge of the subject helped guide me to a quick and effective recovery. Diane went above and beyond in comforting me before, during, and after my procedure. Going into surgery had me terribly anxious, but Diane talked me through all of my worries. She stayed by my side every moment that I needed her and checked on me constantly, ensuring that I was comfortable and feeling okay. I felt so calm and safe having her there with me. Even after my surgery, Dr. Hitchan personally called to check on me, which made me feel like more than just another surgery or another patient. I knew that he genuinely cared about my recovery, which is so rare to find in a doctor. The care I was given by this office is unlike anywhere else. Dr. Hitchan and his staff are exemplary medical professionals and I am so grateful for everything they have done for me and my family.

- Mary H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Susan L

The entire process from the initial appointment to the actual surgery was handled professionally and efficiently. The team, specifically Diane, contacted all insurance carriers prior to the procedure and provided an estimate of the out of pocket costs, including different scenarios that may occur so no "surprises" regarding out of pocket expenses were reviewed. Prior to surgery, 2 calls from Diane were received to review pre & post op protocol. Prescriptions were mailed prior to surgery day. We filled prior to day of surgery and did not have to be concerned with on day of surgery. We were able to focus on post-op protocol, recovery and healing. On day of surgery, team were very comforting to my daughter who was anxious about procedure. All were supportive and patient with her. After surgery, Dr. Hitchan and Diane reviewed what was performed, what to expect and to contact them if any issues or questions arose. The post-op handout provided is a great reference tool and was of value. Overall I highly recommend Dr. Hitchan and his team for any oral procedure needed. They are truly AMAZING! Thanks to all for your professionalism, support and caring, it is very much appreciated.

- Susan L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Brooke B

I am so afraid of the dentist but my visit to get my wisdom teeth out was the most comfortable and relaxed experience. They knew exactly how to make me calm and I was in and out in no time !

- Brooke B

5 out of 5 stars on