When inadequate space prevents the teeth from erupting properly, the teeth are considered impacted. It’s very common for people to have inadequate space in their jaws to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. As a result, these molars are especially prone to becoming impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and damage to nearby teeth and are an ideal environment for bacteria and germs to cause infections and other problems.
Types of Impactions
During your consultation with one of our oral surgeons, we will take scans of your jaws to determine if there is room for your wisdom teeth to erupt normally, if and how they are impacted, and how difficult it will be to extract them. If your teeth are impacted, they typically will be positioned in one of three ways:
- Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room around the teeth to properly clean them, causing an increased risk of decay and gum disease.
- Partial Bony Impaction: There is enough space for the wisdom tooth to partially erupt, but it can’t function properly in the mouth.
- Complete Bony Impaction: There is no space for the tooth to erupt so it stays embedded in the jaw bone and requires surgery for removal.
For impacted wisdom teeth, the most common procedure is extraction. This will protect your oral health by preventing future complications that can arise when these teeth become impacted. If you or your dentist suspect that you or your child have an impacted wisdom tooth, please contact us for a complete evaluation with Dr. Morgan, Dr. N. Morio, or Dr. W. Morio. They can perform the procedure at their comfortable and state-of-the-art practice in Hiawatha, IA.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Your wisdom teeth can be impacted without causing 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
For impacted wisdom teeth to be addressed before they start to emerge or cause oral health problems, it is important that you/your child see your family dentist regularly for dental exams and imaging.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth in Hiawatha, IA
If you or your child have been recommended for wisdom teeth removal or are suffering symptoms of impaction, we encourage you to contact Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa. Drs. Morgan, Morio, and Morio are trusted and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons and highly trained in extracting wisdom teeth. Please call our practice to schedule an initial consultation to plan the treatment process for you or your child’s surgery. We look forward to caring for you and your loved ones.