When a third molar partially erupts through the gum tissue, it is considered to be impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth grow at an angle toward adjacent teeth. This can cause damage to the other roots and nerves when left untreated. The average mouth can only hold 28 teeth. An additional set of molars trying to develop can lead to many oral health complications, especially if a wisdom tooth becomes impacted.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to assess and treat impacted teeth, including canine teeth and third molars. Canine teeth are necessary for a healthy bite, and every effort is made to save the impacted tooth and guide it into its proper position. Wisdom teeth, however, are not necessary for proper oral function. Therefore, they are simply extracted.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from an impacted wisdom tooth:
- Seeing the top of a wisdom tooth poking up through the gums
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Swelling around the jaw
- An ongoing unpleasant taste, indicating infection
- Difficulty fully opening the mouth
What Causes an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
Third molars typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Occasionally, these teeth break through the gums without causing problems. This is rare, and third molars should be evaluated by a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as you suspect their presence.
Wisdom teeth are unpredictable. They have large roots that can grow at awkward angles toward other roots and facial nerves. Some people develop all four wisdom teeth, while others develop less than four or none at all. When there isn’t a clear path for the wisdom tooth to erupt, it becomes impacted and turns at an angle.
Impacted teeth make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene. They often lead to infections that can spread to other teeth, causing tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to other teeth.
How Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Diagnosed?
You should attend regularly scheduled checkups with your general dentist. Dentists use X-rays to evaluate the position of your teeth and when they detect wisdom teeth, they will refer you to an oral surgeon for treatment. Dentists can perform simple tooth extractions, but oral surgeons are trained to administer anesthesia and perform more complex procedures such as extracting wisdom teeth.
Dr. Falk, Dr. Moody, and Dr. Yau are board-certified oral surgeons who specialize in safely and comfortably removing wisdom teeth. Our offices in Las Vegas are equipped with advanced 3D scanning technology to pinpoint the exact angle and size of wisdom teeth. This technology aids in safe and precise extractions with predictable results.
An impacted wisdom tooth requires a little more care than a fully erupted wisdom tooth. Impacted teeth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal. Your oral surgeon will make small incisions in the gum tissue to access the tooth, if necessary. Once the wisdom tooth is removed, your surgeon will place dissolvable sutures. You will be under some form of anesthesia or sedation for this procedure, leaving you comfortably at ease.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Las Vegas, NV
At Canyon Oral & Facial Surgery, we walk you through every step of your oral surgery treatment. Dr. Jesse Falk, Dr. Michael Moody, and Dr. Robert Yau are qualified to administer all forms of anesthesia. Many patients undergo IV sedation for this procedure. IV sedation puts you into a sleep-like state where you are unable to feel pain but able to answer questions asked by your surgeon. You will wake up when the sedation wears off with no memory of the surgery.
If you or your child suspect an impacted wisdom tooth, please contact our offices in Las Vegas, Nevada, to schedule a consultation with our board-certified surgeons.
Find Us in Las Vegas, Nevada
Canyon Oral & Facial Surgery has two offices located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and one office in Henderson, NV. Our Centenial Hills office is on the northwestern side of the city and our Summerlin office is on the west side, near Spring Valley. Our Henderson office is on W Horizon Ridge Pkwy. We proudly serve patients in Las Vegas and nearby areas, including:
- Winchester
- Paradise
- North Las Vegas
- Sunrise Manor
- Las Vegas
- Henderson
- Summerlin South
- Spring Valley
- Enterprise
- Boulder City
Providing an Exceptional Patient Experience
Get exceptional patient care from trusted board-certified oral surgeons. Contact Canyon Oral & Facial Surgery to schedule a consultation and find out how we can improve your oral health and confidence.