Impacted Tooth Extraction at Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Yakima, WA

At Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we provide expert surgical care for the removal of impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth. An impacted tooth has failed to emerge properly through the gums, which can lead to pain, infection, and other dental complications. Dr. Isaac Kim, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, specializes in performing these extractions with a focus on safety, precision, and patient comfort.

Our practice in Yakima, WA, is equipped with advanced technology to ensure your procedure is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

---

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

A tooth becomes impacted when it is blocked from breaking through the gum line into its correct position. This is most common with wisdom teeth (third molars), which are the last teeth to develop, but it can happen with other teeth as well.

There are several reasons why a tooth may become impacted:

• Lack of Space: The jaw may be too small to accommodate all the teeth, leaving no room for the final molars to emerge.
• Incorrect Angulation: The tooth may be growing at an angle, pushing against the adjacent tooth, the jawbone, or the gums.
• Obstruction: Other teeth may physically block the path of the emerging tooth.

An impacted tooth can be covered entirely by the jawbone and gums (a full-bony impaction) or only partially covered (a soft-tissue impaction). Dr. Kim uses digital X-rays and 3D imaging to accurately diagnose the position and condition of an impacted tooth.

---

Why Is Extraction Often Necessary?

While not every impacted tooth requires immediate removal, leaving one in place can lead to significant oral health problems over time. Even if an impacted tooth is not causing pain, it can create an environment for bacteria to thrive.

Extraction is often recommended to prevent issues such as:

• Pain and Swelling: Pressure from the impacted tooth can cause persistent jaw pain, headaches, and swelling in the surrounding gum tissue.
• Infection: Partially erupted teeth are difficult to clean, creating pockets where food and bacteria can become trapped, leading to a painful infection called pericoronitis.
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: An impacted tooth can push against the neighboring molar, causing damage to its root, promoting decay, or leading to crowding and misalignment of other teeth.
• Development of Cysts or Tumors: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac (cyst) or, more rarely, a tumor can form in the tissue surrounding an impacted tooth, which can destroy the jawbone and damage nearby teeth.
• Tooth Decay: Because they are hard to reach and clean, impacted teeth are highly susceptible to decay.

Early removal of a problematic impacted tooth is a proactive measure to protect your long-term oral health.

---

The Impacted Tooth Extraction Process

We strive to make your surgical experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

• Consultation and Planning: Your first visit will include a thorough examination and advanced 3D imaging to determine the exact position of the impacted tooth and its relationship to nearby nerves and teeth. Dr. Kim will discuss the procedure with you and explain your anesthesia and sedation options.
• Anesthesia: On the day of your surgery, we will administer the chosen form of anesthesia, which may range from local anesthetic to IV sedation or general anesthesia, to ensure you are completely comfortable and pain-free.
• The Surgical Procedure: Dr. Kim will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth. If necessary, a small amount of bone covering the tooth will be removed. The tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces to allow for a gentler and easier removal.
• Closing the Site: Once the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to help the gums heal.

---

Advanced Technology for a Safer Procedure

Our use of modern surgical technology enhances both the safety and comfort of your procedure. 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides a detailed, three-dimensional map of your jaw, allowing Dr. Kim to plan the extraction with exceptional precision, avoiding sensitive structures like nerves. This leads to a more predictable surgery with a smoother recovery.

---

Recovery and Aftercare

Following your surgery, our team will provide you with detailed instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Key aftercare steps include:

• Managing Bleeding: Biting gently on gauze pads for the first hour after surgery.
• Controlling Swelling: Apply ice packs to the outside of your cheek for the first 24-48 hours.
• Rest: Planning to rest for the remainder of the day after your surgery.
• Diet: Sticking to a soft diet (e.g., yogurt, smoothies, soup) for the first few days.
• Oral Hygiene: To keep your mouth clean, gently rinse with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery.

Most patients experience some swelling and mild discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. You can typically expect to return to your normal activities within a few days to a week.

---

Meet Your Surgeon: Dr. Isaac Kim

Dr. Isaac Kim, D.D.S., is the dedicated oral surgeon at Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. He helps patients in Yakima, WA, with a wide range of health conditions, including the removal of impacted teeth. His expertise ensures your procedure is handled with the highest standards of safety and precision.

---

Insurance and Financing

We accept many insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Regence, and Aetna. We also offer flexible financing options, such as CareCredit, to make your treatment affordable.