We’ve all been there.
“But Doc! Really. I feel fine! Are you sure I need my wisdom teeth removed? My wisdom teeth haven’t even come in yet!” Chances are, you’ve asked the same question.
You go in for your normal, 6-month dental check-up and your doctor notes it may be time for your wisdom teeth to be removed. However, you haven’t experienced any pain or discomfort...yet.
“Why would I get my wisdom teeth taken out?”
You start calculating costs in your head and begin planning out how long you can put off this common, necessary procedure. At that point, your doctor begins to explain why now may be the best time to have your teeth removed - before your wisdom teeth become impacted and the pain and symptoms begin.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Having impacted wisdom teeth is very common and can occur when teeth simply don’t have enough room in the mouth/jaw to develop normally. Sometimes wisdom teeth can become partially exposed or not exposed at all (meaning you won’t see the wisdom teeth above the gumline).
The truth is, you may be feeling just fine, but a simple x-ray or 3D CBCT scan may reveal impacted teeth. Dealing with impacted teeth now can prevent future dental problems that can result in severe issues/pain.
What types of impacted wisdom teeth exist?
When it comes to impacted wisdom teeth, there are few different types/categories of impaction that could be affecting you -- horizontal, vertical, and angular (distal or mesial).
Horizontal Impaction
This occurs when the teeth grow sideways, completely underneath the gums.
As the tooth grows horizontally, over time it can cause excruciating pain as it tries to push the molar forward.
If an x-ray or 3D CBCT scan can confirm horizontal impaction, then a tooth extraction surgery is then encouraged. Our surgeons at OSSA are highly trained and skilled in extracting horizontally impacted wisdom teeth. You’ll truly be in excellent hands.
Vertical Impaction
This can happen when a tooth may be growing vertically, but then causes intense rubbing or pushing from beneath, which then affects the adjacent molar.
Your doctor will be able to assess and create a plan to best treat vertical tooth impaction.
Angular Impaction
Angular impaction is best evaluated and treated by confirming either distal (the tooth is angled towards the back of the mouth) or mesial (the tooth is angled towards the front of the mouth).
While distal impaction is uncommon, our OSSA team can determine the best course of action to determine whether or not this tooth needs to be removed.
Mesial impaction is the most common type of impacted tooth and involves partial eruptions. Your OSSA oral surgeon can monitor, get a better view via x-ray or 3D CBCT scan, and determine if an extraction is necessary.
What are symptoms of impacted teeth?
Your impacted teeth are now starting to affect you, but how can you know that these symptoms are in line with those of impacted wisdom teeth?
Ask yourself if you are currently or have been experiencing:
Difficulty opening your mouth
Bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth
Jaw pain
Bleeding gums
Swelling of your gums or jaw
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta to have your symptoms evaluated. Don’t wait and let these symptoms worsen.
How can Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta help me with my impacted wisdom teeth?
At Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta, our oral surgeons specialize in wisdom tooth extraction. Our goal is to make sure you are fully informed by answering any questions that you may have before your procedure.
Through thorough oral examinations and dental x-rays/CBCT scans, we can determine the best treatment for you. We take our time and value our patient-surgeon collaboration. We will do everything in our power to ensure that you have a comfortable and rapid recovery following your surgery.
[NOTE: we created PDF printable post-operative teeth extraction instructions for your convenience so be sure to check them out!]
What do I do now?
Do not wait until the pain becomes so intense that your dental and overall health becomes compromised. We believe in prevention.
You are in excellent hands with our highly experienced oral surgeons.
Schedule an appointment today by calling 470-427-2854 or by completing our online form found at https://www.oralsurgeryspecialistsatlanta.com/contact. We look forward to serving you and your family.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278239113004205
