What is an Impacted Tooth?
Many patients do not have space in their jaw to accommodate all of the teeth correctly. Canines, wisdom teeth, or other teeth may become stuck beneath the gums or only able to partially break through the gums. A tooth that cannot emerge properly is called an impacted tooth.
If you have an impacted tooth, you’re not alone, but you should seek treatment from an oral surgeon. An impacted tooth can trap food, plaque, and other debris leading to infections that can cause premature loss of the adjacent teeth. An impacted tooth can cause:
- Swelling
- Gum tenderness
- Cavities
- Bad breath
- Pain
- Infection
- Damage to the other teeth
Because an impacted canine can threaten the rest of your smile, your orthodontist or dentist may recommend the “exposure and ligation” of your impacted canine. At that point you will be referred to Dr. Massoomi for a 3D CBCT to determine the exact location of the impacted tooth. This will aid us in determining the most optimal approach to expose the impacted tooth.
Impacted Tooth Surgery
The maxillary cuspid, or the “canine” tooth, is the second most common tooth to become impacted. An impacted canine can become problematic if it is not treated in a timely fashion. These impacted teeth are best treated in the early teen years while they are still growing. This tooth is critical in the dental arch and plays an important role in your bite.
With the help of an orthodontist, Dr. Massoomi will do everything he can to help guide it into the proper position in the mouth. An impacted canine can result in painful infections in adulthood and loss of other teeth, leading to an unsightly smile. If these teeth cannot be brought into occlusion for full function, they should be removed, just like any other impacted tooth.
Impacted Canine Surgery
Impacted canine surgery is usually performed under IV sedation to make your experience pain-free.
An impacted tooth surgery generally takes about an hour. You can expect a limited amount of bleeding and swelling after your impacted tooth surgery, but you will be provided with prescriptions post-operatively.
It is recommended that you consume a soft, non-chewing diet while avoiding sharp foods like crackers and chips, as this may disrupt the surgical site.
Get Impacted Tooth Surgery in San Francisco or Cupertino
Impacted tooth surgery will protect your smile from damage, pain, and infection. Dr. Massoomi is available to assist you from your first consultation through your recovery process. To schedule your consultation at our San Francisco or Cupertino office, contact us today.
