Unfortunately, impacted wisdom teeth don’t always come with clear cut signs or symptoms so diagnosing them is not really a task easily accomplished at home. While the majority of adults will have wisdom teeth that should be removed, you want to consult with your oral surgeon to find out if and when they should be removed.
They are typically easier when removed sometime between the ages of 17-21, although this varies.
Now, while impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, damages other teeth around them or causes other dental problems, you could experience anyone of the following signs:
- Pain in the back of the jaws
- Red or swollen gums in the back of the jaws
- Tender or bleeding gums around the molars
- Facial swelling around the jaw
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Radiating pain to the temples and head
Again, these aren’t exactly clear signs of impacted wisdom teeth because they could also be associated with a number of other maladies, but if you’re experiencing any of the above, it should certainly be an indication that you should meet with your general dentist or oral surgeon.
The best way to avoid these issues is to maintain good oral hygiene by following a good program of regular brushing and flossing and by visiting your general dentist every six months as recommended.
If you are visiting your dentist every six months, they’re most likely doing regular dental X-rays which will help them spot any problems that might be upcoming, including impacted wisdom teeth.
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For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Marashi at (704) 542-9600 today.
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In dental terminology, an “impacted” wisdom tooth refers to a 3rd molar tooth that has failed to emerge fully into its expected position in the very back of the mouth. This failure to erupt properly into its expected position could occur for various reasons.
First, it could occur because there just isn’t enough room in the person’s jaw to accommodate the tooth. It could also occur because the tooth’s path could be obstructed by other teeth or possibly because the angle at which the tooth is erupting is incorrect.
According to studies that evaluate the rate of impacted wisdom teeth for those ages 17 to 30 years, the likelihood of having at least one impacted third molar is somewhere between 65 to 72%. As you can see, this is an incredibly high number of incidents, which is further argument for the importance of having your wisdom teeth removed.
To learn more about the various options for having your impacted wisdom teeth removed in a safe, caring atmosphere contact our office directly at (704) 542-9600.
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There’s no doubt that having some type of oral surgical procedure performed can be a scary and intimidating experience. Removing impacted wisdom teeth, getting a dental implant or implant supported dentures, TMJ treatment, and even surgery to correct sleep apnea are all processes that can cause even the most strong-minded patients to get nervous.
As someone living in the Charlotte NC area, you’re very fortunate to have many options available to you in the sense that there are a great many competent oral surgeons available to help you have a stress-free and possibly even enjoyable process. However, before you decide which oral surgeon to choose you’ll want to be sure you’re about to receive the absolute best care available.
While there are many factors you should take into consideration when trying to choose the right oral surgeon for your procedure, one of the most important is whether or not your doctor will be involved in all aspects of your care. This means will you be meeting with your prospective doctor during the initial consultation, will they speak with you about your individual case, will they discuss the possible complications, and will they be the one that performs the actual procedure?
You see, in some oral surgery practices, especially multi-doctor practices, your surgeon may not always be involved in the initial consultation, planning, and actual treatment of your case. Yes, it may seem strange that this would be case, but in some practices the initial patient consultation involves watching a video and speaking with a staff member about the procedure to be performed and possible complications.
And when it comes to performing the actual procedure, ‘your doctor’ may not be the one that removes your impacted wisdom teeth or gives you a dental implant or whatever oral surgery procedure you’re having.
Having had experience with this type of oral surgery practice, I’ve found that patients tend to be more nervous and less comfortable during the entire process. I’ve also found that when your doctor is able to be involved in all aspects of your oral surgical procedure, the patient has a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Remember, not all oral surgeons are the same. While many doctors have similar credentials and experience, there can be major differences in the way procedures are performed and patients are treated so be certain to find out as much as you can about how you’ll be treated before going to visit any prospective oral surgeon.
Dr. Marashi is the founder and medical director of South Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery in Charlotte, North Carolina where he and his staff are focused on providing stress-free oral surgery procedures like removal of impacted wisdom teeth, dental implants, surgical treatment of snoring, and surgery for cleft lip and palate deformities.
To learn the 21 questions you MUST ask any oral surgeon before your procedure, visit http://charlottesurgicalarts.com/21questions or call our office at (704) 542-9600.
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