Family Dentistry Services

Extractions

In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.

Reasons to remove wisdom teeth

While not all wisdom teeth require removal, wisdom teeth extractions are most often performed because of an active problem such as pain, swelling, decay or infection, or as a preventative measure to avoid serious problems in the future. If impaction of one or more wisdom teeth is present, and left untreated, a number of potentially harmful outcomes can occur, including:

  • Damage to nearby teeth: Second molars (the teeth directly in front of the wisdom teeth) can be adversely affected by impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in tooth decay (cavities), periodontal disease (gum disease) and possible bone loss.
  • Disease: Although uncommon, cysts and tumors can occur in the areas surrounding impacted wisdom teeth.
  • Infection: Bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum tissue, resulting in an infection. The infection can cause considerable pain and danger.
  • Tooth Crowding: It has been theorized that impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth and cause them to become misaligned (crowded or twisted). This theory isn’t universally accepted by all dental professionals, and it has never been validated by any scientific studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an impacted wisdom tooth?

During your regular dental checkups, Our team will perform a thorough examination and take x-rays to look for any early signs of problem areas. He will be able to identify if your wisdom teeth have become impacted before they cause any side effects.

An impacted wisdom tooth may cause the following symptoms:

  • Jaw or face pain
  • Numbness
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen neck glands
  • Bleeding gums
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty fully opening the jaw

What’s an impacted wisdom tooth?

Oftentimes, patients’ mouths and jaws simply aren’t large enough for their wisdom teeth to grow in properly. This is called impaction, when the wisdom tooth fails to erupt, partially erupts, or even grows at an angle so that eruption is impossible.

If you avoid getting your impacted wisdom teeth removed, they can cause jawbone damage, nerve damage, infection, and other side effects. It’s best to receive treatment for an impacted wisdom tooth through oral surgery so they don’t affect your other teeth in the future.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Mitchell Family Dental. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in St. Clair Shores.

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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