What Are Impacted Teeth?
As the jaws grow, the teeth erupt through the gums and execute their natural, functional jobs in oral health. But sometimes, the teeth could be trapped in the jaw, without the ability to fully break through. This situation is called having an impacted tooth or teeth and may present discomfort and additional dental problems for some people. Adult and baby teeth may be trapped in the jaw resulting from several reasons, such as not enough openness for a tooth to emerge properly or tooth misalignment, among other problems. At Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we offer skilled treatment for impacted canines, molars, and other cases of impacted teeth to help you and your loved ones get the treatment required to protect your health and smile. For more on treating impacted teeth, we encourage you to call our practice in Memphis, TN to arrange for a treatment consultation with Drs. Sexton, Weiskopf, and Russ.
How Are Impacted Teeth Treated?
Impacted teeth are typically treated based on their position, symptoms, and potential impact on surrounding teeth and oral health. The treatment often involves surgical extraction, especially for wisdom teeth or other teeth that are causing pain or dental issues. Oral surgeons may use techniques such as making an incision in the gum to remove the tooth or sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to help guide the impacted tooth into its proper position if it is causing alignment issues. Early intervention by a specialist ensures that impacted teeth are addressed effectively, preventing complications and promoting overall oral health.
What Are the Benefits of Treating Impacted Teeth?
Treating impacted teeth provides essential benefits such as preventing complications and improving overall oral health. Other benefits include:
- Prevents infection and damage to adjacent teeth
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Minimizes the risk of misalignment and overcrowding
- Enhances oral hygiene and reduces the likelihood of cavities and gum disease
- Promotes a healthier, more aligned smile
Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Reviews
Dr. Weiskopf was amazing. Dr. Weiskopf and his team made the process seamless and they were very intentional/caring with everything. He personally called to check on me and ask if I had any questions. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.
I am absolutely please with everybody at Sexton’s. Super friendly and helpful. I will definitely bring my daughter here when it’s time to remove her wisdom teeth. Sexton’s has my complete trust.
Very professional office and staff. Dr. Sexton was very thorough.
Excellent professional service.
I saw Dr. Russ at the Arlington location and he was great. He removed my tooth yesterday and I have zero pain. He was very professional and considerate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does a fully impacted tooth differ from a partially impacted one?
A fully impacted tooth remains entirely trapped beneath the gum and jawbone, preventing it from emerging into its correct position. On the other hand, a partially impacted tooth has pushed through the gumline but has not fully erupted. Both conditions can lead to oral health concerns and should be assessed by a dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment.
What foods are safe to eat after impacted tooth treatment?
Following treatment, it's best to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies to avoid irritating the healing area. Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods should be avoided until the mouth has recovered. Sticking to your dentist’s post-procedure dietary guidelines can help ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process.
Can impacted teeth be prevented?
While factors like genetics and jaw size play a role in tooth impaction, routine dental visits can aid in early detection. Regular X-rays and exams allow your dentist to monitor developing teeth and spot potential problems before they become serious. Proactive care can help minimize complications and reduce the likelihood of impacted teeth requiring intervention.
Protect Your Smile Against Tooth Impaction
Taking care of teeth that are impacted can help minimize the potential for infection, crowding, pain, and additional dental outcomes. Dr. Sexton is skilled in supplying this procedure for Memphis, TN individuals and addressing the impaction to help maintain your total dental health. Get more information concerning impacted teeth procedure solutions by setting up a consultation at Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery now.