Alaska Oral Surgery Group

Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures: Pros and Cons

Individuals who need to replace missing teeth may not be sure whether implant-supported dentures or traditional dentures are the right option. Each type of denture has its advantages and disadvantages, which you should compare when deciding between the two. Here are some pros and cons to consider for traditional and implant-supported dentures.

 Traditional Dentures

Pros

  1. Cost-Effective: Traditional dentures are generally more affordable than implant-supported dentures, although the cost of maintenance over time should also be considered.
  2. Non-Invasive: The process of getting traditional dentures is less invasive compared to implants, as it doesn’t involve surgery.
  3. Adaptable: Traditional dentures are an excellent option for individuals with insufficient bone for implants, particularly if they are not candidates for bone grafting or do not want to undergo invasive surgery.

 

Cons

  1. Stability: Traditional dentures can sometimes be less stable, leading to issues with slippage or movement while eating or speaking.
  2. Bone Resorption: Over time, wearing traditional dentures can contribute to bone loss in the jaw due to lack of stimulation, which might affect fit and comfort. Bone resorption also leads to sunken facial features, which can lead to a prematurely aged appearance.
  3. Maintenance: Regular adjustments and relining might be necessary as the jaw shape changes, affecting the fit of the dentures.
  4. Inconvenience: Traditional dentures must be removed at night and to clean them. You need to soak them overnight, clean them with special cleansers, and make sure they don’t dry out, crack, or break.

 

Implant-Supported Dentures

Pros

  1. Enhanced Stability: Implant-supported dentures are more stable and secure. They’re anchored to the jawbone through dental implants fused to the surrounding bone. Because the implants become integrated with the jawbone like natural tooth roots, there is no movement or slippage of the dentures.
  2. Preservation of Jawbone: Dental implants stimulate the surrounding jawbone, preventing bone loss by mimicking the function of natural teeth roots. The facial contours are preserved, avoiding the prematurely aged appearance often seen in individuals wearing dentures for long periods.
  3. Improved Functionality: Implant-supported dentures offer better chewing efficiency and feel more natural than traditional dentures.
  4. Easy Care: Implant-supported dentures are cared for like natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are all that are needed to keep them functioning properly and looking great.

 

Cons

  1. Cost: Implant-supported dentures are typically more expensive due to the surgery required for implant placement.
  2. Surgical Procedure: The dental implants must be surgically placed in the jawbone. This surgery might not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions or those averse to surgical procedures.
  3. Healing Time: The treatment process for implant-supported dentures takes longer, requiring time for the implants to integrate with the bone before the dentures can be attached. Getting implant-supported dentures requires a time commitment of several months from the consultation to complete healing.

Ultimately, the choice between traditional and implant-supported dentures depends on various factors such as budget, oral health, bone structure, and personal preferences. If you are considering either option for replacing your missing teeth, Dr. Szutz is happy to answer any questions you may have. The first step is calling the Alaska Oral Surgery Group at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 to schedule a consultation.

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Gifting Beauty: Giving Cosmetic Procedures for the Holidays

Finding the perfect gift for a loved one during the holidays can be challenging. Every family has that one person who is almost impossible to shop for. As people continue to move away from “things” as gifts and toward experiences, more people are thinking about giving the gift of cosmetic procedures to individuals who enjoy improving their appearance.

Know the Recipient Well

The key to giving a cosmetic procedure as a holiday gift is knowing the recipient and understanding their mindset. Younger people are more open to the gift of cosmetic procedures such as Botox and Fillers to preserve their youthful appearance. They are also more likely to view cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift, as an investment in themselves that will last for years.

Choose an Appropriate Cosmetic Procedure

Do you have a friend or family member who has repeatedly expressed interest in cosmetic procedures but balked at the cost? Giving them the gift of a longed-for cosmetic procedure lets them know you believe they are worth it. If your brother has always hated his nose but can’t afford rhinoplasty, consider arranging a consultation with Dr. Stutz. If your wife worries about new wrinkles and frown lines, give her the gift of several Botox sessions. It’s a gift that keeps giving months after the holidays.

Tips for Gifting Cosmetic Procedures

Make sure your gift of cosmetic procedures or surgery is accepted in the right spirit by keeping a few things in mind:

  • Only consider cosmetic procedure gifts if the recipient has talked about wanting it more than once and you are confident that they want to undergo treatment.
  • Arrange for a consultation with Dr. Szutz as part of the gift. It is crucial that your loved one understands the procedure and is comfortable with Dr. Szutz.
  • If your friend already gets cosmetic treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers, consider pre-paying for a few sessions.
  • Choose a gift they want, not what you think they should get. If your loved one is self-conscious about their eyelids, an eyelid lift is a thoughtful gift. Suggesting they need a nose job instead is a bad idea

Show Yourself Some Love

Have you been considering cosmetic procedures to enhance your appearance or slow the signs of aging? The holidays are the perfect time to give yourself the gift of a cosmetic procedure. You can use monetary presents to pay for a procedure or ask someone special to consider getting you a procedure. Investing in yourself is a gift that can transform how you view yourself and have you looking forward to the holidays, putting your best face forward.

To learn more about how you can arrange for the gift of a cosmetic procedure, call our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678. We can help you make your holiday gift a lasting and thoughtful one.

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Is Thanksgiving Break the Ideal Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Having your wisdom teeth removed in high school or college can seem like an unpleasant experience. Still, there are many reasons to have them removed when you are younger, including faster healing, less invasive surgery, and fewer complications. If you or your child’s schedule is packed with schooling and activities, the ideal time to have their wisdom teeth removed may be over Thanksgiving break.

You Won’t Miss School Work

Oral surgery requires taking a few days off to rest and recover. By removing your wisdom teeth over the Thanksgiving break, you can avoid missing class time. The impact on your studies is reduced, and you won’t have to “play catch-up” later. Most young adults are fully healed within a week, just in time to return to class after the long holiday weekend.

Delicious Foods You Can Eat

After wisdom teeth extraction, you are on a soft diet for a few days to give your mouth time to heal. Fortunately, you can still enjoy many delicious food options over Thanksgiving, including mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and even finely shredded turkey. You don’t have to miss out on enjoying a complete Thanksgiving feast; you just have to be careful about which foods you choose. Having so many options makes it easier to avoid the wrong foods.

Kick Back and Relax

Thanksgiving is a low-stress holiday compared to the many festivities surrounding Christmas. It’s a low-key time when you can kick back with a book, game system, or movie and relax without feeling guilty. Pillows and a blanket on the couch are a great way to recover from wisdom teeth extraction, especially when the season is gearing up with great holiday movies and specials.

You’re Fully Healed for Christmas and Summer Break

If you need your wisdom teeth removed, you can only put it off for so long without suffering consequences such as pain and infection. Removing them over the Thanksgiving break makes sense for most students and young adults. You have time to recover and be ready for Christmas or Hanukkah without pain and can fully enjoy the final holidays of the year without worrying about surgery on the horizon. As a bonus, your summer will be free without having to languish inside while everyone else is enjoying the sunshine.

Dental Insurance Benefits

Dental insurance often covers some of the cost of wisdom teeth removal, particularly if the teeth are impacted. However, dental coverage doesn’t carry over from one year to the next. If you have dental benefits you have yet to use, now is the time. Having your wisdom teeth removed over Thanksgiving break is one way to take advantage of the full benefits of your dental coverage for this year before they disappear on January 1st.

To schedule wisdom teeth removal over the Thanksgiving break, please get in touch with us at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 to discuss a convenient time for oral surgery.

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Tips for Caring for Someone After Oral Surgery: What to Expect

If someone you love has oral surgery, they will require some at-home care in the days following the procedure. If you are helping care for someone after oral surgery, you should know what to expect and how to care for them. We’ve put together some tips to ensure your loved one is safe, comfortable, and cared for properly.

Encourage Plenty of Rest

Most patients need at least two days of rest, sometimes more, without physical exertion. The more invasive the surgery, the longer the patient needs to take it easy. If their pain is extreme, proper rest becomes even more important. Encourage them to take naps, relax on the sofa, and avoid any activities that are not necessary.

You can help keep your patient comfortable by making sure they are stocked with activities and distractions that can be easily reached and used. Keep magazines, books, gaming consoles, iPad, their phone, and remote controls close by to relieve boredom as they recover. A fluffy blanket and stack of pillows ensure comfortable rest and keep the head elevated to minimize pain and swelling.

Understand the Post-Operative Instructions and Follow Them

We provide detailed post-operative care instructions to our patients. Review these with your loved one and emphasize their importance. If they are advised to rinse with salt water, mix the solution and remind the patient to rinse periodically throughout the day. Any prescriptions, including antibiotics, should be taken as directed. Confirm that the patient is taking their medications and encourage drinking plenty of fluids.

Keep an Eye on Bleeding

It is usual for the surgical site to bleed for the first few days. Have a stack of gauze pads available so the patient can bite down on them to slow bleeding. If there is still substantial bleeding after 24-36 hours, contact our office for guidance.

A blood clot forms over the site after oral surgery to protect the site and prevent complications such as a dry socket. Do not allow the patient to smoke, drink using a straw, or suck on hard candies to avoid dislodging the blood clot. The suction may dislodge the blood clot and require a follow-up appointment at our office.

 Create a Healthy, Soft Diet

Patients must eat a liquid or soft diet following oral surgery to allow the area to heal properly and prevent pain or infection. Be prepared in advance with nutritional supplement drinks such as Boost or Ensure, and stock the fridge with tasty, nourishing soft foods such as mashed potatoes, hummus, pudding, refried beans, yogurt, applesauce, and broth. There are websites with many delicious soft food recipes you can find online. Eating a soft diet that isn’t boring or repetitive can help patients stay on track and reduce the temptation to eat foods they shouldn’t, such as chips and chewy foods.

Monitor the Patient’s Pain & Swelling

While some patients can control their pain with over-the-counter pain relievers, others are given a prescription-strength, non-opioid pain medication, or opioid pain medications. The patient should take pain relievers as directed rather than wait for the pain to become severe.

Watch your loved one’s face for the first few days. Some bruising and swelling are expected for the first 2-3 days. After day three to four, both should begin to subside. Encourage using ice packs for the first 24-48 hours to reduce pain and swelling. Thirty minutes of ice, followed by 15 minutes without ice, is effective.

Watch for Signs of Complications

If your loved one experiences any of the following symptoms while recovering from oral surgery, be sure to contact our office:

  • Fever
  • Dizziness or disorientation
  • Numbness beyond the first 24 hours
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Pus around the surgical site
  • Pain that increases after the third day
  • Increased swelling after the third day

As your friend’s advocate and caregiver, focus on protecting their health, keeping them comfortable, and being aware of any changes in their condition. When in doubt, please contact our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678. We are always happy to answer your questions.

Ready to make an appointment with Dr. Szutz?

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The Best Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal

After removing your wisdom teeth, you will be on a soft diet for about a week to minimize pain and promote healing. Eating foods that require chewing or that may irritate the incision sites can cause inflammation, pain, and infection. Although a soft diet may sound bland, it doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless.

General Guidelines

On the day of wisdom tooth removal, we recommend a liquid diet. Limit yourself to non-acidic juices (apple or grape juice is better than orange juice), clear broth, Jell-O, and tea or coffee without cream or milk. Do not use a straw to drink anything, as the suction can cause the blood clot protecting the empty tooth socket to loosen, leading to a painful dry socket.

On the second day, you can begin adding thicker liquids that you can eat without chewing, such as yogurt, milkshakes, smoothies, and pudding. Avoid very hot or cold foods – tepid is best to minimize discomfort until the area is adequately healed. Over the next three to five days, you can eat a wide range of soft foods that require little to no chewing. We suggest some of the following:

Scrambled eggs Bananas Mousse or pudding
Cottage cheese Applesauce Creamy soups
Refried beans Mashed potatoes Soft-cooked pasta
Mashed avocado Tofu Watermelon
Oatmeal Pureed vegetables Soft rice or risotto

 

Although spicy foods should be avoided, flavorful food is possible by adding seasonings and add-ins such as herbs, flavored vinegars, syrups, sauces, gravies, and melted butter. You can find many creative recipes online for soft food diets.

After the swelling has subsided and your pain is nearly gone (usually around day 5 to 7), you can slowly add firmer foods such as soft-cooked turkey or chicken, baked white fish, pancakes, waffles, casseroles, sweet potatoes, moist stuffing, soft peaches, buttered toast, soft bread, and macaroni and cheese. To add variety to your diet, consider poaching, steaming, or boiling vegetables and other foods to soften them. Within a week, you can eat most foods, although you should avoid chewing in the incision areas when possible.

Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal

For the first week following wisdom teeth removal, there are some foods you must avoid complications such as infection. These include:

  • Spicy or acidic foods that can irritate delicate tissues.
  • Alcoholic drinks, as they may interact with pain medications or aggravate the incision site.
  • Any seeds or firm-cooked grains that could get stuck in the incisions.
  • Any hard, crunchy, or tough foods such as nuts, jerky, chips, pretzels, and tough or stringy meats that could open stitches or cut into the gums.
  • Smoking or vaping should also be avoided for the first week, as they inhibit healing and dramatically increase the risk of infection.

If you are unsure whether you can eat a specific food, a quick call to our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 can provide guidance. Healing from wisdom teeth removal will progress safely and quickly if you follow our soft diet guidelines.

Ready to make an appointment with Dr. Szutz?

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Wisdom Teeth: Fascinating Facts You May Not Know

You may know a bit about wisdom teeth, particularly if you or your child has to have them removed, but you may not know these fascinating facts about your third molars:

  • The third molars are called wisdom teeth because you usually get them when you are older (between 17 and 22) when it is assumed that you’ve gained some wisdom. But they can come in at any age. Some people get them as young as 10, and adults have developed impacted wisdom teeth in their 70s and beyond. Unfortunately, the older you are, the harder wisdom teeth are to remove.
  • The oldest known evidence of an impacted wisdom tooth was found in the remains of a woman who died over 15,000 years ago.
  • Some people only get between 1-3 wisdom teeth rather than the standard four. In rare cases, an individual may develop more than four wisdom teeth.
  • Playing the odds with wisdom teeth isn’t in your best interests. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, only 15% of wisdom teeth do not need removal. Wisdom teeth extraction is simpler and less painful if you remove them before they become impacted.
  • Wisdom teeth are an excellent source of stem cells that can be used to regenerate tissue and aid in healing various parts of the body. Research currently focuses on ways to use these stem cells for ophthalmological and neurological treatments.

 Environment and ethnicity have some effect on the development of wisdom teeth. Individuals of Asian descent and the Inuit are least likely to have wisdom teeth.

  • Wisdom teeth are the only teeth that develop after birth. All other teeth are formed in the womb. Researchers are now looking into ways to prevent wisdom teeth from developing at all since the majority of people have to have them surgically removed.
  • Five million people have their wisdom teeth removed in the United States every year.
  • Sometimes wisdom teeth in the upper jaw can migrate or grow roots into the sinus cavities, causing symptoms such as sinus pain and pressure, recurring headaches, and congestion.
  • Nine out of ten people eventually develop an impacted wisdom tooth that has to be surgically removed.
  • Not every culture or language refers to wisdom teeth in the same way. There are many poetic ways to refer to the third molar, including:
  • In Korean – sa-rang-nee, which means “love teeth” because teens frequently fall in love.
  • In Turkish – yas disi, meaning “twentieth year tooth.”
  • In Japanese – oyashirazu, which loosely translates to “unknown to parents” because, by the time the wisdom teeth emerge, the individual has left their parent’s home.

Wisdom teeth are remarkably interesting for teeth that are no longer needed. However, they can cause serious damage if they are not extracted when you are in your late teens or early twenties. If you have one or more wisdom teeth that need removing, contact our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Szutz.

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Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth if They Are Almost Always Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt, usually in your late teens or twenties. In some people, wisdom teeth may become impacted or develop problems after erupting. In these cases, wisdom teeth removal is the best option to prevent more serious dental health issues.

Is There Something Wrong With Wisdom Teeth?

No, there is nothing inherently wrong with wisdom teeth. The issue is that many people don’t have enough space in the back of the mouth, which leads to impaction and other associated problems. Some people have wisdom teeth that fully erupt and are completely functional. As long as individuals practice good oral hygiene, there is no need to remove the wisdom teeth if they don’t cause any pain and are healthy.

Why We Remove Wisdom Teeth

Most dentists recommend having them surgically removed even before they become a problem to prevent developing more severe complications later in life. Having wisdom teeth removed when you are older leads to longer healing times, and the surgery is more difficult. The older you are, the longer the roots of your wisdom teeth grow. They may impinge on nerves and blood vessels in the jawbone, making surgery more complex. Many problems can arise if your wisdom teeth are not removed when you are in your teens are twenties, including:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth leading to pain, inflammation, and infection
  • Crowding of the teeth, pushing other teeth out of alignment
  • Infection and gum disease
  • Difficulty keeping the teeth clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease
  • Development of cysts or tumors in the jawbone
  • Sinus issues such as congestion, sinus headaches, and pressure from the upper wisdom teeth
  • Removal later in life is more difficult, resulting in slower recovery and a greater risk of complications.

A thorough dental exam and X-rays are essential if you have not had your wisdom teeth removed. We can assess your wisdom teeth and determine whether they will likely cause you problems in the future. Contact our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Szutz before your third molars become a health issue.

Ready to Improve Your Smile?

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Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for replacing missing teeth, but whether insurance will cover them remains a complex issue. Insurance coverage for dental implants varies depending on the type of insurance plan and policy. Some insurance policies may cover a portion or all the cost of dental implants, while others may only cover certain aspects of the treatment.

Dental Insurance for Implants

Some dental insurance plans cover implants in part, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine what portions of your treatment are covered. Most policies cover teeth extraction and bone grafting. Some cover the cost of the prosthetics but not the implants themselves. Others will cover a portion of the implant placement and the replacement teeth, but only in part. Coverage for X-rays, anesthesia, and consultations also varies. Please contact your dental insurance carrier and ask what portion of dental implants is covered and the limits of that coverage.

Medical Insurance for Dental Implants

It surprises many patients that their medical insurance may cover all or part of dental implants. Your medical insurance provider will consider covering implants if they are medically necessary. However, if they deem the procedure strictly cosmetic, they may not. If you have been in an accident and need dental implants to restore teeth lost or damaged from facial trauma, it maybe be considered medically necessary. If you currently use dentures but want to upgrade to dental implants, the insurance provider may consider this an esthetic and, therefore, unnecessary procedure.

Can I Combine Dental and Medical Insurance Coverage for Dental Implants?

You may need to use both your medical and dental insurance to get the maximum coverage possible. Approval factors will include why you need the implants, the type of implants used, whether bone grafting is necessary, and your coverage limits. If it sounds confusing, that is because it is.

Before you begin your dental implant journey, we encourage you to contact both your dental and medical insurers and ask questions to determine what is and is not covered. Relevant questions include:

  • Do you cover dental implants?
  • What portion of the procedure is covered?
  • Does it matter what type of implants are used?
  • What is my out-of-pocket cost?
  • Do I need pre-authorization for dental implants?
  • What is the maximum allowable coverage?
  • What procedures are included in coverage?
    • Consultations & Appointments?
    • X-rays?
    • Bone grafting?
    • Sinus Lift?
    • Implant placement?
    • Prosthetics?
    • Follow-up care?

What About HSAs and FSAs?

If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you might be able to use these funds. You may have to provide a letter of medical necessity from your doctor or dentist and turn in receipts for any procedures related to and including implant placement.

The staff at Alaska Oral Surgery Group is available to answer your questions and help you navigate financial considerations, including the availability of payment plans through CareCredit. Please contact us at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 if you would like additional information about dental implant costs and coverage.

 

Ready for Dental Implants to Complete Your Smile?

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Ten Things to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery

After your dental implants are placed, you will need to stick to a soft diet for a week and follow the post-operative instructions provided by our office. The most important thing is to keep the mouth clean, avoid irritating the surgical site, and protect your mouth. There are also some things you must avoid, protecting your dental implants until the area is completely healed, particularly during the first week following surgery.

  1. Avoid touching the implant area. Poking or prodding with your fingers or tongue can dislodge any protective blood clots and contaminate the area with bacteria from your hands.
  1. Don’t spit the first 24-48 hours. It’s tempting to spit out any blood or extra fluids, but you could dislodge the blood clot. Lean over your sink and let any fluids drain out of your mouth.
  1. Do not rinse too vigorously. After the first 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm (not hot!) saltwater, but do so gently and let the water drain out of your open mouth. Do not spit it out.
  1. Avoid physical exertion and exercise for at least a week. Take it easy and avoid jogging, roughhousing with your kids, and going to the gym. Strenuous activities can contribute to inflammation and increase bleeding and pain.
  1. Avoid hot food and drinks for at least a week after surgery, as the heat can inflame and irritate the surgical site. During the first 24 hours, you may burn your mouth while the area is still numb.
  1. Eliminate crunchy, hard, sticky, spicy, acidic, and chewy foods for at least a week after surgery. You will be more comfortable and protect the dental implant sites if you limit yourself to soft, creamy foods.
  1. Anything that creates suction in the mouth should be avoided for the first week. Do not use a drinking straw for the first week, as the suction can dislodge the blood clots protecting the surgery site. The same goes for smoking, which requires a sucking motion.
  1. Do not drink alcohol for at least three weeks following dental implant surgery or while using narcotics. Alcoholic beverages can trigger bleeding and slow the healing process.
  1. Do not smoke. Smoking is the number one cause of dental implant failure because it inhibits the integration of the implants with the jawbone and slows healing. We suggest you quit smoking several weeks or even months before implant placement.

For more detailed information on what to do and what to avoid following dental implant placement, check out our After Implant Placement page. Although the list of “Don’ts” seems long, they are meant to protect your health, encourage healing, and prevent implant failure. Once the area has healed and your permanent restorations are in place, we are confident you will feel the process was worth it!

To schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. Szutz, contact our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 or fill out our Appointment Request form.

 

Three Warning Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

For many people, one or more of their wisdom teeth become impacted (trapped in the jawbone or only partially erupted) if not removed. When this happens, the impacted wisdom tooth has to be removed to prevent infection, damage to other teeth and the jawbone, and pain. We often recommend removing your wisdom teeth when you are in your teens or early twenties to avoid any potential issues later in life.

If you have not had your wisdom teeth removed at a young age, you may never have a problem. However, most individuals end up with at least one impacted wisdom tooth.  The surgery to remove an impacted tooth is more difficult the older you are, and complications are more likely. If you have any of the symptoms outlined below, contact our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678, and we will schedule an appointment to evaluate your wisdom teeth.

Toothache or Facial Pain

Pain and swelling are common indicators of impacted wisdom teeth. While a dull, throbbing toothache is most likely, some patients experience an earache due to the proximity of wisdom teeth to the ear canal. Temporomandibular joint pain is also common, along with pain radiating through the cheek and side of the face.

Some individuals may have impacted wisdom teeth and not realize that the pain they’re experiencing is directly related. Chronic allergy pain, sinus infections, and even migraines are sometimes blamed when it is actually an impacted wisdom tooth.

Swelling

As the teeth come in, there is often swelling around the base of the new tooth. Gums may be puffy and tender. The inflammation can be severe when wisdom teeth are impacted and trying to force their way through the gums.

Many times the swelling spreads, sometimes to surprising areas. Areas that may swell include the jawline, glands in the neck and shoulders, cheekbones, and sinuses.

Chronic Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth

If you brush your teeth, use floss, and use breath mints but still can’t get rid of your halitosis (bad breath), the source may be an impacted wisdom tooth. When a tooth is partially erupted or comes in crooked, the area can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Food debris and bacteria may get caught around the base of the tooth, between teeth, and in soft tissue pockets. When these areas are difficult to clean, an infection can flourish, leading to foul-smelling breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If the gums are bleeding, you may experience a metallic taste; if there is an infection, you may experience a strong, salty flavor.

If left untreated, any of these symptoms can progress, leading to a severe infection or difficulty opening and closing the mouth. It is important to have your impacted wisdom tooth removed before complications develop that may lead to permanent damage to adjacent teeth, jawbone, or gums.

There is no reason to put up with the symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth. If you have any symptoms of an impacted tooth or teeth, contact our office at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 to schedule an appointment for removal.

Please call us in with any questions or to schedule an appointment.