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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.

Types of Anesthesia

There are three main types of anesthesia that we use at our practice:

Hear From Impacted Wisdom Teeth Patients

These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing impacted wisdom teeth at our office.

Reviews From Our Impacted Wisdom Teeth Patients

Josh Reviews His Impacted Wisdom Teeth Procedure

Watch Review
Josh had his wisdom teeth removed in Sparks, Nevada
Josh
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Patient

"Hi! My name's Josh and I'm from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. Walking through the doors it was a very pleasant environment. Dr. Galea was really nice to me. He constantly asked me if I was doing okay, if I was comfortable, how I was feeling, and it made me feel a lot better and more comfortable. The staff here were very personable. They took the time to get to know me, and it put me at ease. The surgery was a success and the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. If you live in Spanish Springs or live in Lemon Valley, and if you need oral surgery, I definitely recommend Dr. Galea. The quality here is amazing. "

Gianna Reviews Her Impacted Wisdom Teeth Procedure

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Gianna WT facewall
Gianna
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Patient

"Hi, I'm Gianna. I'm from Reno, and I had my wisdom teeth taken out. When I first came here and met the staff, everybody was very warm and welcoming, and it made me excited to be here. Dr. Galea, as a person, is very friendly. He's very nice, answered all my questions, and was easy to reach if I had any questions. The procedure went very well, and the recovery was very simple and easy. My overall experience with this practice was amazing. To all my family and friends in Spanish Springs, I highly recommend Northern Nevada Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery."

Selina Reviews Her Impacted Wisdom Teeth Procedure

Watch Review
Selina underwent wisdom teeth extractions in Reno, Nevada
Selina
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Patient

"Hi, my name is Selina, and I’m from Reno, and I came to Northern Nevada Oral Surgery to get my wisdom teeth removed. I would describe this practice as very friendly from the moment you walk in. The staff just makes you feel very welcomed. Dr. Galea does amazing things here at Northern Nevada Oral Surgery. He just makes you feel really comfortable and confident about what he does. The procedure was a great success and my recovery was very smooth. I am thrilled that I had my procedure done here. Overall, I had a great experience, and I highly recommend Dr. Galea."

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