Impacted Wisdom Teeth in Walnut Creek, CA
Wisdom teeth don’t always have enough room to come in properly, which can lead to pain, infection, and other complications. At William M. Schneider, DDS, we evaluate and monitor wisdom teeth to help you avoid these issues.
Request an AppointmentWhat Does “Impacted” Mean?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. When there isn’t enough room in the jaw for them to erupt properly, they can become impacted, meaning they’re trapped beneath the gum or growing in at an angle against neighboring teeth.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain or swelling at the back of the jaw, difficulty opening your mouth fully, and crowding or pressure affecting nearby teeth. In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth causes no symptoms at all and is only discovered during a routine exam or X-ray.
Why Monitoring Matters
Even when they aren’t causing pain, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or cyst formation if left unaddressed. Regular exams allow us to monitor your wisdom teeth over time and recommend evaluation or referral for extraction if needed, before complications develop.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth FAQs
What does it mean when a wisdom tooth is impacted?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that doesn’t have enough room to erupt properly and remains trapped beneath the gum or grows in at an angle.
What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
Symptoms can include pain or swelling at the back of the jaw, difficulty opening the mouth fully, and pressure or crowding affecting nearby teeth.
Do impacted wisdom teeth always cause symptoms?
No, some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms and are only discovered during a routine exam or X-ray.
Can impacted wisdom teeth cause damage if left untreated?
Yes, they can potentially lead to infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or cyst formation over time.
At what age do wisdom teeth typically come in?
Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the late teens to early twenties, though timing varies by individual.
How are impacted wisdom teeth evaluated?
We evaluate wisdom teeth during routine exams and X-rays to monitor their position and determine whether further evaluation is needed.
How do I schedule a wisdom teeth evaluation?
You can request an appointment online through our appointments page or call us directly at (925) 935-2700.
Don’t Ignore Wisdom Tooth Pain
Call William M. Schneider, DDS at (925) 935-2700 or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation.