Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts – El Segundo CA

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

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.

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.

Do You Need Relief from Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Don’t suffer any longer! Drs. Cheung or Ho can gently extract wisdom teeth to prevent future complications.

Call Us Today!
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

Read Our Patient Reviews

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Arts

5 out of 5 stars based on 30 Wisdom Teeth reviews

Patient Review By Emily G

Greatest Experience Ever !! The Dr and Staff makes things so easy. Definitely would recommend.

- Emily G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Ethan C

Every staff member seemed to enjoy what they do. They made me fell very welcome and safe. Honestly a great team relationship at this establishment.

- Ethan C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Evelin F

Overall a great experience. thank you

- Evelin F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Blanch L

Story time! So about a month ago I started to have pain in my right lower side of my mouth due to never getting my wisdom teeth pulled. I was referred to So Cal oral surgical arts by my primary dentist. When I first called, I spoke to Linda, She was very helpful! She was able to explain the rundown for me and scheduled me for a consultation. On the day of my consultation, I had to take a X-Ray, I met Ale and she helped me with that. She was super cool and really nice! then I met Dr. Ho. Very nice guy. Knowledgeable and straight forward. Explained the pros and cons of the surgery at ease. On the way out, I scheduled my surgery with the help of Mari. She was very nice and helpful! Mari was able to meet my needs with my schedule and make a date for my surgery. She also Explained the Don'ts the night before. Surgery time! On the day of my surgery, Mari made sure that I didn't eat or drink anything 6 hours before, otherwise I'd have to reschedule. The wait time was short and I went in. I was greeted by Val. Shes got me ready to go for my surgery and hooked me up to the BP and o2 sat machine. Super nice and easy to talk to! She was able to calm my anxiety and reassured me that ill be okay and how i would feel after the procedure and stuff. Once I was done, Val walked me out to the waiting room and explained to my wife and I about how to take care of my self for the next couple of days. I scheduled my follow up with Mari for next week. All in all, my experience here at this location was 5 stars! I myself, work in the medical field. What I can say is this... Without the help of my CNA's at my job, I will fall. Same thing here, Without the help of the front desk and the assistants in the back, they would fall. They are your backbone. So Thank you to Mari, Linda, Val and Ale for doing a wonderful job and helping me get through my surgery at ease.

- Blanch L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Kanisha L

I am like the BIGGEST coward when it comes to getting dental work done...Dr. Cheung and his staff assured me I was in good hands and I ABSOLUTELY was!...I wasn’t experiencing any pain when I got there, and have not felt any pain since my wisdom tooth removal...I wish I could sign this office up for all my dental services!...A1, 5 Star dental service!...

- Kanisha L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Lyanne C

I was really nervous about my wisdom teeth removal at first, but I'm glad that my experience here made it go by really smoothly.

- Lyanne C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Isidro D

Amazing staff and doctors. The staff I would highly recommend for your procedures done with would be with Dr. Tsai and Jailine assisting. Thanking you for the great experience!

- Isidro D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Fariba T

Dr. Ho is the best. My son was so worried because his friends had bad experiences with their wisdom tooth removal with their doctors. My son was so relieved When he came home, my husband was very impressed too, it was his first time there. Thank you so much doctor. I will send you patients. My sister is a dentist at western dental , I will tell her how great everything went.

- Fariba T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Ana I

Doctor and staffs were so welcoming and make you feel very comfortable. My procedure was overall really good.

- Ana I

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By brian h

such a great staff

- brian h

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Beatriz F

My wisdom tooth was extracted by Dr. Cheung. I was very surprised with the procedure, it was quick and painless, couldn't have gone smoother. Dr. Cheung did a great job with the removal, extremely skilled and personable. His staff was efficient and knowledgeable and friendly I instantly felt at ease, I highly recommend them.

- Beatriz F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Cecilia D

Everyone here was nice and I felt very comfortable. Dr. Sagong was great. I would definitely come back here if needed.

- Cecilia D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Christian W

Friendly and courteous staff. Great skill and knowledge from doctor.

- Christian W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By AMOYA A

I was nervous at first but they assured me that everything was going to be ok and walked me through the procedure step by step a few times before to ensure that I understood what will happen. They offer really great service in a clean environment.

- AMOYA A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Aaron L

I can't say enough about Dr. Ho. The sheer thought of having my wisdom tooth extracted wasn't the most comforting emotion. The location of my impaction was close to the nerve which Dr. Ho advised me of the possible complications. Before Dr. Ho arrived the staff had me watch a video to educate me about the procedure. Once Dr. Ho arrived he was straight forward about the possible side effects of nerve damage. Being my only option was to extract the wisdom tooth I simply didn't have a choice. Dr. Ho made me feel relaxed about the surgery and was beyond professional. I elected to go under and next thing I remembered was being awaken by the assistant. I had no pain and minor bleeding and swelling. Dr. Ho is very gentle and his level of schooling made me feel at ease even more. Dr. Ho is truly God sent and turned my suffering into relief. I HIGHLY recommend this guy to anyone that is need of Oral surgery, reconstruction and cosmetics. Thank you so much Dr. Ho...I Love You Man!!!

- Aaron L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Cary S

I just had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted. The procedure was quick and painless. Dr. Yagoubian was very friendly as well as his assistants. I would highly recommend this dental group to anyone in need of dental work. 5 Stars!

- Cary S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Cory e

My daughter is coming in tomorrow for the same procedure. i will recommend this group of physicians to everyone... especially Dr. Cheung. I trust him so much being in his hands! That is a great feeling to have when bringing your kids in to have any procedure done. Thank you!!!!!!

- Cory e

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Nina M

Great Staff and wonderful doctor. made the experience so much better than I thought it would be.

- Nina M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Niloofar S

I had an excellent experience Dr. Benjamin was superfast and he is No. 1. I didn't feel anything. The nurse was very kind and I am so happy.

- Niloofar S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Daniel C

The staff was very friendly and very professional. We were referred to this office and are so thankful for their service. We would definitely recommend this office to others.

- Daniel C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Saurabu G

I had dental implants from Dr. Cheung and my experience was great. The staff was professional, kind, caring & would take time to explain and listen to my concerns. I would definitely recommend them to my family & friends.

- Saurabu G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Arline M

Everyone was very nice. The set up of procedure impressive. Decor beautiful, and clean-very!

- Arline M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Maria H

I've been coming to Dr. Cheung's office for several years. He has seen all my family, my husband, daughter, and I am so happy with the results after having my teeth removed and getting dental implants. The staff makes you feel like your part of a family.

- Maria H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Megan P

My visit was excellent, staff very kind and extremely accommodating. Dr. Ho was very nice, and did a great job.

- Megan P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Jesus A

Dr. Ho knew exactly what he was doing, and that made it easier on me. He provided very helpful information, very knowledgable, and the procedure was so fast and easy. Definitely coming back for the remainder of my wisdom teeth extractions.

- Jesus A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Mateo E.

First surgery experience and wouldn't have had a better experience

- Mateo E.

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By steven r.

pretty good experience, great customer service, they answered all my questions and they were very helpful.

- steven r.

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Jesica L.

My wisdom teeth surgery went very smooth. Dr. Cheung was very gentle. Dr. Cheung called me that night to follow up with me!

- Jesica L.

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Ignacio L.

I had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. Cheung. My surgery went by so fast, I don't even remember falling asleep. The Staff members were so nice and helpful. They made me feel comfortable throughout my whole visit. Thank you for the great patient care!

- Ignacio L.

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Bob S.

Amazing!

- Bob S.

5 out of 5 stars on