When a tooth doesn’t erupt properly and is only partially visible, this is known as an impaction. The issue could affect kids and adults alike, and may even stand in the way of orthodontic treatment. However, to correct the issue, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral surgeons could offer a bracketing procedure or even discuss extraction.
The Causes of an Impaction
When the baby teeth fail to fall out on schedule, this could prevent permanent teeth from erupting as normal. A partial eruption then occurs, known as an impaction. This could also happen due to issues with the growth of the jaw and certain oral structures too. One major cause is the arrival of the wisdom teeth. Few people have smiles ready to accommodate these additional teeth, so being forced into a small pace means an impaction.
Assessing the Situation with CT Technology
Partial eruption could mean misalignment, infection, damaged teeth, and discomfort. You may need to have them corrected as part of your orthodontic treatment, or removed to safeguard the stability and health of your smile. To see what is best for your smile, we will take detailed images with CT scanning technology. We’re able to see the position of the teeth, as well as your jawbone. We then plan the bracketing or extraction in detail, taking note of sinus cavities and nerve tissues to ensure we perform this procedure comfortably and help you avoid any complications.
Bracketing
For kids under 12, we could clear the eruption path and the tooth will correct itself. However, after age 12 we will likely need to help it. Often, we will attach a small bracket to the tooth in question, and another to a nearby one. We connect them with a small chain. By adjusting pressure and tension, we begin to move the partially erupted tooth into proper position. Your smile is then ready to continue orthodontic treatment if necessary.
Extraction
For wisdom teeth, we may need to extract them completely. We administer a numbing agent and sedation. Next, we use forceps to gently remove the tooth. We then suture the extraction site closed and will prescribe medications to facilitate the healing process. The tooth won’t need to be replaced, and after a day or two of rest you can resume normal activities. The sutures will be removed in a follow-up visit. If you have any questions about how we treat issues with the health and stability of your smile, then give us a call.
Do You Have an Impacted Tooth?
Even a serious impaction could be treated with our unique bracketing procedure. To learn more about oral surgery and sedation, then schedule a consultation by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
