If you have an impacted back molar, your family dentistry professional should evaluate it right away, even if you do not have pain or other symptoms. Molar impactions can have a negative effect on your overall dental health, and while not everyone will develop complications as a result of tooth impactions, your dentist will need to perform a comprehensive examination to determine if you need treatment, and if so, which treatment option will be best for you. Here are some family dentistry interventions you can expect during your office visit when presenting with an impacted molar.

Bitewing And Panoramic X-Rays

Your dentist will need to take X-rays of your impacted molar to determine if it is coming in sideways or if it is infected. They will take a traditional bitewing X-ray to evaluate the structure of the tooth as well as the root. Most people who have had dental examinations are familiar with bitewing X-rays because prior to the actual X-ray, patients need to bite down on a small piece of cardboard or plastic.

While bitewings can be momentarily uncomfortable, they are not painful. If your bitewing X-ray is inconclusive or if your dentist wants to get additional views of your oral cavity, they will recommend a panoramic X-ray. This type of X-ray captures images of your entire mouth as opposed to only small areas.

X-rays And Comprehensive Oral Examination

Your family dentistry professional will also perform a comprehensive oral examination to determine if your impacted back molar has caused any of your teeth to shift. They will also examine the nearby teeth to assess them for cracks or enamel damage caused by a sideways impacted molar. Your dentist will also ask you if you are experiencing any pain, bleeding, or drainage coming from the soft tissue surrounding your impaction. These signs and symptoms may indicate an infection, which may need to be treated with antibiotics.

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction, and while a general dentist can effectively and safely extract teeth, they may refer you to an oral surgeon. You may be more likely to get a referral to an oral surgeon if your impaction is impinging on other teeth, coming in sideways, or is deeply embedded in your gum tissue.

If you have an impacted molar, make an appointment with your family dentistry professional as soon as possible. Prompt treatment of an impacted molar may help prevent infection, an abnormal bite, chewing problems, toothaches, and jaw pain. For more information, contact a family dentistry practice near you.