What Are Impacted Teeth?
Tooth impaction occurs when a tooth is trapped beneath the gum line or emerges only partially, often causing pain, swelling, or even infection. Impacted teeth can lead to overcrowding, misalignment, or damage to nearby teeth, which can affect your overall dental health and comfort. At Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer a range of treatments, including surgical exposure and extraction, to help address impacted teeth for patients in Sheffield and Florence, AL. If left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to serious complications, like cysts and gum disease. Getting prompt treatment can relieve pain, prevent further issues, and restore your smile's function and appearance. If you're dealing with discomfort or difficulty chewing, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if you're dealing with an impacted tooth.
How Are Impacted Teeth Treated?
Your impacted tooth treatment will start with a comprehensive exam at our offices in Sheffield or Florence, AL. During your visit, we'll discuss any discomfort or other symptoms you're dealing with before checking your mouth and jaw for signs of impacted teeth. We may also take x-rays or oral scans to check for impacted wisdom teeth and assess your jaw health. Depending on what we find, we may recommend either removing the tooth surgically or using a special appliance to guide it into its proper position. Impacted teeth are generally treated using local anesthesia, but Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery also provides additional sedation options if you need them.
What Are the Benefits of Removing Impacted Teeth?
Removing impacted teeth can provide long-term improvements to your oral health and overall well-being. By removing impacted teeth, you can avoid complications like infections, misalignment, and pain. Here are some benefits of this treatment at Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery:
- Reduces the risk of infection caused by trapped food and bacteria
- Prevents damage to adjacent teeth by alleviating pressure and misalignment
- Eases the pain and discomfort associated with impacted teeth
- Minimizes the chance of cysts or tumors developing around the impacted tooth
- Improves overall oral health by eliminating potential sources of infection
- Helps maintain proper tooth alignment, particularly when preparing for orthodontic treatment
- Eliminates the possibility of gum disease or tooth decay caused by partially erupted teeth
Oral and Facial Surgery of the Shoals Reviews
They treated my daughter like their own!! I cannot recommend this office enough!!!
Very pleased with the speed of seeing the Doctor at the appointment. I was also impressed by the friendliness and hospitality of the entire staff.
Wonderful place for oral surgery, very kind and knowledgeable!
Very friendly and professional
I was very pleased with their professionalism. Everyone was knowledgeable about my procedure. I had an excellent result. I was seen at both offices. Dr. Frederick was great, and so were his nurses; I felt very confident in their knowledge and expertise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have an impacted tooth?
Impacted teeth often cause symptoms like gum tenderness, swelling, or discomfort when chewing, but some remain completely silent until seen on an X-ray. You may also notice a tooth that never fully erupts or seems “stuck” beneath the gumline. Because impacted teeth aren’t always painful, the most reliable way to confirm the issue is through a dental exam and imaging.
Is an impacted tooth considered a dental emergency?
An impacted tooth is not always an emergency, but it can become one if you develop pain, infection, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth. These symptoms may indicate that the tooth is putting pressure on surrounding structures or causing active infection. If you are experiencing discomfort or sudden changes in your bite or gums, our team will prioritize your evaluation and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
Can baby teeth be impacted?
Yes, baby teeth can become impacted, although it is less common than with adult teeth. When it does occur, the tooth may fail to erupt on schedule or may partially break through the gums and then stop progressing. Early evaluation is important because impacted baby teeth can affect the development and alignment of the underlying permanent teeth. Our team can determine the cause and outline the right approach based on your child’s age and growth.
Do all impacted teeth need to be removed?
Not all impacted teeth require removal. If the tooth isn’t causing pain, infection, or dental complications, our team at Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery may recommend monitoring it over time. However, many impacted teeth, especially wisdom teeth, often need removal to prevent future problems or complications.
What happens if an impacted tooth is left untreated?
Untreated impacted teeth can lead to serious issues like infections, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth. They can also cause misalignment, making orthodontic treatment more difficult. Over time, the pain and discomfort may worsen. We can help determine the best course of action to ensure your long-term dental health and comfort.
Is impacted tooth removal painful?
The procedure to remove an impacted tooth is generally not painful because it’s performed under local anesthesia or sedation. You may experience some discomfort during recovery, but it can be managed with prescribed medication. Most patients find relief once the impacted tooth is removed.
Get Relief from Impacted Tooth Pain
Treating an impacted tooth is essential to prevent complications like infection, misalignment, and discomfort. Shoals Oral & Facial Surgery offers comprehensive care to address these issues and maintain your oral health. With convenient locations in Sheffield and Florence, AL, we are ready to help. Schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options for impacted teeth.