What Are Impacted Teeth?
As permanent teeth develop, they usually follow a predictable path, moving into their natural place during childhood and adolescence. Sometimes, however, a tooth gets blocked along the way, becoming partially (or fully) trapped under the gum or bone. This is what we call an impacted tooth. Wisdom teeth (the third set of molars at the back of the mouth) are the most likely to show signs of impaction, but it can happen to any tooth, especially when there isn't enough space in the jaw or the tooth isn't angled correctly. At Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth and canines. Dr. S. Clint Hudson offers both removal and exposure procedures depending on the tooth and the patient's needs. Whether the goal is to eliminate discomfort, protect surrounding teeth, or support a larger orthodontic plan, we provide careful, personalized treatment to restore comfort, function, and long-term oral health. If you're suffering from an impacted tooth, schedule an appointment at our oral surgery office in Huntsville, AL to learn how Dr. Hudson and our team can provide relief.
How Are Impacted Teeth Treated?
During your initial appointment, Dr. Hudson and our team will thoroughly examine your mouth and jaw, using advanced 3D oral imaging tools to get a more complete view of your oral health and assess for signs of impacted teeth. These may include crowding, shifting, or asymmetry in your smile. We perform impacted teeth removal/exposure surgery using local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and your own comfort level. Once you're prepared, Dr. Hudson will make a small incision in the gums to access the trapped tooth. After gaining access, he'll remove any excess bone (if necessary) and gently extract the tooth, sectioning it into pieces as needed to avoid damaging any surrounding structures. If we're dealing with an impacted eye tooth, he may instead perform a surgical exposure, uncovering the tooth and placing a small bracket so that it can be pulled into its proper place with a future orthodontic treatment. Whichever approach we use, we'll walk you through each step of your impacted tooth treatment ahead of time, allowing you to make the most informed decision about your care.
What Are the Benefits of Impacted Teeth Removal Surgery?
It's not always obvious when you have an impacted tooth. In some cases, a person may not experience any noticeable symptoms, especially early on. Over time, however, impacted teeth can lead to jaw pain, swelling in the gums, or tenderness near the back of the mouth, along with structural or alignment problems if they aren't dealt with. Our approach to treating impacted teeth at Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants provides a number of benefits for our patients, including:
- Relieves pain and pressure caused by trapped or misaligned teeth
- Prevents infection, decay, and gum disease around impacted teeth
- Protects nearby teeth from crowding and damage
- Reduces the risk of cysts or bone loss
- Supports proper alignment of the bite and jaw
- Enables better hygiene and oral health in hard-to-reach areas
- Can improve long-term outcomes when coordinated with orthodontic care
Impacted Teeth Reviews
My husband went in for an impacted tooth and the staff was amazing!
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Safeguard Your Smile from Tooth Impaction
Not all impacted teeth require immediate treatment, but knowing where things stand can make a big difference in your long-term dental health. That's why patients in and around Huntsville, AL turn to Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants for clear answers and thoughtful care. Dr. Hudson and our team can help you understand what's happening below the surface and what options make the most sense for your situation. Call our office today to schedule your private consultation.
