Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Russellville, AL
 Human adults develop a total of 32 teeth, the last four of which erupt in your late teens to early 20's. These teeth are the third molars, more commonly known as the wisdom teeth. These teeth are the most common teeth to face a variety of issues that can cause them to become impacted. When the wisdom teeth are impacted, you may be faced with severe pain and other complications. Singing River Dentistry can help to alleviate your pain and restore your oral health with wisdom teeth extractions.
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What Happens When the Wisdom Teeth are Impacted?
For some people, the wisdom teeth come in just like any other adult tooth, and they experience no complications. However, for many, the wisdom teeth become impacted. An impacted tooth is one that cannot erupt properly, or at all, through the gums. There may not be enough room, they may be blocked, or they may be growing at an angle.
While any tooth can become impacted, the wisdom teeth are the ones most frequently affected. When your wisdom teeth are impacted, several issues can occur:
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Localized infections. If your wisdom teeth only partially erupt, they can more easily trap debris and bacteria, which can lead to a localized infection called pericoronitis.
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Cysts. Cysts can develop as a result of tooth impaction or infection. They are small, fluid-filled sacs that, when untreated, continue to grow in size and can destroy the bone mass in your jaw.
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Overcrowding. If your jaw does not have enough room, the wisdom teeth can put pressure on your other teeth, pushing them out of alignment.
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Tooth damage. In some cases, your wisdom teeth may be growing at an angle. If they are angled toward your other teeth, they can cause serious damage. |
How are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Diagnosed?
One of the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is severe pain in the back of the jaw. This pain can interfere with your ability to eat, speak, or even open your mouth. An oral exam is needed to diagnose impacted wisdom teeth. We visually inspect your mouth for signs of erupting wisdom teeth, redness, swelling, and other issues. We also take digital X-rays of your mouth. These images will allow us to see your developing wisdom teeth, cysts, and any damage to your adjacent teeth. If we determine that your wisdom teeth are impacted, we will then create a treatment plan for extraction.
Extracting Your Wisdom Teeth
Typically, there are two ways in which teeth can be extracted, a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. Wisdom teeth are usually removed by using a surgical extraction. Surgical extractions are done under local anesthetic and sedation. First, we make small incisions in your gums, exposing the impacted teeth and surrounding bone. We then remove the teeth. If necessary, bone blocking the teeth are removed, or the teeth may need to be sectioned and then removed in pieces. Once the teeth are fully removed, the surgical sites are sutured closed.
Contact Us Today!
When wisdom teeth are impacted, the best option for restoring your oral health and alleviating your pain is to remove them. If you are experiencing pain in the back of your mouth, call Singing River Dentistry at 256-460-4191 to schedule your consultation today.
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