A tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough space for it to erupt. This is common for wisdom teeth, the last permanent teeth to come in. Oral surgeons can remove impacted teeth with minimal pain, discomfort, and damage to the surrounding teeth.
Impacted teeth have to do with how the teeth erupt and develop, leading to children struggling with an impacted tooth at varying stages of development. However, when oral surgeons discover impacted teeth in older patients, they are usually wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, the wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, two on the bottom jaw and two on the upper jaw. They typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, although they can develop earlier. In some cases, it is possible to remove them before they erupt.
In rare cases, wisdom teeth do not cause any problems for patients. However, it is more common for impacted wisdom teeth to develop and cause issues. When these teeth first become impacted, they may lead to jaw pain and swelling, facial pain, trouble opening the mouth, chronic bad breath, and swollen, tender, or bleeding gums at the back of the mouth. If left alone, impacted wisdom teeth may eventually result in tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, infection, and cysts and tumors. They are also likely to damage the other molars.
It is recommended to see an oral surgeon as soon as a patient notices their wisdom teeth are coming in. A dental provider will be able to tell if the wisdom teeth are erupting during a routine dental cleaning. However, patients should watch for the signs of impacted teeth. Note that the tops of the wisdom teeth may also be felt with the tongue or visible to the naked eye (they will look like small, white flecks).
To ensure the problem is an impacted tooth, the oral surgeon will examine the mouth and screen the patient for other dental conditions. To confirm a diagnosis, they will need to take dental X-rays of the area. X-rays are a surefire way to reveal impacted wisdom teeth. They may also uncover damage to the wisdom teeth, the surrounding teeth, or the jawbone.
Extraction is the most effective treatment for impacted wisdom teeth. While surgery can cause anxiety, wisdom teeth extraction is a safe and straightforward procedure. The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gums, remove the parts of the bone that are blocking the tooth, and then extract the tooth.
The patient can go home right after wisdom tooth extraction. However, they should expect to take a few days to a week off work or school to recover. The oral surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication for discomfort and provide cold compresses for inflammation.
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If you or your child has noticed the signs of impacted wisdom teeth, visit our Morris Plains oral surgeon. Our team can take a closer look at the problem and recommend next steps. Call Morris Oral Surgery & Implant Center today to schedule an appointment.
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