How to Manage Impacted Wisdom Teeth in San Francisco San Francisco Oral Surgery and Implantology
Craig D. McDow, DMD, MS 450 Sutter St #1130 San Francisco, CA 94108 www.sfimplantology.com
Introduction: An impacted tooth refers to a tooth that fails to emerge through the gum properly or becomes trapped beneath the gum line. While any tooth can become impacted, wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are particularly prone to this condition. In San Francisco, individuals often seek to identify if they have an impacted tooth. Common indications include pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, tender gums, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste. Let's delve into the common signs, symptoms, and indicators of this prevalent dental concern specific to Wisdom teeth in San Francisco. www.sfimplantology.com
Insight into Impacted Wisdom Teeth in San Francisco: Before discussing the signs of impacted wisdom teeth, it's important to grasp the underlying reasons behind their occurrence. Wisdom teeth usually begin to emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. However, factors such as insufficient space in the mouth or evolutionary adaptations in jaw structure can lead to impaction, resulting in a range of dental issues. www.sfimplantology.com
Signs and Symptoms of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth: Pain and discomfort Persistent discomfort at the back of the mouth, often radiating to neighbouring teeth or the jaw, is a typical sign of an impacted wisdom tooth. www.sfimplantology.com
Swelling: Gums surrounding the impacted area may swell, ranging from mild to severe, and can appear red or inflamed. www.sfimplantology.com
Tenderness: The impacted tooth's surrounding gums may feel tender, particularly when chewing or brushing nearby areas.
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Difficulty Opening Mouth: Limited jaw movement, making it challenging to fully open the mouth, is another common symptom.
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Bad Taste or Odor: Accumulation of bacteria and food debris around the impacted tooth can lead to an unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth.
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Headaches or Earaches: Referred pain to the head or ears may occur due to pressure from the impacted tooth on nearby nerves.
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Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Wisdom Teeth: Clinical Examination: Dentists visually inspect the mouth and feel for any signs of impacted wisdom teeth, such as swelling or tenderness. www.sfimplantology.com
X-rays: Imaging tests like panoramic X-rays or cone beam CT scans provide detailed views of the wisdom teeth and surrounding structures, aiding in diagnosis. www.sfimplantology.com
Observation: If the impacted wisdom teeth are not causing any symptoms or issues, the dentist may recommend monitoring them regularly.
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Extraction: Surgical removal of the impacted wisdom teeth is often necessary, especially if they are causing pain, infection, or damaging adjacent teeth.
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Surgical Extraction: For impacted wisdom teeth deeply embedded in the jawbone, surgical extraction may be required, involving an incision in the gum and removal of bone tissue.
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Antibiotics: In cases of infection or inflammation, antibiotics may be prescribed to manage symptoms before or after extraction.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be recommended to alleviate discomfort associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
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Identifying Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth in San Francisco: Recognizing and identifying the early signs of impacted wisdom teeth is crucial for preserving oral health and avoiding potential complications. If you notice any of the symptoms described earlier, it's important to seek prompt dental attention. Schedule a consultation with a trusted dentist or oral surgeon specializing in Wisdom teeth in San Francisco. For expert assessment and treatment of impacted teeth, reach out to us at 415-318-1818 or visit our website: https://bit.ly/4cYpyaA. Our team of dental experts is committed to delivering individualized care and assisting you in attaining a healthy, comfortable smile. www.sfimplantology.com
Meet the Doctor Craig D. McDow, D.M.D., M.S., has been performing implant, reconstructive, and oral surgery since 1985. Dr. McDow has treated over twenty of the San Francisco Dental Society Dentists and their families among the tens of thousands of patients he has helped throughout his years in the Bay area. He has served as an A.A.A.H.C. and General Anesthesia examiner for the State of California. Raised in Oregon, he attended dental school at the Oregon Health Sciences University. He volunteered for duty in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist from 1982 to 1985. He completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program at The University of Michigan Hospitals in 1989. www.sfimplantology.com
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