When a tooth doesn’t come in the way it should, the pain can take over your day—making it hard to eat, sleep, or even concentrate. Impacted teeth, especially wisdom teeth, can lead to swelling, pressure, and infections that won’t go away on their own. Oral surgery is often the most effective solution for relieving discomfort and preventing long-term complications.
Below, we explain what causes impacted teeth, how the procedure works, and what recovery typically looks like. If you’re searching for trusted oral surgery in High Point, NC, Tkatch Dentistry is here to help.
What Are Impacted Teeth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot fully emerge through the gums. It might be stuck against another tooth, trapped in the jawbone, or tilted in a direction that prevents it from erupting normally. This most commonly happens with wisdom teeth but can also affect other teeth.
Some patients don’t feel any symptoms at first. But for many, impacted teeth cause pain, swelling, pressure, and infection. You might notice soreness when chewing, headaches, or difficulty opening your mouth. We’ve also seen patients with gum inflammation or a foul taste caused by trapped bacteria. If left untreated, impacted teeth can damage neighboring teeth and lead to more serious problems.
Why Oral Surgery Is Often Needed
Not all impacted teeth require surgery, but many do—especially when there’s pain, swelling, or risk to other teeth. At Tkatch Dentistry, we perform careful evaluations to determine the best treatment plan. If an impacted tooth affects your quality of life, we’ll likely recommend removal through oral surgery.
Sometimes, a tooth only needs a minor incision for removal. Other times, especially with teeth stuck in the jawbone, a more advanced surgical approach is required. Dr. Stas Tkatch, DDS, FICOI, and Dr. Adrienne Cowan, DDS, bring over 40 years of combined experience to these procedures, using modern techniques to make the process as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Oral Surgery High Point NC: What to Expect
We know “surgery” can sound intimidating. But oral surgery at our High Point office is designed to be safe, smooth, and stress-free. Most impacted teeth removals are outpatient procedures—you’ll go home the same day.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Consultation: We will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and review your health history. We will then explain everything in clear terms and answer your questions.
- Preparation: On the day of surgery, we ensure you’re completely numb. If you’re feeling anxious, we’ll discuss ways to help you stay relaxed.
- Surgical Removal: We gently remove the impacted tooth using techniques that minimize trauma to surrounding tissue. Our goal is to make the procedure efficient and your recovery as smooth as possible.
- Post-Surgical Care: We give you clear instructions for healing at home—including what to eat, how to clean the area, and how to manage discomfort.
- Follow-Up: We’ll schedule a visit to check on your healing and address any lingering concerns.
The Benefits of Removing Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are more than a nuisance. They can create real risks to your oral health. Removing them through oral surgery helps relieve pain, prevent infection, and protect nearby teeth. We’ve had patients come in with weeks of discomfort—and walk out with a plan for long-term relief.
Left alone, impacted teeth may cause:
- Chronic gum pain or swelling
- Pressure that shifts other teeth out of alignment
- Cysts or damage to the jawbone
- Frequent infections in the surrounding gum tissue
Oral surgery addresses the root of the problem—literally and figuratively.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery after oral surgery is often easier than people expect. Most of our patients return to normal activities within a few days. Some swelling and mild discomfort are common, but we provide you with medication and aftercare tips to manage these symptoms.
To heal quickly:
- Stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, or mashed potatoes for the first couple of days
- Avoid drinking through a straw, which can dislodge the healing clot.
- Keep your mouth clean with gentle rinsing and proper hygiene.
- Use cold compresses to manage swelling.
You’ll also want to take it easy physically—rest allows your body to heal faster.
Oral Surgery with Compassion and Expertise
At Tkatch Dentistry, we take pride in offering advanced oral surgery in High Point, NC, with compassion and skill. Dr. Tkatch and Dr. Cowan treat every case with care—especially when impacted teeth are causing serious problems. From your first call to your final follow-up, we aim to make the experience as smooth and supportive as possible.
If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or other signs of an impacted tooth, don’t wait. We’re here to help restore your comfort, protect your health, and guide you through a safe recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Relief could be closer than you think.
