Wisdom Teeth

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons at UCSF Medical Center specialize in dento-alveolar surgery, which includes a range of procedures for various diseases of the teeth and their supporting hard and soft tissues. The most common type of dento-alveolar surgery is the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.

Most people start getting their third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, in their late teens or early 20s. However, in many instances, wisdom teeth become "impacted," meaning that they do not fully "erupt" through the gums into the mouth. This may occur because there is not enough room in the jaw for the teeth, they grow in the wrong direction or are blocked by another tooth. As a result, the tooth can become trapped beneath the jawbone.

For more information to make an appointment, please call:
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center (415) 476-1316

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007