Posted on 7/26/2021 by Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin
One of the primary surgeries we perform involves extracting impacted teeth. Normally, the third molars or wisdom teeth, which are supposed to appear between 17 and 25 years old, become impacted because they don't have enough room to emerge.
What Exactly Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that does not appear above the gum, but rests below the gingival tissue when it should appear above the gum. Often wisdom teeth become impacted because of where they are located - far back in the mouth. A tooth may not come through if there is not enough room, or if the tooth is angled or lying on its side beneath the gum. We advise that patients have impacted teeth removed, as they can lead to further dental health problems, such as infections, decay, crowding, and pain. They are hard to maintain, even when they are not impacted.
How We Diagnose an Impacted Tooth
To confirm a diagnosis for an impacted tooth, we need to take x-rays to determine their location and the reason why they are impacted. Getting an x-ray is necessary, as it is the only way we can diagnose an impacted tooth and arrange for an extraction. Sometimes impacted teeth will only partially come through, which, again, causes problems with cleaning and dental hygiene.
The Formation of Cysts
Besides triggering problems with decay, gum infections, or swelling, impacted wisdom teeth can also cause cysts to form - growths that damage nearby teeth, destroy roots, or cause jaw bone loss. Absorption of the neighboring teeth and the bone can also occur.
Do you believe your wisdom teeth are impacted? Maybe you would like to know about the removal of impacted wisdom teeth or extracting wisdom teeth that have come in. If so, give us a call today and schedule an appointment for an exam and consultation. You should not wait to have impacted teeth diagnosed and removed. The earlier you have the teeth extracted, the better the prognosis for continued excellent oral health.
Dental Implants Austin • Dental Blog • Oral Surgery Specialists We perform a variety of procedures in order to correct injuries, defects, and diseases to the head, face, neck, jaws, and tissues of the oral region. Read our Blog! Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin, 5301 Davis Ln, Suite 102, Austin, Texas 78749 • (512) 547-6852 • ossaustin.com • 3/20/2025 • Related Phrases: Dental Implants Austin TX •
One of the primary surgeries we perform involves extracting impacted teeth. Normally, the third molars or wisdom teeth, which are supposed to appear between 17 and 25 years old, become impacted because they don't have enough room to emerge.