Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when these third molars fail to fully emerge through the gum line or become trapped beneath the gum tissue and jawbone. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and adjacent teeth or bone damage. Our oral surgeon in Huntersville, NC, often removes impacted wisdom teeth to alleviate painful symptoms, prevent oral health complications, and preserve overall dental well-being. 

By removing impacted wisdom teeth, individuals can avoid future issues such as overcrowding, misalignment, gum disease, and cyst formation, ensuring optimal oral health and comfort in the long run. 

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

• Impacted wisdom teeth can cause persistent or intermittent pain in the back of the mouth, jaw, or adjacent teeth. 
• The gum tissue surrounding impacted wisdom teeth may become swollen, tender, and inflamed. 
• Impacted wisdom teeth can limit jaw mobility, making it challenging to open the mouth thoroughly. 
• Bacteria trapped around impacted wisdom teeth can lead to bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth. 
• Impacted wisdom teeth can interfere with proper chewing and biting, causing discomfort or difficulty eating certain foods. 

Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

Lack of Sufficient Space 

• One of the primary reasons for wisdom teeth impaction is the limited space available in the jaw. As the last set of molars to emerge, wisdom teeth may encounter obstacles if there isn't enough room to grow correctly. 
• In cases where the jaw is too small or crowded, wisdom teeth may become wedged against adjacent teeth or trapped beneath the gum line, leading to impaction. 

Improper Alignment 

• Wisdom teeth may develop at an angle or tilted position, making it challenging to erupt appropriately through the gum tissue. This improper alignment can occur due to genetic factors, jaw size, or developmental abnormalities. 
• When wisdom teeth grow at an angle, they may push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding, misalignment, or damage to adjacent tooth structures. Contact us today to learn more! 

Obstacles in the Path of Eruption 

• Various obstacles within the oral cavity can impede the eruption of wisdom teeth. Adjacent teeth, bone structure, or soft tissue may obstruct the path of wisdom teeth as they attempt to emerge. 
• If obstacles block the way, wisdom teeth may become impacted, leading to pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with impaction. 

Delayed Eruption 

• Sometimes, wisdom teeth may experience delayed eruption, meaning they take longer to emerge than expected. Delayed eruption can occur due to tooth impaction or developmental or anatomical abnormalities. 
• Due to the delayed eruption, wisdom teeth may become impacted or fail to fully emerge through the gum line, increasing the risk of impaction-related complications. 

The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process 

Consultation and Evaluation 

The wisdom teeth extraction process typically begins with an initial consultation with our oral surgeon at The Center For Oral Surgery & Dental Implants. During this appointment, the dental professional will thoroughly examine the patient's oral health, including taking X-rays to assess the position and alignment of the wisdom teeth. Based on this evaluation, the oral surgeon will determine whether extraction is necessary and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs. 

Preparation for Surgery 

Before the extraction procedure, patients will receive instructions on preparing for surgery, which may include fasting before the appointment and arranging for transportation to and from the dental office or surgical center. Depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient's medical history, sedation or anesthesia options may be discussed to ensure comfort and relaxation during the procedure. 

Extraction Procedure 

On the extraction day, the patient will be escorted to the treatment area, where our oral surgeon will administer the chosen form of anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the oral surgeon will carefully remove the wisdom teeth using specialized instruments and techniques. In cases where the teeth are impacted or deeply rooted, a small incision may be made in the gums to access the teeth more easily. 

Post-Operative Care and Recovery 

Patients will receive detailed instructions for post-operative care and recovery after the extraction procedure. This may include guidelines for managing pain and swelling and recommendations for diet and oral hygiene practices during the healing process. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and certain foods that may interfere with healing. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing progress and remove any sutures if necessary. 

The Benefits of Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

• Alleviates pain and discomfort associated with impacted wisdom teeth 
• Prevents potential dental issues such as infection, decay, and gum disease 
• Reduces the risk of damage to adjacent teeth and surrounding oral structures 
• Improves oral hygiene by eliminating hard-to-reach areas where food particles and bacteria can accumulate 
• Prevents overcrowding and misalignment of teeth, preserving proper dental alignment 
• Enhances overall oral health and reduces the likelihood of future dental problems 
• Promotes better chewing function and prevents interference with bite alignment 
• Reduces the risk of cysts or tumors developing around impacted wisdom teeth 
• Improves overall quality of life by eliminating chronic dental pain and discomfort 

Removing impacted wisdom teeth offers numerous benefits for patients, ranging from pain relief and prevention of dental issues to preservation of oral structures and enhancement of overall well-being. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, visit The Center For Oral Surgery & Dental Implants at 9713 Northcross Center Court, Suite 100, Huntersville, NC 28078, or call (704) 875-8833 to explore treatment options and achieve a healthier, happier smile.