Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars at the very back of your mouth that don’t have enough room to emerge or develop normally. Instead of growing in straight, they can become trapped in your jawbone or gums, grow at an angle, or only partially break through. This common condition causes pain, infection, and damage to your other healthy teeth.
At Coastal General Dentistry in Virginia Beach, we offer comfortable and safe wisdom tooth removal. Our tooth extraction services resolve the problems caused by impaction. Visit us to prevent future complications, and protect your oral health.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Many people have impacted wisdom teeth without immediate symptoms, which is why regular dental X-rays are so important. However, when problems arise, they can cause noticeable and painful issues. You might be experiencing:
- Pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth or jaw.
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the area.
- Swelling around your jaw.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste you can’t get rid of.
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully.
- Visible crowding of your other teeth as wisdom teeth push them.
- Headaches or jaw aches that seem to come from the back of your mouth.
Even if you’re not in pain, impacted wisdom teeth can be a hidden problem, creating a risk for cysts, tumors, or damage to adjacent teeth. If you notice any of these signs or are due for a check-up, contact our Virginia Beach dental office. We can take digital X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend the right time for treatment.
How We Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth in Virginia Beach, VA
The most effective and permanent solution for problematic impacted wisdom teeth is tooth extraction. Our goal is to remove the teeth causing issues while ensuring your complete comfort throughout the process.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and exam. Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley will discuss any symptoms you’re having, examine your mouth, and review detailed digital X-rays or a 3D cone beam scan. This advanced imaging shows us the exact position of your wisdom teeth, their relationship to your jawbone, and their proximity to important nerves and your sinuses. This careful planning allows us to perform the safest and most predictable procedure for you.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
We perform tooth extractions right here in our Virginia Beach office. For your comfort, we offer multiple sedation dentistry options. From mild anti-anxiety medication to deeper IV sedation, you’ll feel relaxed and pain-free.
- Anesthesia & Access: After you are comfortably sedated and the area is completely numb, we will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and bone.
- Removing Bone & Sectioning the Tooth: Sometimes, a small amount of bone covering the tooth must be gently removed. If the tooth is stuck, we carefully divide it into smaller sections. This allows us to remove it more easily and gently, which helps protect the surrounding gums and bone.
- Cleaning & Stitches: Once the tooth is removed, we thoroughly clean the site. The gum is then closed with dissolvable stitches to promote proper healing.
- Recovery & Gauze: We place a gauze pad over the area to help a blood clot form, which is the first critical step of healing.
Recovery and Aftercare
Healing from wisdom tooth extraction is typically straightforward. You will receive clear, printed aftercare instructions. Key points include:
- Bite gently on the gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the procedure.
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek in 20-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed and use any recommended mouth rinse.
- Eat soft foods and avoid using a straw for the first few days, as the suction can dislodge the healing blood clot.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for a few days to promote healing.
Most people resume normal activities within a few days. We’ll schedule a follow-up to ensure your recovery is progressing perfectly.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth FAQs
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed if they aren’t hurting?
Even without pain, impacted wisdom teeth pose significant risks. They are hard to clean and the most prone to decay and gum disease. They can also cause silent damage by pushing against your second molars, leading to root damage, bone loss, or crowding of your front teeth. Removing them proactively often prevents more complex problems later.
What is the best age to have wisdom teeth removed?
The late teens to early twenties (ages 17-25) is the best time. The tooth roots are not fully formed, and the bone is less dense. This makes the extraction process easier and the recovery quicker.
Is wisdom tooth extraction considered oral surgery?
Yes, the removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a common type of minor oral surgery. Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley are highly experienced in these procedures and perform them regularly in our office setting.
How long does the procedure take?
The length of the procedure depends on the number and complexity of your impactions. Removing all four wisdom teeth typically takes about an hour or so. Doing them all at once will require an oral surgeon.
Will I be under general anesthesia?
We can offer levels of sedation to match your needs and anxiety level. This can range from conscious sedation to deeper IV sedation. We’ll discuss the best option for you during your consultation to ensure your utmost comfort.
What are the risks of not removing impacted wisdom teeth?
Choosing not to remove problematic wisdom teeth can cause:
- Severe infection or abscess in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue
- Damage to adjacent teeth, including cavities and bone loss
- The development of painful cysts or, very rarely, tumors in the jaw
- Gum disease and misalignment of your other teeth
Take Control of Your Oral Health Today
Don’t let impacted wisdom teeth threaten your smile’s health and your comfort. A consultation at Coastal General Dentistry can give you peace of mind and a clear path forward.
Call us in Virginia Beach at 757-216-9914 or request a consultation online. Let our experienced team provide you with safe and comfortable care.