Impacted Teeth Extraction: Addressing Pain and Preventing Complications

Impacted teeth can be sneaky. You might not even know there’s a problem—until one day you feel pressure, swelling, or jaw pain that won’t quit.

At Village Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, we see impacted teeth more often than you might think—especially wisdom teeth. These teeth don’t erupt properly and get stuck under the gum or in the jawbone, sometimes causing infections, cysts, or damage to nearby teeth.

But here’s the good news: with the right timing, treatment, and care, impacted teeth can be removed safely and comfortably. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from why these teeth cause trouble to how to recover smoothly after surgery.

What Are Impacted Teeth?

An impacted tooth is one that doesn’t fully emerge through the gumline or gets trapped in the jaw. It usually happens because there isn’t enough room in the mouth or the tooth grows at an odd angle.

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the most common culprits. But canines and other molars can also become impacted.

You might not feel anything at first. But over time, symptoms can show up, including:

• Swelling or tenderness in the back of your mouth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Gum inflammation or redness
• Bad breath or a strange taste in your mouth

In some cases, an impacted tooth can even press on nearby roots, crowding your other teeth or damaging bone structure.

Why Impacted Teeth Need to Be Removed

Not all impacted teeth need to come out—but most do. Left untreated, they can cause long-term problems.

Here’s what can happen if they’re not addressed:

• Infection: Bacteria can collect under the gums or around partially erupted teeth.
• Damage to nearby teeth: Pressure from the impacted tooth can shift or harm healthy neighbors.
• Cysts or tumors: Fluid-filled sacs can form around impacted teeth and erode bone.
• Chronic pain or headaches: Pressure in the jaw can cause radiating discomfort.

Early removal, especially in young adults, helps prevent these issues and makes recovery easier.

How We Diagnose an Impacted Tooth

If you’re feeling discomfort or your dentist suspects an issue, we’ll start with a full exam and take a panoramic X-ray or 3D scan. This lets us see exactly where the tooth is, how it’s positioned, and whether it’s affecting nearby structures.

From there, we’ll create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Some extractions are simple, while others may require a surgical approach.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure for Impacted Teeth

We know oral surgery can feel intimidating—but don’t worry. We’ll walk you through everything and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Here’s what to expect:

• Sedation and numbing: You won’t feel pain during the procedure. We offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation.
• Incision and removal: For impacted teeth, we make a small incision in the gum. Sometimes the tooth is removed in pieces.
• Stitches: We place dissolvable stitches to help the area heal quickly.

The whole process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. If you’re having multiple extractions, we’ll plan accordingly and give you recovery guidance.

Recovery Timeline and What to Expect

Most patients start feeling better within 3 to 5 days. Full healing of the gum and bone takes several weeks, but you’ll be back to your normal routine much sooner.

Typical recovery timeline:

• Day 1–2: Swelling, mild bleeding, and grogginess (especially if sedated).
• Day 3–4: Swelling peaks, then begins to subside.
• Day 5–7: Discomfort fades, and normal eating becomes easier.

You’ll want to rest, eat soft foods, and follow our aftercare instructions closely.

How to Prevent Post-Surgical Complications

The biggest risks after an impacted tooth extraction include dry socket, infection, and excessive swelling. Thankfully, they’re easy to avoid with the right care.

To help prevent problems:

• No straws, smoking, or spitting for 3–5 days
• Use ice packs the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
• Rinse gently with salt water starting on day two
• Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes

If something doesn’t feel right—call us. We’d rather check in early than see you in pain later.

When to Call the Office

Mild swelling and discomfort are normal. But call us right away if you notice:

• Pain that worsens after day three
• Excessive bleeding that doesn’t slow down
• Fever or chills
• Pus or foul smell from the extraction site
• Numbness that lasts more than a few hours

We’re located right near Highland Village, TX, and we’re here when you need us.

What Happens If Impacted Teeth Are Left Alone?

Some patients put off extraction, especially if the impacted tooth isn’t hurting. But waiting can cause more damage than you think.

As the tooth continues to push against surrounding structures, it can cause:

• Shifting of other teeth
• Bone loss or resorption
• Jaw stiffness or chronic inflammation

It’s always easier to remove a tooth before it becomes infected or causes widespread issues. Early action = easier recovery.

Let’s Get You Feeling Better

At Village Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, we specialize in complex extractions—including impacted teeth. We’ll guide you through the process, support your healing, and make sure you feel informed every step of the way.

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or have been told you may need a tooth removed, Schedule a consultation with us today. We’ll help you find the right solution and protect your smile long-term.