Impacted Teeth![]() What Is an Impacted Tooth?An impacted tooth is one that cannot erupt properly through the gum tissue. It may only be able to erupt partially, or it may be unable to erupt at all. While any tooth can become impacted, there are some that are more likely to be faced with this issue than others. The most common teeth that become impacted are the wisdom teeth or third molars. The second most common teeth to be impacted are the maxillary canines or the canines in the top of your jaw.Causes of Impacted TeethTeeth can become impacted for several different reasons.
Effects of Impacted TeethImpacted teeth can have several different effects.
Diagnosing and Treating Impacted TeethPrior to getting treatment for impacted teeth, they need to be diagnosed. This is done with a thorough oral exam. Along with visually inspecting your mouth, we also take x-rays. X-ray images allow us to see the areas under your gums. We can see the position of impacted teeth if they are present, damage to adjacent teeth, and any damage to your jawbone.Once diagnosed, we can begin treatment. The exact treatment you require will depend on what teeth are impacted. For wisdom teeth, they are extracted. Wisdom teeth typically need a surgical extraction. We can refer you to an oral surgeon in these cases. Once extracted, wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced. The maxillary canines, however, play an important role in the jaw. If these teeth are impacted, they can often be exposed with oral surgery and guided into proper alignment with orthodontic treatment. If you suspect that you have an impacted tooth, call Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center to schedule your consultation today at 925-290-7727. |
![]() Board certified in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery The surgical specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training beyond dental school. |
Contact Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center Today! The first step to a healthier, happier you.Livermore 1133 E. Stanley Blvd. #215 • Livermore, CA 94550Phone: 925-290-7727 Fax: 925-294-8800 Tracy 2160 W. Grant Line Road #160 • Tracy, CA 95377Phone: Phone: 209-835-4600 • Fax: Fax: 209-835-8833 |