Temporary Crown Post-Op Instructions

temporary crown post-op instructions - Colorado Springs CO

Temporary Crown Post-Op Instructions

Temporary Crown Post-Op Instructions From Colorado Springs Dentist

Need a dental crown? Your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, will need to put a temporary crown on first until your custom, permanent crown is made. Below, Dr. Cody Boals shares temporary crown post-op instructions. 

Temporary Crowns Must-Knows

So, if you have a temporary crown on right now, know that it’s there to protect your tooth until your permanent crown is ready. There is a possibility for your temporary to come off, so we are giving you a few tips and tricks to stop your temporary crown from coming off.  Watch our YouTube video to hear from Dr. Cody Boals. 

Brushing and Flossing

Dr. Boals recommends brushing normally around that area. But when you floss, go towards the gum line instead of coming back up or coming down – pull it right through. This will prevent the crown from popping up when you’re flossing. 

Broken Temporary Crown

So another thing that can happen is that temporary can crack. The temporary crown is made of acrylic, not the hard material your permanent crown is made out of. So, if it does crack, if it does pop off, if you’re eating sticky foods, or it just pops off, just give us a call. Don’t freak out. It’s not an emergency, but we’ll get you in right away to get that area cover back up and protected. So, wait on hard or sticky foods until we have the permanent crown on. If your permanent crown does fall off, contact an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs.

Permanent Dental Crown

Your temporary crown placement will get fitted in about two weeks from your first visit. Please don’t hesitate to contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry if you have any questions or concerns about your temporary crown post-op instructions. 

How Dental Crowns Work

how dental crowns work - Colorado Springs, CO

How Dental Crowns Work

How Dental Crowns Work To Save Your Tooth

It’s natural for you to feel a little nervous when your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, recommends a dental crown. However, once you understand how a dental crown works, you’ll discover you have nothing to be worried about. In fact, dental crowns are one of the most common restorative dentistry treatments available. Below, Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson share how dental crowns work to save your tooth from further damage. 

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the tooth’s base. Most dentists provide a porcelain dental crown because it blends seamlessly with natural teeth. Dental crowns are extremely popular because they can solve many dental problems: 

  • Cracked Tooth
  • Decayed Tooth
  • Post root canal therapy
  • Post dental implant placement
  • Want to aesthetically improve your smile

Dental Crown Placement

Now that you understand how a dental crown works and what purpose it serves, it is time to become acquainted with the procedure. A dental crown is typically placed over the course of two appointment visits. Your Colorado Springs dentists will examine and prepare the tooth at the initial visit. Depending on the circumstances, you may be subjected to a series of X-rays. If you have an infection or substantial tooth decay, a root canal may be required before a dental crown may be set.

After numbing your gum tissue and tooth, your dentist will begin filing down the surface and sides of the damaged tooth. Note that you should feel any discomfort. To effectively support the crown, your dentist may use a filling.

After the tooth has been reshaped, your dentist will add putty, then place your temporary crown. Be gentle with your temporary crown and avoid chewing on ice or eating sticky foods.

Your dentist will place the permanent dental crown during your second visit. Dr. Boals or Dr. J will numb the area again before placing the final crown. Our friend, Dr. Wade, a dentist in Pinellas Park, FL, says that it’s normal to not feel used to your dental crown for the first few days. You’ll feel back to normal in no time. 

Maintaining Dental Crowns

Your new dental crown can last you from 5 to 15 years. You don’t need any additional maintenance. Continue to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist’s office. Most patients don’t have any problems with their dental crowns. If you have the habit of chewing on hard or sticky foods, it is possible that the crown breaks. If this happens, contact an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs. 

Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry

Understanding how a dental crown functions can help to calm your nerves. The treatment is completely painless and can prevent additional dental problems from developing. If you’re looking for a dentist in Colorado Springs, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry today! Additionally, we offer virtual dental consultations to all of our patients! 

Post Root Canal Tips

post root canal tips - Colorado Springs

Post Root Canal Tips

Post Root Canal Tips to a Fast Recovery

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. If you’ve just had a root canal, congratulations! You go through it. Root canals often get a bad rap on TV shows and commercials because patients are in pain. However, this is not the case because root canals are the procedure we use to get you out of pain. In the article below, Dr. Cody Boals shares what you can expect over the next couple of days and weeks. 

Post Root Canal: Days After

So after any surgical procedure, you can expect to be sore for a few days. Dr. Boals says you can expect some discomfort around the tooth and maybe even way down at the tooth. This can go on until that area is healed and that infection is 100% cleared. It’s nothing too bad. Just expect a little bit of soreness in that area.

Post Root Canal with Dental Crown 

If you’ve had a dental crown does as well, you’ll want to avoid chewing on that tooth. That area might take at least seven to 10 days to start feeling normal again. Stay on top of your pain medication. Dr. Boals recommends taking ibuprofen 600 milligrams every six hours. You can also add Tylenol. You can do 500 milligrams at that same time.

Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry

Root canals are done all the time by your Coloraod Springs dentists. If you have any questions or concerns about this treatment, please contact our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO. Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson are happy to help. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel to stay informed on our latest tips and tricks.

Root Canal vs. Extraction

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Root Canal vs. Extraction

The Difference Between a Root Canal vs. Extraction

Tooth decay is one of the biggest problems in dentistry. Lack of good oral hygiene will likely lead to cavities, tooth decay, and tooth infections. If there ever comes a time where you experience excruciating tooth pain, you will need to see an emergency dentist ASAP. The best dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, will either recommend a root canal or a tooth extraction. Keep in mind that Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson will do everything in their power to save your natural teeth. If your tooth is beyond repair, your Colorado Springs dentists may recommend a tooth extraction. So, which is better? In this article, we break down the difference between a root canal vs. extraction. 

Do I Need a Tooth Extraction? 

When it comes to fixing an infected tooth, a tooth extraction may appear to be the simplest alternative. However, tooth extractions are a permanent solution. Most dentists in Colorado Springs will recommend anything else before pulling a tooth. Of course, we want the best for our patients, which is why we will weigh out the pros and cons of each treatment. If you’ve never had a tooth extraction before, here’s what to expect.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

The Kissing Camels team will use one of our sleep dentistry options during the tooth extraction to ensure the patient is fully comfortable. Our goal is to get your tooth out pain-free. Our dentists should be able to complete your extraction in one visit (unless it’s more complicated). Keep in mind that it’s completely normal to feel some discomfort after the extraction, says Dr. Boals.

What Are the Dangers of Tooth Extraction?

There are some situations where a tooth extraction is absolutely necessary. However, in some cases, an extraction can make the problem worse. After the tooth has been pulled, you will have an empty area in your mouth. Therefore, this can be a breeding ground for bacteria/cavities and cause infections that spread swiftly to adjacent teeth, resulting in a chain of extractions.

Not to mention that a lost tooth complicates matters for the teeth around it. Other teeth will receive any muscular support and may become weak or shift in the mouth. This can lead to congestion, crowding, and misalignment of the teeth. One loose tooth can induce other teeth to follow suit, and before long, all of your teeth may be loose and begin to fall off or become infected. Talk to your dentist in Colorado Springs about what they recommend. It’s okay to get a few opinions about your smile. To help save you a visit to our office, we now offer virtual dental consultations. Find out what our dental professionals recommend!

The Root Canal Procedure Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction

A root canal has a higher success rate than a tooth extraction because there are few to no long-term consequences. Dentists perform root canals to clean and mend diseased teeth. There is no need to extract the infected tooth with root canal therapy.

The Root Canal Procedure

Root canals are often misunderstood. Many patients have the misconception that root canals are painful. In reality, the tooth infection is what’s painful. Once the tooth’s root has been restored, the pain will disappear. If your tooth is damaged due to decay but is repairable, your dentist will recommend root canal therapy. The process begins with X-rays. Here, we see the severity of the infection as well as the number of teeth infected. Once we’ve determined that root canal therapy is the better option, we will place rubber or vinyl over the neighboring teeth. This is done to keep the infection from spreading.

A hole is then drilled into the tooth. Then your dentist will remove infected pulp as well as any dead tissues. The whole will be filled with a filling or dental crown so that the tooth is fully functioning again. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics or pain relievers post-surgery. 

What Are the Dangers?

If root canal therapy is not performed correctly, the enamel may be damaged. Our friend Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist Grand Junction, CO, highly recommends seeing an experienced professional. A root canal gone wrong can be extremely painful. 

Which is Better: Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?

A root canal is a superior solution for many dental offices. However, in extreme circumstances, tooth extraction is the only alternative. These restorative dentistry treatments both have advantages and disadvantages, so they will rely on your total oral history and process preference. If you’re experiencing tooth decay, please contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. We’re happy to take a look and recommend the best treatment plan for your unique smile.

Benefits of Zoom Teeth Whitening

benefits of zoom teeth whitening - Colorado Springs CO

Benefits of Zoom Teeth Whitening

Three Benefits of Zoom Teeth Whitening

Are you tired of trying over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpaste, and trays? You’re not alone. Many people are frustrated with these take-home teeth whitening results, which is why professional teeth whitening is recommended. At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we offer Zoom teeth whitening services in Colorado Springs. With Zoom teeth whitening you’ll have a brighter smile just like that. Read this article to learn about the three benefits of zoom teeth whitening.  

Quick Results 

Unlike at-home teeth whitening, your dentist can give you a visibly whiter smile in under an hour. Zoom teeth whitening, as the name implies, is a rapid cosmetic dentistry treatment that is easy to fit into a busy schedule. For those with severe teeth discoloration, we may need to split the teeth whitening appointment into three sessions that are 15 minutes long. We recommend that you contact your Colorado Springs dentist to see if Zoom whitening is good for you.

If you’re unhappy with your smile, Dr. Boals or Dr. Johnson may recommend porcelain veneers. Although these treatments will create exceptional results, they can be costly. If your teeth are simply discolored, professional teeth whitening may be the best option. Of course, it’s recommended that you visit our dental office in Colorado Springs before starting any treatment. Our Kissing Camels Dentistry team will recommend the best treatment for your smile. 

Can You Whiten Your Teeth At Home?

Depending on the severity of your tooth staining, your dentist may be able to provide you with supplies to try teeth whitening at home. If this is the case, your dentist will make a bespoke whitening tray by taking an impression of your teeth. When you whiten your teeth at home, you can do so whenever it is most convenient for you. 

Ideal for Sensitive Teeth

If you’ve tried over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, you may have noticed that your teeth are more sensitive. This is a common problem that you can avoid with professional whitening treatments. The whitening gel and varnish we use at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry are precisely made to prevent gum and teeth irritation. While some of our patients feel “zingers,” or small bursts of discomfort during treatment, many are prepared to put up with the discomfort in exchange for brighter teeth. Our friend Dr. Kim, a dentist in Lexington, KY, explains that everyone’s pain threshold is different. Trust us when we say that Zoom teeth whitening results are so worth it! 

Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry

Not in love with your smile? Zoom teeth whitening may be the perfect solution for you! Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson are happy to see you for a consultation. To help you save time, we now offer virtual dental consultations. We can’t wait to help you enhance your smile! Please contact our dental office in Colorado Springs for more information.

Affordable Dentistry With Dental Savings Plan

affordable dentistry with our dental savings plan - Colorado Springs CO

Affordable Dentistry With Dental Savings Plan

Finding quality dental care for an affordable price can be difficult. AtKissing Camels Family Dentistry, we offer all patients without dental insurance access to our dental savings plan. So, what’s included in this plan? Read below to learn how we make dentistry affordable with our dental savings plan.

Dental Savings Plan Options

At our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO, we want all of our patients to have access to quality dental care. To help our patients save, Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson have put together four different dental savings plans below.

Single Plan

  • $305 Off Normal Fees
  • Two Dental Exams Per Year
  • Two Dental Cleanings Per Year

Dual Plan – For Parent/Child or Partners Only

  • $626 Off Normal Fees
  • Two Dental Exams Per Year
  • Two Dental Cleanings Per Year

Family of Three 

  • $882 Off Normal Fees
  • Two Dental Exams Per Year
  • Two Dental Cleanings Per Year

Family of Four 

  • $1342 Off Normal Fees
  • Two Dental Exams Per Year
  • Two Dental Cleanings Per Year

Benefits Premiums

The following is included in our discount plan. Exclusions and limitations apply. Please contact our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO, for any additional information.

  • One Comprehensive Exam
  • One Annual Exam
  • One Emergency Exam (Used Anytime During The Year)
  • Two Cleanings (Non-Periodontal Based)
  • Two Oral Cancer Screenings
  • Two Fluoride Treatments
  • Four Bitewing X-Rays
  • Any Individual X-Rays Needed Throughout The Year
  • Panorex Or Full-Mouth Series Of X-Rays
  • (One Every Five Years)
  • 15% OFF Additional Cleanings, Dental Sealants, Fillings, Core Buildups, Oral Surgery, Root Canals
  • 15% OFF Crowns, Veneers, Periodontics, Dentures, Implants, Partials
  • 15% OFF Invisalign

Additional Advantages

Other than saving money, our dental savings plan helps Colorado Springs residents achieve better oral health. Our friend Dr. Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, agrees that dental saving plans are worth it. Why? Because those who wait to get the dental care they need will likely end up paying more money out of pocket than they would with a dental insurance agency. 

Program Exclusions & Limitations

Note: Our dental savings plan is only available at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. This plan cannot be combined with any other plan. This program is a discount plan, not a dental insurance plan. The dental saving premiums for the plans listed must be paid with either cash, check, or credit card. Please consider the following before signing up for our discount dental plan:

Dental Savings Plan holders may no use this at any other dental office:  

  • In conjunction with another dental plan, dental insurance or financing program such as CareCredit
  • For treatment which, in the sole opinion of our doctors, lies outside the realm of their capability
  • For referrals to specialists
  • For hospitalizations or hospital charges of any kind
  • For costs of dental care, which are covered under automobile medical
  • For services of injuries covered under workers’ compensation

Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry

If you’re interested in saving on our dental services, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. Our dentists in Colorado Springs, CO, look forward to seeing you soon! Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns.

Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

tooth extraction Colorado Springs dentist

Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

Having a tooth extracted can seem like a scary experience. In reality, most emergency dentists aim to prevent tooth extractions. As your trusted dentist, keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is always one of the top priorities. However, there are times when it obviously cannot be prevented. When a tooth extraction must be extracted as a last resort, you’ll need to find a dentist that will make sure you are comfortable before and after tooth extraction. Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson discuss tooth extraction recovery tips below.

Why Do I Need to Get a Tooth Pulled?

As previously mentioned, your Colorado Springs dentist can only remove a tooth if it is absolutely necessary. Here are a few examples of when this may be the case:

  • Your child’s baby teeth have not fallen out. Therefore an extraction is needed for the permanent teeth to emerge.
  • Impacted wisdom teeth.
  • You are getting your teeth ready for orthodontics or other dental treatments.
  • Teeth that have not penetrated the gum line.
  • Teeth that are severely decayed or destroyed, creating issues with the dental structure.

How Much Time Will It Take to Recover?

The tooth extraction recovery process can vary depending on the seriousness of the problem and the method of extraction. Extractions come in a variety of forms, including:

  • Wisdom teeth extractions: These third molars are often extracted to avoid overcrowding, infection, deterioration, or other oral health issues.
  • Multiple tooth extraction: Whether you have injured or severely decayed teeth, or if biology is a factor in your poor oral health, you will need to have multiple teeth removed. It’s also possible that you’re getting braces and need some teeth extracted to make room for your changing teeth.
  • Extraction site preservation: If you have lost teeth, you must replace them with dental implants. However, if you do not have enough bone protection, it might be important to perform extraction site preservation so that the bone around your missing tooth can be reinforced.

In most cases, the healing process can take one to two weeks, says Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson.

Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

You will be given detailed instructions for post-tooth extraction recovery to ensure a smooth recovery period. Here are some pointers to consider:

  • Gently bite the gauze placed on the extraction site. The amount of bleeding will be reduced as a result of this.
  • In the days following the operation, eat softer foods and stop chewing on the side of your mouth where the tooth was removed.
  • Do not return to work right away. Take at least two days off to relax. Our friend Dr. Ryan Helgerson, an emergency dentist in Grand Junction, says that patients who jump straight back into the swing of things are likely to complicate recovery. 
  • If the pain is unbearable, you should take a mild pain reliever that will be given to you. Use only as directed.
  • To minimize swelling, apply a cold compress.
  • Avoid drinking with a straw until you are fully healed. 
  • Avoid cleaning the area where the extraction happened, but continue to practice proper oral hygiene.

So, if you must get a tooth extracted, make sure to follow the above tooth extraction recovery tips closely. For dental care in Colorado Springs, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry. We provide a variety of dental services for all ages. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Tips for Choosing an Emergency Dentist

emergency dentist near me

Tips for Choosing an Emergency Dentist

If you were to experience a dental emergency right now, who would you call? Not every dental office is willing to provide emergency dental care when you need it. It’s important to be prepared in case things go wrong. Finding the right emergency dentist can be difficult when you’re in a hurry to get treatment. In this article, Dr. Boals and Dr. Johnson share a few tips for choosing an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs.

Searching for an Emergency Dentist Near Me

If you have a tiny crack in your tooth or it has been completely knocked out, the last thing you want to do is drive an hour out of town to get the care you need – particularly if you are in pain! As a result, begin your search with practices within 20 minutes of your most frequented locations, such as your workplace, home, or child’s school. After all, you’ll want the best dentist in Colorado Springs to have the best chance of saving your tooth if you see him or her within 30 minutes of the accident!

Dental Insurance

It’s no secret that dental care can easily become prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, this is where insurance comes into play! Since every dental plan is different, find out ahead of time if the dental team you’re thinking about using supports yours. Otherwise, you’ll be paying the price for quality care.

Dental Office Hours

Dental emergencies are never easy, but they can be particularly aggravating if they occur late at night, on the weekend, or on a holiday. So, ask your new dentist about their dental office hours. Avoid choosing an emergency dentist with operating hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our friend Dr. Moghadam, a dentist who is an emergency dentist in Easton, PA, says this is one of the biggest complications patients deal with. 

Emergency Dental Services

It’s critical to get fast, effective relief, but what happens next? For example, if your knocked-out tooth cannot be saved, having a dentist who provides tooth replacement alternatives, such as dental implants, is advantageous. Choosing a new dentist who offers a wide range of dental services under one roof is critical, particularly in an emergency!

What Ages Do They Work With?

Your dentist should also be a family dentist in Colorado Springs in case your little ones need care. As a parent, you know accidents happen when we least expect them. Some dental offices will turn patients away because they do not treat certain ages. Kissing Camels Family Dentistry provides quality dental care for all ages!

Dental emergencies can be chaotic, but if you are prepared ahead of time, the experience can go much more smoothly. Fortunately, you can use the information given above to locate an emergency dentist right away! Contact Kissin Camels Family Dentistry for emergency dental care in Colorado Springs, CO. 

Popular Adult Smile Makeover Options

most popular adult smile makeover options - Colorado Springs CO

Popular Adult Smile Makeover Options

People who have unsightly smiles would be relieved to know that there is a wide variety of products and treatments available to help correct even the most hideous smiles and turn them into something beautiful and long-lasting. However, before making a decision, you should explore some of the most popular adult smile makeover options. Below, your Colorado Springs dentists, Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Johnson discuss some of the cosmetic dentistry solutions available.

Braces for Adults

Braces are appropriate for those who have crooked teeth, overbites, or underbites. This choice necessitates several daily visits to the dentist or orthodontist to ensure that everything is in order and that everything is aligning properly. Braces are visible, and people who wear them often complain of tightness, soreness, and discomfort. They are, however, extremely useful once a commitment is made.

Invisalign

If you’re looking for a more subtle way to straighten your smile, clear aligners may be for you. Clear aligners are a more effective way to straighten your smile. The trays should be removed when you’re eating, drinking, or brushing/flossing your teeth. Despite their high cost, they are non-invasive and barely visible.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Everybody loves a bright, beautiful smile. If you’re looking for a quick way to enhance your current smile, then professional teeth whitening is a great option. Over time, your white smile may begin to fade. Teeth whitening is typically performed by a dentist, but for minor stains and discoloration, individuals may buy white strips or other over-the-counter items. Our friend, Dr. Josh Eastham, a cosmetic dentist in Grand Junction, recommends professional whitening for the best results. 

Veneers

Although teeth whitening may be enough for some people to be satisfied with their appearance, others prefer a perfect smile. A cosmetic dentist may position dental veneers to accomplish this. They are, however, costly and necessitate the removal of some enamel for fitting. Porcelain veneers will maintain a pearly white smile for up to 15 years if properly cared for.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the way to go for a more permanent alternative to missing teeth. They are intended to appear fully normal and to last for up to 25 years. Dental implants necessitate some surgery and implantation before they can be installed, but the smile will be well worth it in the end.

Search for a Cosmetic Dentist 

People no longer have to hide their smiles, thanks to cosmetic dentistry solutions. As you can see, these popular adult smile makeover options give us endless options. All you have to do is contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry for a consultation. Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson will explore some of the smile makeover options available. 

Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth - Colorado Springs

Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can be quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to prevent wisdom teeth. Most of us will need to see their dentist for wisdom teeth removal at some point in their lives. Why? The impacted wisdom teeth are the third molars on the back of the mouth that do not have enough space for emerging or developing normally. It’s important to get your wisdom teeth removed before dental problems develop. Below, Dr. Boals, your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, shares signs of impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually from 17-25 years old.  Most people have four wisdom teeth at the back of their mouth—two at the top, two at the bottom. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, damage to other teeth, and other dental problems. In certain cases, the damaged teeth of wisdom do not cause any obvious or immediate problems. But since they are hard to clean, they may be more vulnerable to dental decay and gum disease than other teeth.

Wealth-impacted teeth that cause discomfort or other dental problems are usually removed. Some dentists and oral surgeons also prescribe the removal of damaged wisdom teeth that do not cause symptoms to prevent potential complications.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth do not always trigger symptoms. However, if the impacted wisdom tooth is infected, it can cause significant damages to other teeth or causes other dental problems. Watch out for these signs or symptoms: 

  • Red or swollen chewing gum
  • Blood or soft gums
  • Jaw’s Suffering
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Poor breathing
  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Difficulty to open your mouth

See your emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, if you are experiencing signs in the area behind your last molar that could be associated with an affected wisdom tooth.

Cause of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are a problem because there’s usually not enough space in the mouth. Some people have wisdom teeth that turn up without any complications and line up with the other teeth behind the second molar. In certain cases, though, the mouth is too crowded to have third molars. When there’s not enough room, they become stuck.

An impacted wisdom tooth may emerge partly so that some of the crowns are visible (partially impacted) or may never break through the gums (fully impacted). Whether partially or completely affected, the tooth may:

  • Grow at the angle to the next tooth (second molar)
  • Develop at the angle of the back of the mouth.
  • Develop at the right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth were “lying down” inside the jawbone.
  • Grow up or down like most teeth, but remain stuck within the jawbone.

What Happens If I Don’t Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed? 

The impacted teeth of wisdom can cause many problems in the mouth:

  • Harm to the other teeth. Our friend Dr. Dave Moghadam, an oral surgeon in Easton, PA, agrees that if the wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it can damage the second molar or increase the risk of infection in the area. This pressure can also cause issues with crowding the other teeth or may require orthodontic treatment to straighten the other teeth.
  • Tooth Abscess. The wisdom tooth grows inside the jawbone in a jar. The bag will be filled with fluid, creating a cyst that can damage the jawbone, the teeth, and the nerves. A tumor—usually non-cancer (benign)—rarely grows. This complication can involve tissue and bone removal.
  • Tooth Decay. Partially damaged wisdom teeth tend to be at greater risk of tooth decay (caries) than other teeth. This is possibly due to the fact that wisdom teeth are harder to clean and that food and bacteria are easily stuck between the gum and a partially erupted tooth.
  • Gum Disease. The difficulty of cleaning impacted, partially erupted wisdom teeth increases the risk of developing a painful inflammatory gum condition called periodontitis or gum disease.

Visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry

You can’t prevent wisdom teeth from emerging, but you can get them removed before dental problems develop. If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed yet, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO. We will take dental x-rays and put together a custom treatment plan for you. Don’t worry. We offer sedation dentistry for patients who are feeling uneasy about wisdom teeth removal.