Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth get trapped under the gums they can inflict pain, and damage your other teeth.
Not only do impacted wisdom teeth cause serious complications, but they often require advanced techniques to remove safely.
Our board-certified oral surgeon at Hopkin Oral Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT, has the advanced training needed for these situations...
What Does "Impacted Wisdom Tooth" Actually Mean?
Wisdom teeth typically emerge when patients are in their late teens or early twenties. In many cases, the third molars fail to erupt and become trapped. If the tooth partially emerges, it is said to be partially impacted. When the third molar cannot emerge at all, it is said to be fully impacted.
Different Ways a Tooth Can become Impacted
Extraction Can Protect Your Oral Health
If impacted wisdom teeth are compromising your or your child's oral health, Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin may recommend tooth extraction at our Salt Lake City practice.
Dr. Hopkin is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, meaning he has the necessary training and experience to handle even the most complex cases. He employs advanced technology, such as 3D imaging, which allows for more sophisticated insight than traditional x-rays. He is also experienced with dental sedation, so patients have nothing to fear during wisdom tooth surgery.
Extractions are typically covered by insurance, but our office also accepts CareCredit® financing and in-house payment plans. To schedule your or your child's examination, contact our Salt Lake City, UT, office online or give us a call.
Real 5-Star Reviews from Satisfied Patients
malishya jensen
2020
Honestly this place was amazing! I went in for my wisdom teeth. They got me in, made sure I fully understood everything. Scheduled the appointment, put me out and the procedure only took 15 minutes. They helped me out to my car with my fiancé. Little to no pain the following days. No bruising. And very very minor swelling you couldn't even tell. Very thankful I chose Hopkin Oral Surgery.
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Brittany Hernandez
2019
Dr Hopkin is an awesome oral surgeon, and his staff are so friendly and caring . I highly recommend this office for wisdom tooth extraction and implants.
View On GoogleWhat Happens If I Put Treatment Off? Possible Complications
Left untreated, wisdom teeth have the potential to cause a wide range of dental problems. A few of these may include:
Crowding
Many young patients are surprised to learn that wisdom teeth can cause teeth crowding. If your child recently underwent orthodontic treatment, the cosmetic benefits are at risk of being undone if there is not adequate room for their third molars to emerge.
Tooth Damage
As a wisdom tooth tries to erupt, it may push against the neighboring second molar. This pressure has the potential to cause root resorption of the adjacent molars, increasing the risk of additional tooth loss.
Decay
A partially impacted wisdom tooth is at a higher risk for tooth decay and cavities. Wisdom teeth are harder to clean, so food and bacteria can more easily become trapped in the gums surrounding these teeth.
Periodontal Infections
Partially impacted third molars place the patient at a higher risk for developing gum disease.Cysts
A small sack filled with fluid, called a cyst, can form around an impacted wisdom tooth and damage the jawbone, other teeth, and nerves.
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