Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal in Reno, NV

Extracting Impacted Third Molars Prevents Oral Health Issues

The average mouth can hold 28 adult teeth and does not have enough room for an extra set of molars, known as wisdom teeth. If you have a small jaw, wisdom teeth will not have space in the dental arch to erupt, which can lead to dental crowding, pain, swelling, and infections. Without the ability to emerge, some wisdom teeth become stuck beneath the gums. This is known as impaction, and impacted wisdom teeth pose a risk to your other teeth and overall oral health.

An impacted wisdom tooth may be partially or fully trapped under the gums. Partially impacted wisdom teeth easily trap infection-causing bacteria and are difficult to brush around, while fully impacted wisdom teeth grow at an angle and push against adjacent molars. Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing apparent damage, their positions may leave you prone to bacteria buildup or tooth decay.

Dr. Christopher Galea and Dr. Broc Hammon are skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons who regularly extract wisdom teeth at both of our Nevada offices. If you or your child have wisdom teeth, or you have been told by a general dentist that it’s time to have wisdom teeth removed, contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today for a consultation.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

• Jaw pain
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Pressure or swelling
• Difficulty fully opening the mouth
• Cysts or tumors that form around partially impacted molars
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Infection or gum disease
• Chronic bad breath
• Tooth decay

If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth removed.

What Causes an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth become impacted due to a lack of space in the mouth. Genetics may also play a role in the number of wisdom teeth you develop and their positions. Some people develop four wisdom teeth, while others develop between 1–4 or none at all. In rare cases, people can develop more than four. Some wisdom teeth do not cause problems at first, but having them extracted now will prevent the possibility of future oral health issues caused by third molars.

How is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Diagnosed?

During regular dental exams, your general dentist takes X-rays of your mouth. If your dentist notices wisdom teeth, he or she may refer you to an oral surgeon for further imaging and to determine if it’s time to have them extracted. Dental X-rays will also show signs of damage caused by wisdom teeth, which is why it’s important to attend dental checkups. Even if you are not experiencing pain, you may still have wisdom teeth and they could threaten your oral health.

When you visit our oral surgery office for evaluation, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and face. These images are more detailed than traditional X-rays and will help your surgeon diagnose any issues and create a treatment plan with great precision. The details of your surgery will depend on the size and location of your wisdom teeth, which Dr. Galea or Dr. Hammon will factor into your treatment plan to ensure a smooth procedure and optimal results.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Reno and Sparks, NV

The thought of undergoing wisdom teeth removal may feel stressful, but you can feel confident knowing that our team at Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is here to provide support at every step. We offer many types of anesthesia for your comfort and are always available to answer your questions. Contact us today to learn more about wisdom teeth removal in Reno, NV, and Sparks, NV.