Impacted Teeth Extraction IN SEYMOUR, IN & LOUISVILLE, KY

Teeth can be complicated, and impacted teeth are a prime example. Impacted teeth are stuck in the jawbone and cannot erupt fully into the mouth. This can cause several issues and affect the overall health of the teeth and the day-to-day life of the person. Our oral surgeon has the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove these teeth, minimizing pain and discomfort.

If you are experiencing any difficulties with your teeth and believe that you may have a tooth that has become impacted, please call our office. We have two locations to serve the communities in Louisville, KY, and Seymour, IN.

What are impacted teeth?

Impacted teeth are when your teeth that have become stuck in the gums or are entirely buried within the jawbone cannot erupt properly. They can cause dental problems, including tooth decay, periodontal disease, and infection. Impacted teeth can also be very painful. These problems can also affect nearby teeth.

Types of Impacted Teeth

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are the most common type of impacted teeth. Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that typically erupt in late adolescence or adulthood and can cause dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and infection. Impacted wisdom teeth removal is the most common surgery performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Impacted Canines

Canine teeth are the second most common type of impacted teeth. Canine teeth are the two sharpest teeth in the front of the mouth. Impacted canines can cause difficulty with biting and chewing.

Impacted Second Molars

Your second molars are the third most common type of impacted teeth. Second molars are the back molars that typically erupt between ages 12 and 14. Impacted second molars can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Symptoms of Impacted Teeth

Symptoms can vary significantly from patient to patient. Some may not experience any symptoms, but others may notice things like pain or swelling.

If you are experiencing any of the following, you may have impacted teeth:

• Swelling and/or tenderness in the affected area
• Difficulty opening your mouth wide
• Pain when chewing
• Severe pain in the mouth and gums
• Tooth decay
• Bad breath
• Gum disease

Contact one of our offices in Louisville, KY, or Seymour, IN, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Impacted wisdom teeth and other teeth should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further dental problems.

Treatment of Impacted Teeth

The most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth or other teeth is extraction. Impacted teeth can often be removed surgically, but they may need to be removed using a dental drill.

Surgical Extraction

As needed, a surgical extraction is typically used for impacted wisdom teeth and adjacent teeth. Impacted teeth usually will require oral and maxillofacial surgery. Having an impacted tooth removed is a relatively simple procedure. The dentist will make a small incision in the gums and then use special instruments to remove the impacted wisdom tooth or molar. It is performed under local anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour.

Drilling Extraction

If the tooth is impacted but still partially visible in the jawbone, it may be possible to remove it using a dental drill. The dentist will incise the gum tissue and then use a dental drill to remove the tooth. However, this procedure is more complicated, invasive, and can cause more damage to the surrounding teeth and tissues. Typically this surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours.

After the Impacted Tooth is Extracted

Following an impacted tooth extraction, there may be swelling and discomfort. We can usually alleviate this with over-the-counter pain medication. In addition, you will need to keep the area clean and dry. Patients may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection.

The dentist or oral surgeon will give specific instructions on how to care for the extraction site, and most patients can go home the same day as their surgery. Most patients will take about two weeks to recover fully. If you are experiencing any problems after wisdom tooth extraction or molar extraction, please consult your dentist or oral surgeon.

Contact Our Office Today for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of an impacted tooth or would like more information, please contact our office to set up a tooth removal consultation today. We have two locations: Louisville, KY, and Seymour, IN. Our team is ready to answer any tooth removal questions you may have!