What Causes Teeth To Become Impacted?

Teeth become impacted when there is not enough room in your mouth to develop fully. Between the ages of 17 and 25, the wisdom teeth start to emerge behind the second molars. But, if your mouth is too crowded or the tooth cannot break through the gum line, the teeth become impacted (trapped).

Often the impacted teeth are not causing any pain or symptoms, but your dentist will discover the issue during your routine X-ray. In some cases, you experience pain when opening your mouth or chewing or have bleeding or red and swollen gums leading up to an impacted tooth trying to come through the gum line.

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Oral Surgery Procedure      

We will take a 3D scan to identify the location of the tooth.

Then, your Birmingham or Roseville specialist will expose the impacted tooth by making a small incision in your gum line. Your gum is pushed back to expose the tooth, and an orthodontic bracket is attached. The bracket or gold chain is cemented to the tooth, and dissolving stitches are used to close the incision. Your surgeon may place a special orthodontic bandage over the exposed tooth to help with post-op discomfort.

While there may be tenderness in the area for the next four to five days, the discomfort won’t impede work or school schedules. Over time, the bracket will slowly guide the tooth into position. However, if there is no room in your mouth, the tooth will be extracted.      

How Do I Know If Oral Surgery Is Right For Me?

The sooner our dentists can address your dental concern, the sooner you will feel better. Often if your impacted tooth will negatively affect other teeth or has already caused damage to the gum line, we will perform a surgical tooth extraction.

Oral Surgery Recovery

Your oral surgery will take about one hour and is generally performed with local patient anesthesia.

Total recovery from the procedure is about seven to 10 days. Still, most people can return to their daily activities using over-the-counter pain relievers for mild to moderate discomfort. We will do everything we can to keep you as comfortable as possible. We will also provide our after-hours number in case of any concerns that may arise after hours.

Oral Surgery Results        

To ensure you experience the best oral surgery Birmingham has to offer, our dedicated dental team will provide a specific post-operative plan for your care.

If a bracket was placed to bring the tooth into place, you would have multiple office visits over a period of time until the tooth is in its proper location. If your tooth was extracted, you might be fitted for a dental bridge or spacer to keep your teeth and jaw appropriately aligned.

Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation With Whole Dental Wellness Today

Avoid dental complications and schedule a routine checkup. If you are experiencing any tooth pain, our caring team of dentists will solve your dental concern. Hopefully, tooth extraction is the last option, but if you or your child are suffering from impacted teeth, our team of Birmingham and Roseville dental specialists at Whole Dental Wellness is here to help alleviate your pain and bring back your smile.

Oral Surgery FAQs

Will it hurt?                            

A local anesthetic or twilight anesthesia is used during your oral surgery. You will not feel any pain during your procedure.

What are the risks?                            

Complications are rare, but side effects include swelling, redness, and tenderness at the impacted site. Your mild to moderate pain or discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.

How much does it cost?

Oral surgery costs will vary with each patient. The price depends on the severity of the impacted teeth, how the teeth affected the gum line and if it requires repair, whether or not there is infection and involves cleaning and a multitude of other factors. However, your oral surgeon will develop a customized treatment plan for you or your child’s situation. We will discuss the cost and inform you of our payment and financing options as well.

Does my insurance cover it?

We will work with your insurance provider and inform you of your coverage options for your convenience. If there is a difference in coverage from what you will owe, we will tell you the cost before your procedure.