Impacted teeth in Denver, CO
Patients seeking clear information about impacted teeth in Denver, Colorado can find practical guidance here from Colorado Oral Surgery. This page explains what an impaction is, when treatment is recommended, and what the surgical experience and recovery typically involve.
Impacted teeth explained
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is blocked from erupting into its normal position. This most often affects third molars (wisdom teeth) and upper canines, but any tooth can be involved. Common causes include lack of space in the jaw, unusual tooth angulation, dense overlying bone, crowding, or obstacles such as extra teeth or cysts.
Some people have no symptoms, while others notice signs such as gum tenderness, jaw pain, swelling, bad breath, or a bad taste from infection around a partially erupted tooth.
How impacted teeth can affect oral health
Reducing the risk of gum infection around partially erupted teeth
Preventing decay or root damage to neighboring teeth
Lowering the chance of cyst formation and bone loss
Relieving chronic discomfort, swelling, or pressure
Supporting orthodontic plans by creating space and improving alignment
What to expect before and after surgery
Before surgery, share your medical history, medications, and allergies. Follow fasting instructions if sedation is planned and arrange a responsible adult to drive you home.
After surgery, mild to moderate swelling usually peaks at 48 to 72 hours. Bruising and jaw stiffness are common and improve over several days.
- Diet: choose cool, soft foods for several days; avoid straws and carbonated drinks
- Oral care: begin gentle saltwater rinses the day after surgery; brush carefully away from the surgical site
- Activity: rest the first day and limit heavy lifting or exercise for 3 to 5 days
- Healing: minor oozing is normal; call if bleeding does not slow with gentle pressure
Contact a dental professional promptly if you develop fever, worsening pain after initial improvement, persistent numbness, difficulty swallowing, or signs of infection.
How treatment works
1) Exam and imaging
Treatment begins with an exam and imaging. The oral surgery team reviews the tooth position, nerve location, sinus proximity, and the health of surrounding structures.
2) Treatment options
Based on findings, options include monitoring, exposure and orthodontic guidance, or extraction for wisdom teeth and non-restorable impacted teeth.
3) Extraction procedure
The area is numbed. A small incision is made, bone is shaped as needed, and the tooth is loosened and removed. The site is irrigated and sutured.
4) Recovery
Most people return to school or non-strenuous work within 2 to 3 days. Complete soft tissue healing takes about 2 weeks.