Impacted & Wisdom Teeth
An impacted tooth has not come through the gum as it should, because another tooth, the bone or a lack of space is in the way. Wisdom teeth, the last molars to come in, are the most common example; other teeth can be impacted too.
Not every impacted or wisdom tooth needs to be removed. An examination with X-rays shows where the tooth sits, how it relates to the teeth and structures around it, and whether removal is advisable.
Wisdom teeth
When wisdom teeth have no room, come in at an angle or stay partly under the gum, they can be hard to clean and can affect the teeth beside them. Wisdom teeth that come in straight, have room and can be cleaned may be kept.
Other impacted teeth
Teeth other than wisdom teeth can also stay impacted, and we treat these too. After the examination and X-rays, we explain the options for your tooth.
Removing or monitoring
An impacted tooth that causes no problems may simply be monitored. When it causes pain, infection or damage to a neighboring tooth, removing it is usually discussed. We explain which applies to you.
When to come in
Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth, gum that keeps getting inflamed over a partly erupted tooth, or difficulty opening your mouth are reasons to come in.
How treatment usually unfolds
Examination and X-rays
We look at how the tooth or teeth sit and whether removing them is advisable.
Planning
We decide together which teeth to remove and in what order, and explain what to expect.
Removal
The area is numbed and the tooth or teeth are removed.
Healing and follow-up
We explain how to care for the area while it heals and when to call us, and check how it is healing.
Related treatments
Questions patients ask
Can an impacted tooth cause problems without pain?
It can. It may affect the root of the tooth beside it without any symptoms, which is why X-rays matter.
Are all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
It depends on which teeth need removing and on what suits you; it is decided together at the planning visit.
Talk with us about your options
Book a consultation, or call us and we will find a time that suits you.