With careful monitoring and routine dental visits, it is possible to minimize the risk of conditions such as impacted teeth. Yet, that’s not always possible. In some situations, tooth impaction even becomes an emergency where impacted tooth removal is necessary. If you need help with your oral health, including impacted wisdom teeth, we encourage you to call Lovett Dental Webster right away.
What Are Impacted Teeth?
Tooth impaction occurs when one or more teeth are lurking under the surface of the gums, unable to come out. Alternatively, it can also refer to teeth that are misaligned so that when they emerge, they damage other teeth. It is somewhat common for impacted teeth to lead to early decay, infections, and nerve damage. The best option is to have them treated right away.
Impacted teeth may:
- Cause other teeth to become misaligned.
- Increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Increase the risk of infections.
- Cause tooth loss.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are Common
It is very common for the wisdom teeth to be impacted. These teeth, which come in generally when you are around 18 to 25 years old, often come in in the wrong position. They may also not come in fully, leading to pain and discomfort. Impacted wisdom teeth can be removed early on to avoid this. We often recommend impacted teeth removal early on, even before the wisdom teeth come in, to ensure they are properly maintained.
Tooth Impaction at a Younger Age
Impacted teeth can occur in other areas as well. For example, in children around 10 to 12, some canine teeth may not come in properly. When this happens, it can cause other teeth to become misaligned and, in many cases, it can lead to intense pain and discomfort. In these impacted teeth, we may recommend orthodontics to help properly align them.
What You Can Expect During Impacted Teeth Removal
In situations where there is damage is significant or the risks are high, and in most cases of impacted wisdom teeth, we may recommend tooth removal. This is done in a surgical setting in our office. You will have general anesthesia, which will significantly reduce any risk of pain or discomfort to you.
An oral surgeon will open up the gum line to remove the tooth. This is done in a very safe environment. While there are risks to it, they are minimal. Generally, the entire procedure takes less than an hour unless there are complications due to a broken tooth. After, you will have stitches in place that will dissolve over time.
After tooth impaction removal, you may also have to wait to eat and take antibiotics to help to reduce the risk of infection. In most cases, the area will heal over well within a matter of days and fully heal in a few weeks.
Improving Your Oral Health
There are times when our team will recommend additional treatments for you before or after impacted teeth removal. This allows us to help improve your oral health and handle any risks you may have that limit your smile. Some of the services we may request include the following:
- Cosmetic dentistry services
- General dental cleanings
- Periodontal disease treatment
- Oral surgery services
- Dental implant services
Take the Time to Call Lovett Dental Webster for an Appointment Today
Impacted teeth can be treated right away when you call Lovett Dentist Webster. If you have impacted wisdom teeth or you suspect tooth impaction in your other teeth, we encourage you to call us right away to learn more about how we can help you. Our impacted teeth removal services are available. To get a consultation, call 832.909.1469, or contact us online for immediate help.