Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are teeth that cannot fully emerge into the mouth. They stay partly or completely trapped beneath the gum or bone. Wisdom teeth are the most common, but canine teeth and others can be affected too.
Expert, Trusted Oral Surgery Care
At Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists, we offer many oral surgical procedures for our patients. Although oral surgeons are dentists, we also have an intricate knowledge of the tissues and bones of the face through our extensive education and training. We perform many procedures and repair or correct tissue issues within the mouth and facial region. Some of the other oral procedures we perform at our office, beyond the expected wisdom tooth removals, include repairing impacted canines and frenectomies.
Which Teeth Are Likely to Be Impacted?
The canine teeth are the second most common teeth to become impacted after wisdom teeth. While impacted wisdom teeth are usually removed through oral surgery, the canine teeth are more valuable to the bite, appearance and function of a person’s smile. Canines usually erupt by age 13, and if they are impacted, it is important to begin treatments to help the canine erupt. Dentists and orthodontics refer their patients to us to perform necessary oral surgery to facilitate natural eruption of the canines. The procedure used depends on the position of the impacted canine, the age of the patient and various other factors involved.
What to Expect
1
Your surgeon will discuss the procedure and tell you what to expect.
2
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up.
3
Check with your surgeon if you can eat or drink anything in the hours before your surgery.
4
Arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of surgery.
After Surgery Do’s
- Do manage pain. As soon as your anesthesia begins to wear off, start taking medications for pain. You can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen, two pills every three to four hours for discomfort. You may also be prescribed pain medication for severe pain.
- Do address swelling. Some swelling is expected over the next few days, but you can reduce swelling and discomfort by using an ice pack during the first 36 hours on the surgical site.
- Do keep your mouth clean. You can brush your teeth, gently near the surgical site the night you come home.
After Surgery Don’ts
- Do not disturb the surgical site. Leave any packing in place and resist pulling your lips down to look at it or touching it with tongue or fingers.
- Don’t rinse your mouth vigorously. For the next few days, use a salt water rinse 4-6 times a day to keep your mouth clean.
- Do not attempt any exercise or strenuous activity during the next 24 hours or until you feel ready.
Frequently Asked Oral Surgery Questions
No. Your oral surgeon is highly trained in administering anesthesia from local to full sedation. We work with you to determine the best option for you so you stay comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire procedure. You may experience some soreness following the procedure but this is typically well-managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Yes. We recommend arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day, particularly if you have received sedation or general anesthesia.
instructions for after care. However, initial recovery generally takes 1-3 days following most common procedures like wisdom tooth removal and implant placement. During this period you may experience swelling and soreness.
Schedule an Appointment
Our dedicated surgeons and friendly, professional team are here to support your journey toward oral health. If you’re looking for excellent medical care in a comfortable relaxing atmosphere, book your appointment with Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists.