You hear a lot about the fact that if you have impacted wisdom teeth, then you are going to need to wisdom teeth removal. You have some ideas about what impaction means but then you speak with a friend and your definitions clearly do not line up. Our Rohnert Park, CA team knows you may also wonder about why impaction is such a big deal, since you don’t actually need your third molars for optimal oral health. For some helpful clarity, we’re giving you answers to questions we commonly run across with patients!
Is There Only One Type Of Impaction?
We know that when it comes to the term impaction in regard to your wisdom teeth, this can cause you to scratch your head. What does this really mean and are there different types? In short, it means your tooth didn’t fully erupt correctly. As for the “types,” you’re onto something. There are, indeed, different types of impaction (Hint: They are all worthy of the removal of these third molars). Consider the following:
- Soft Tissue Impaction: The tooth has successfully erupted out from the jawbone tissue but it is still at least partly covered up with some gum tissue.
- Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth has erupted some of the way out of the bone tissue and is still covered, in part, by gum tissue.
- Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth in question is still fully within bone tissue and has not been able to erupt.
How Do I Know If It’s Impacted Or There’s No Tooth?
Patients who deal with bony impaction may wonder, how are you supposed to know whether your tooth is completely impacted or if you just don’t even have a wisdom tooth that might necessitate wisdom teeth removal? Generally speaking, this is the type of thing your general dentist will discover during X-rays. Or, we can determine the cause of your absent third molar when you visit our team.
Will I Experience Symptoms?
You might not experience symptoms! However, it’s also possible that you will! If symptoms do occur, they will probably include pain and inflammation at the site of your tooth and in the area surrounding your tooth. Remember that due to impaction, the surrounding tissue can swell and that cysts and infection may develop, causing discomfort.
Does The Tooth Need To Go?
First, remember that if you need wisdom teeth removal, it will be a perfectly comfortable experience! Next, the answer is most likely yes, otherwise it can harm your oral health! Come in to find out for sure.
Address Impacted Wisdom Teeth With Extractions
When it’s time for your wisdom teeth removal or when you suspect you may require this oral surgery treatment, remember to come in to our practice! Gain a comfort level with our team and remove impacted teeth soon! Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.