What You Need to Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If your third molars are unable to erupt into your mouth, you have impacted wisdom teeth. This is caused by a barrier, such as other teeth, or if your tooth is sitting at an angle.

You’ll ideally want to get these removed as a younger adult to prevent serious complications, or even to prevent problems when your actual wisdom teeth surgery takes place. (Your wisdom teeth will erupt between the ages of 18 to 25).

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Include:

  • Pain / toothache
  • Headache
  • Jaw pain
  • Pain in the side of your face
  • Swelling in your mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
  • Difficulty opening your jaw
  • Bad breath
  • Unpleasant taste when you are eating

Do I Need to Remove My Impacted Teeth if They Don’t Hurt?

It is definitely a good idea to get them removed, even if there are no signs of symptoms. They could still cause you issues down the road, such as tooth damage, abscesses, and decay. Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to discuss your situation with you, as everyone is different.

To book a consultation with Dr. K. Bahi for impacted wisdom teeth extraction in Surrey,  please call us at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery today: 604-507-0514.

Looking for Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal in Surrey? Call us!

What are impacted teeth?

Impacted teeth are teeth that aren’t able to erupt (come into your mouth). In other words, they are stuck in the bone of your  jaw.

What causes impacted teeth?

– Genetic changes

– Lack of space / overcrowding

– Unusual growths on the soft tissue of your gums

Not everyone has impacted teeth, but for those who do, it is most common for wisdom teeth to be impacted, followed by maxillary canines.

Wisdom teeth have no functional need and can fortunately be removed with virtually no impact, but the canine teeth can pose a greater challenge.

What are some signs that may indicate that you have impacted teeth?

– A gap where the tooth has not come through (erupted)

– Swelling and redness of the gums

– Ongoing headache or jaw ache

– Tenderness or pain around the mouth, jaw, or gums

– Unpleasant taste in the mouth

– Bad breath

What happens if impacted canines are left in the jaw bone?

This can cause problems. The roots of the adjacent teeth can start to disappear, and in extreme cases, the adjacent teeth can be lost as a result of this.

So as you can tell, it is very important to get this addressed.

Dr. Bahi at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery is an expert in the extraction of impacted teeth in Surrey. If you are located in the Surrey area, please call us to book a consultation today: 604-507-0514.

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that the majority of people get in their late teens or early twenties. The problem with wisdom teeth is they are often misaligned. Poor alignment can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, and/or nerves. This is why they require removal.

Wisdom teeth become misaligned when they grow in:

  • Horizontally
  • Angled toward or away from the second molars
  • Angled inward or outward

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped within soft tissue and/or the jawbone. They may also only partially break through the gums. Partial eruption leaves an opening for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. The infection can then result in swelling, pain, a stiff jaw, and general illness. This can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease because the awkward positioning makes it very difficult to brush or floss properly.

How do I know if I have wisdom teeth?

Your dentist can take an x-ray, which will show if they are present. It will also show how they are growing in. Your dentist may also recommend that you see an oral surgeon who will be able to further evaluate your situation.

Will the surgeon want to remove my wisdom teeth?

If your teeth are showing signs of future problems, the surgeon will often recommend that they be extracted. If the procedure is put off too long, it could become more painful and/or complicated, so it is wise to get them removed sooner than later. As the saying goes “It is better to be proactive than reactive”.

Removal is easier for younger patients (ages 17 to 21), as the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed yet. The bone is also less dense, as compared to older patients. As with other surgeries, younger people often heal faster as well.

Wisdom teeth should be removed as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Infection of soft tissue
  • Gum disease
  • Tumors
  • Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
  • Damage to nearby teeth
  • Extensive tooth decay

Call us for more information about wisdom teeth removal.