Impacted teeth occur when teeth fail to fully emerge from the gums, leading to pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, and gum tenderness. Left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to infections or damage adjacent teeth. If you experience these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Sonrisas Dental Center in Austin for evaluation and treatment options.
What are impacted teeth?
Impacted teeth are teeth that do not fully erupt into the mouth, often due to overcrowding, improper alignment, or being blocked by other teeth. This condition most commonly affects wisdom teeth, but others can also be impacted. Impacted teeth can remain partially visible or completely hidden under the gums, leading to discomfort, swelling, or even infection. If left untreated, impacted teeth may cause damage to surrounding teeth or lead to cysts. It’s essential to consult a dentist to determine the best course of treatment.
Symptoms of impacted teeth:
- Pain or discomfort in the gums or jaw
- Swelling or tenderness around the affected area
- Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Headaches or jaw stiffness
- Crowding or shifting of surrounding teeth
- Visible tooth partially emerging through the gums (in partially impacted cases)
Possible consequences of untreated impacted teeth:
- Infections or abscesses in the gums
- Damage to adjacent teeth or roots
- Cysts or tumors forming around the impacted tooth
- Increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease
- Misalignment or shifting of surrounding teeth
- Chronic jaw pain or headaches
- Difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene
- Bite or chewing problems
The solution: impacted tooth extraction
Impacted tooth extraction is a common procedure to remove teeth that are stuck beneath the gums or improperly aligned. This prevents potential complications like infections, damage to nearby teeth, and misalignment. Performed by a skilled dentist or oral surgeon, the extraction can involve removing the tooth entirely or in sections. Depending on the complexity, local anesthesia or sedation is used to ensure comfort. After the procedure, patients experience relief from discomfort and can avoid further oral health issues.
How impacted tooth extraction is performed
Your dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area with local anesthesia or provide sedation for your comfort. They will carefully expose the impacted tooth, sometimes breaking it into smaller sections for easier removal. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity. After extraction, the site is cleaned, and stitches may be placed if needed.
Reasons to get impacted teeth removed:
- Prevent infections or abscesses in the gums
- Avoid damage to adjacent teeth or roots
- Eliminate discomfort, pain, or swelling
- Reduce the risk of cysts or tumors forming
- Prevent misalignment or shifting of other teeth
- Improve oral hygiene by eliminating hard-to-reach areas
- Avoid potential tooth decay or gum disease
- Prevent future complications, including jaw pain or headaches
- Restore proper bite alignment and chewing function
Side effects & recovery
You may experience mild side effects such as swelling, bruising, discomfort, or minor bleeding. These are normal and typically subside within a few days. We recommend rest, using ice packs, and taking prescribed pain medication to manage symptoms. Avoid strenuous activity and follow your dentist’s post-op instructions carefully. Most patients recover fully within 1-2 weeks.
Restore and maintain optimal oral health
Sonrisas Dental Center is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you’re experiencing discomfort or other symptoms from impacted teeth, it’s important to address the issue before complications arise. Our skilled team offers expert evaluation and safe, effective extractions to restore dental health and prevent future problems. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options.
