Post

Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth

August 21, 2023

Have you heard about impacted wisdom teeth? If you think you might have them, don't worry – you're not alone. Lots of people deal with this dental issue. Fortunately, the solution can be quite straightforward: wisdom teeth removal in San Antonio.

In this blog, we'll walk you through what impacted wisdom teeth are, how to spot the signs, and what you can do about it. We're here to help you understand and manage this dental concern with care and knowledge.

man with toothache needs Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Antonio

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the back of the mouth. When these teeth don't have enough room to grow properly, they become impacted. This means they remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum line or adjacent teeth.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is crucial for timely intervention. Here are some signs to watch out for:

  1. Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain in the back of the mouth, often radiating to the jaw or ear. This discomfort may be intermittent or persistent.
  1. Swelling and Redness: Inflammation around the back of the mouth and jaw may indicate an impacted wisdom tooth. Swelling can lead to tenderness and difficulty opening the mouth.
  1. Difficulty Chewing: Impacted wisdom teeth can affect your ability to chew properly, as the discomfort can make it painful to move the jaw.
  1. Bad Breath: Partially erupted impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where food particles and bacteria accumulate, leading to bad breath.
  1. Headaches: The discomfort caused by impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to headaches, especially if the pain radiates to other areas of the head.

Possible Solutions

Taking action is crucial if you suspect impacted wisdom teeth might be causing trouble. A visit to the dentist can provide the clarity you need. Here are some potential solutions that your dentist might recommend:

Monitoring

In certain instances, impacted wisdom teeth might not be causing immediate discomfort or problems. Your dentist could propose a cautious approach of regular monitoring. This involves keeping an eye on the situation to ensure no complications arise over time.

This approach is particularly relevant for those whose impacted teeth are not currently causing issues but could potentially lead to problems in the future.

Surgical Removal

Depending on the exact positioning of the impacted tooth and its potential complications, surgical wisdom teeth removal in San Antonio could be the best course of action. In such cases, an oral surgeon is typically involved in the procedure.

Surgical removal addresses the issue directly and prevents further complications that might arise if the impacted tooth is left untreated.

dentist performing Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Antonio

Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Antonio?

If you're experiencing discomfort or suspect you might have impacted wisdom teeth, don't hesitate to reach out to La Cantera Dental Group. Our dedicated team of dental experts is here to provide personalized guidance and effective solutions. Schedule your consultation today!

La Cantera Dental Group logo

Our Friendly and Caring Staff are Prepared to Help You

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Dental assistant holding a tablet device while talking to another dental assistant.

Schedule Your Appointment