Tooth Extractions &
Impacted Teeth
Helping You Find the Relief You Need from Impacted and painful Teeth
When Teeth May Need to Be Extracted
Tooth extraction is sometimes the best course of action to protect your overall oral health. While our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, there are several situations where removing a tooth is the healthiest choice for your long-term comfort and function.
- Untreatable decay or infection – When a tooth is too damaged for a root canal or filling, removal may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Orthodontic concerns (crowding) – In preparation for orthodontic treatment, teeth may need to be extracted to create space and allow for proper alignment.
- Impaction – Teeth that are stuck below the gum line or growing in the wrong direction can cause pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth, making removal the safest option.
When Teeth May Need to Be Extracted
What is an impacted tooth?
An impacted tooth is one that is underneath bone, soft-tissue, or both. This can cause severe infection and dental complications.
Which teeth can become impacted?
Any tooth can become impacted. The most commonly impacted teeth are the molars and wisdom teeth. They often get stuck in the back of the jaw and cause infection. The second most commonly impacted are the cuspid teeth. These teeth have the longest roots and are made to reach your jaw. Cuspids typically come in around age 13 and close all gaps among your front teeth and tighten your bite. However, since their roots are so long, impaction is possible and early intervention is vital to ensure the alignment of your dental arch and proper bite.
What are some early intervention measures that can be taken to avoid removal of an impacted tooth?
If your dentist or orthodontist sees that one or more of your teeth is having a difficult time coming in, there are several things they may do to help prevent complete impaction. Braces are a common plan presented by orthodontists, especially on the upper arch. This allows for spaces to be available so that the impacted teeth can erupt. Once the space is ready, your oral surgeon will likely expose the impacted tooth through a simple procedure that lifts up the gum on top of the tooth. Once the tooth is exposed, the orthodontist will create a chain attachment from the tooth to the dental arch and the oral surgeon will guide the chain back.
How much does impacted tooth removal cost?
This will vary based on many factors and the best way to receive a specific cost for your situation is to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons. After that consultation, our staff will go over all of your costs and financing options.