An impacted tooth is a tooth that has failed to grow in at the expected time and has fully or partially become trapped beneath the gums. Because most human jaws are too small to accommodate these wisdom teeth, these molars are especially prone to becoming impacted. When wisdom teeth are impacted or grow in sideways it can cause discomfort and damage to nearby teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are also the perfect environment for bacteria and germs to hide, causing infections and other problems.
For impacted wisdom teeth, the most common procedure is extraction. This will protect your oral health and your overall health by preventing future complications that can arise when these teeth become impacted. If you or your dentist suspect that you/your child have an impacted wisdom tooth, the Doctors at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery will give you a complete evaluation and will plan to remove your wisdom teeth at their comfortable and welcoming practices located in Avon, Glastonbury, and Enfield.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
It’s possible that your wisdom teeth are impacted and are not yet causing any uncomfortable symptoms. However, if your impacted wisdom teeth begin to shift or become infected, you may notice some of the following things:
- Swelling of the gums behind or near your back molars
- Pain when opening the mouth
- Pain or sensitivity around the back molars, especially while eating
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
It is important that you/your child see your family dentist regularly for dental exams so that the wisdom teeth can be tracked before they start to emerge or cause oral health problems.
Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you or your child has been recommended for wisdom teeth removal we encourage you to contact Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery. You’re in excellent hands with our trusted and experienced surgeons — all of them are oral and maxillofacial specialists, highly trained in wisdom teeth removal. A member of our front office will be happy schedule an initial consultation with one of our surgeons to begin the process of creating a treatment plan for you or your child’s surgery. We look forward to providing the very best care for you and your loved ones.