Impacted Wisdom Teeth? Consider Removal

Posted on (not posted yet) by San Tan Oral Surgery

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Once upon a time, our third molars – or wisdom teeth – were important. Now that this is no longer the case, most people have them removed at some point. Sometimes, these molars never break through the gum. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth and can cause problems if not dealt with.

What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last to emerge. In some cases, the teeth do not emerge at all or come in at an angle. These are called impacted wisdom teeth. The exact reason this happens is not known. It is believed to have something to do with a mismatch in size between your jawbone and the teeth. When teeth do not erupt, either at all or partially, they are likely being blocked by another tooth.

If you suspect your wisdom teeth are impacted, it is important to have a dental exam done. In order to definitively diagnose this condition, dental X-rays are required. This also allows us to see if the teeth have done any damage to your jawbone or surrounding teeth.

What are the Symptoms?

It is possible to have zero symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth. Unfortunately, many people experience one or more of the following unpleasant ones:

•	Severe pain
•	Swollen gums
•	Bleeding from the gums
•	Gum infection
•	Tooth decay
•	Bad breath
•	Swelling or pain around the jaw
•	A bad taste in the mouth
•	Swollen lymph nodes on the neck
•	Difficulty opening the mouth (in very severe cases)

The Surgical Removal Process

Symptomatic impacted wisdom teeth will need to be surgically removed. After removing the tooth, as well as whatever piece of bone was blocking it, the surgical site is sealed. If your impacted teeth are not causing you issues, you may be tempted to leave them in. It is important to know that bone is typically more flexible prior to the age of 30, which can make the surgery easier. If you start to experience symptoms later on in life, removing these teeth can be more complicated.

Get In Touch with Us for More Information

You can learn more about impacted wisdom teeth by making an appointment with San Tan Oral Surgery. At our convenient location in Gilbert, AZ, we would be glad to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

About
Dr. Cynthia Colson

Dr. Colson grew up in the Metro area, attending Camelback High School and ASU. She graduated from the University of Kentucky Dental School and completed her residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Long Island, New York. She also attended an anesthesia fellowship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has traveled with Healing The Children, a non-profit organization, to Bucarumanga Columbia treating patients with cleft lip and palate deformities.
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What our patients are saying about us

"Dr. Colson is amazing! She explained everything thoroughly without sounding condescending and gently but directly guides you through the whole procedure. She is excellent and super experienced. I got my wisdom teeth pulled (3 partially impacted and one simply extracted) and aside from asking too many questions under laughing gas before the general anesthesia knocked me out, I got no complications and have had essentially no pain at all." – Ana D.

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Office hours

Mon - Thur: 8am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8am to 2:00pm

Location

3303 S. Lindsay Rd.
Suite 112
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Contact

Office: (480) 604-2592

Connect

Santanxray@gmail.com

About Us | Dental Implants Gilbert, AZ | San Tan Oral Surgery
If you have recently been told you need oral surgery, you have come to the right place. Call San Tan Oral Surgery to schedule your initial consultation today!
San Tan Oral Surgery, 3303 S. Lindsay Rd. Suite 112, Gilbert, AZ 85297-2100 : (480) 604-2592 : santanoralsurgery.com : 12/10/2025 : Tags: Dental Implants Gilbert AZ :