Impacted teeth can cause discomfort, swelling, and long-term dental problems if left untreated. At Riverwood Dental, we provide safe and effective impacted tooth removal to protect your oral health and prevent complications. Whether it’s a wisdom tooth or another blocked tooth, our focus is on gentle care and lasting results.
Oral Surgery Expertise for Impacted Teeth
Our team has the experience and training needed to handle complex oral surgery cases with precision. Using modern techniques and advanced imaging, we carefully plan each procedure to ensure safety and comfort. This level of expertise is especially important when impacted teeth affect surrounding structures or future treatments like Restorative dental implants.
Understanding Tooth Impaction
A tooth becomes impacted when it fails to fully emerge through the gums, often due to lack of space or improper alignment. This can lead to pain, infection, and pressure on nearby teeth. Early diagnosis helps prevent more serious issues and supports better long-term outcomes.
Types of Impacted Teeth
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most commonly impacted teeth affecting nearly 90% of people. Due to limited space at the back of the jaw, these teeth may grow sideways, remain fully trapped in the bone, or only partially emerge through the gums, often leading to pain, swelling, or infection.
Impacted Canines
Upper canines, or “eyeteeth,” are the second most frequently impacted. These teeth are important for both bite function and the appearance of your smile. Instead of removing them, treatment often focuses on preserving the tooth through surgical exposure and orthodontic guidance to bring it into proper alignment.
Impacted Premolars and Other Teeth
Although less common, premolars and other permanent teeth can also become impacted. This may happen due to crowding, early loss of baby teeth, abnormal growths, or genetic factors. Each case is unique, and treatment is carefully planned based on the tooth’s position and its importance to your overall dental health.
Signs of an Impacted Tooth
Common signs include jaw pain, swelling, tenderness in the gums, and difficulty opening your mouth. You may also notice bad breath or recurring infections in the same area. In some cases, impacted teeth show no obvious symptoms and are only detected during routine exams or X-rays.
Treatment Options for Impacted Teeth
Treatment for impacted teeth depends on the type of tooth, its position, and whether saving it will benefit your long-term oral health. At Riverwood Dental, every case is carefully evaluated to choose the most effective and comfortable solution for you.
Surgical Extraction
When an impacted tooth cannot be preserved or does not serve a functional purpose such as most wisdom teeth, surgical removal is often the best option. The procedure involves gently accessing the tooth, removing any surrounding bone or tissue if needed, and extracting the tooth safely. The area is then cleaned and closed to support proper healing and prevent future complications.
Surgical Exposure and Orthodontic Bracketing
For teeth that play an important role in your bite and smile like impacted canines a combined surgical and orthodontic approach is recommended. The tooth is carefully exposed, and a small bracket with a chain is attached. Over time, orthodontic treatment gradually guides the tooth into its correct position, helping preserve your natural smile.
Monitoring
In some cases, if an impacted tooth isn’t causing pain or immediate problems, monitoring may be advised. Regular check-ups and imaging allow your dentist to track any changes and step in early if needed. While this approach works for select cases, many impacted teeth eventually require treatment to avoid future issues.
Specialized Impacted Tooth Care in Riverwood
At Riverwood Dental, we take a patient-first approach to every treatment. From diagnosis to recovery, we focus on comfort, clear communication, and reliable results. Whether you need impacted tooth removal or are planning for Restorative dental implants, our team is here to provide personalized care that supports your long-term dental health.
This treatment is available at both of our locations in Buford and Marietta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Teeth
Impaction is usually caused by lack of space, improper alignment, or blockage from other teeth.
The procedure is done under anesthesia or sedation, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment.
Most patients recover within a few days, though complete healing may take a couple of weeks.
Yes, they can cause infections, damage nearby teeth, and increase the risk of decay requiring composite cavity filling.
Not always. Some teeth may be monitored if they are not causing problems.
In some cases, especially if a functional tooth is removed, options like Restorative dental implants may be recommended.