Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, infections, and damage to nearby teeth, especially when they don’t have enough room to erupt.
At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in impacted wisdom teeth extraction and utilize advanced techniques and sedation options to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The last molars to appear are often the most troublesome.
When wisdom teeth get stuck or don’t have enough space to fit properly, they can become impacted under the gums. This can lead to crowding and shifts in your smile, pain, infection, and even damage to nearby teeth and bone.
There are several types of impactions based on tooth position:
- Mesial Impaction
Angled forward toward the front of the mouth (most common) - Vertical Impaction
Upright but unable to erupt fully - Horizontal Impaction
Lying sideways and pressing into neighboring teeth - Distal Impaction
Angled backward toward the rear of the mouth - Partial Impaction
Partially erupted through the gums, leaving openings for bacteria
Removal of impacted wisdom teeth by an oral surgeon is typically the most effective way to avoid issues and preserve long-term oral health.
Whether your wisdom teeth are fully or partially impacted, we’ll evaluate your needs and provide the right solution to keep your mouth healthy.
When to be Concerned About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause immediate symptoms, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a problem. Even pain-free impactions can silently damage surrounding teeth, bone, and gums over time.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms
- Persistent jaw pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
- Swollen or bleeding gums near the molars
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Headaches or earaches due to referred pain
- Visible crowding or shifting of nearby teeth
Causes of Impacted Teeth
- Lack of space in the jaw
- A tooth growing at an angle
- Delayed eruption or developmental issues
- Genetics and jaw structure
Why Removal is Needed
Left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more serious issues, including:
- Infections – Trapped food and bacteria around partially erupted teeth can lead to swelling and pain.
- Harm to other teeth – Pressure can damage the enamel and roots of nearby healthy teeth.
- Cysts – Fluid pockets can form around impacted teeth in your jaw or gums.
- Gum problems – Impacted molars are hard to clean, leading to cavities and bone loss.
- Shifting smiles – Pressure can move teeth, even after orthodontic treatments with braces or Invisalign.
Safe, Skilled Removal for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, we provide expert care for all types of wisdom teeth impactions, from simple extractions to complex, full-bony impactions.
We utilize advanced imaging and surgical techniques to plan your procedure with precision, improve your comfort, and minimize your recovery time.
I would absolutely bring back my other son for wisdom teeth removal because the doctor and entire staff did a wonderful job and made us all feel very comfortable.
– Amelia.
Oral Surgeons Specialized in Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal
When it comes to impacted wisdom teeth, you want a specialized team you can trust.
These teeth are often tricky to remove because of their angle, position, or how deeply they’re set in the jaw.
At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons have advanced training and years of experience handling even the most complex extraction cases.
Whether it’s a deeply impacted molar or an unusual root structure, we perform surgical extractions of impacted wisdom teeth with precision and personalized care.
Carolinas’ Choice for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Choosing the right provider for tooth extractions isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety, outcomes, and experience. That’s why you can count on Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery.
Specialized Expertise
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons routinely extract all types of impacted teeth, from partially erupted to fully embedded, with precision and care. Their extensive surgical training ensures a smoother procedure, better outcomes, and faster recovery timelines.
Amazing Care, Every Step of the Way
From your first consultation to recovery, our team is by your side, explaining your type of impaction and procedure, guiding you through insurance details, and supporting you throughout the healing process.
Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and cared for at every stage.
Advanced Surgical Centers
Impacted wisdom teeth removals are performed at all of our 20+ fully equipped surgical centers across North Carolina and South Carolina.
Each location is designed specifically for oral surgery and features advanced 3D imaging, technology, and anesthesia capabilities for safe and efficient care.
The Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The removal process for impacted wisdom teeth can vary depending on the number of teeth involved, their position, and whether they are fully or partially impacted. While each case is unique, here’s a general overview of what you can expect.
Consultation & Diagnostic Imaging
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation at one of our surgical centers. We utilize advanced imaging to assess the position of your wisdom teeth, the degree of impaction, and any risks to nearby nerves, sinuses, or teeth.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your imaging results, your oral surgeon will recommend the best approach for removal and walk you through the steps. This may include extracting one or all of our wisdom teeth in a single visit, and choosing the appropriate type of sedation or anesthesia for your comfort.
Surgical Extraction
For impacted teeth, a surgical approach is often necessary to access and safely remove the molar while minimizing the impact on the surrounding teeth, bone, nerves, and sinuses. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour.
Recovery & Aftercare
You will return home the same day as your extraction with clear post-operative instructions and support from our team. Mild swelling, discomfort, and limited jaw movement are common during the first few days. We’ll provide guidelines for pain management, oral hygiene, and when to resume normal activities.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth FAQs
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about impacted wisdom teeth, their extraction, and recovery to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.