When you have a serious dental health issue, brushing, flossing, and a regular dental visit just won’t do. You’ll need to see an oral surgeon who specializes in oral pathology. Luckily, if you’re in the Anchorage, AK area, you have the benefit of being near one of the most reputable practices in the country. Oral Surgery Associates offers a variety of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and jaw surgery. The principal surgeons, Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway, are dedicated to providing the Anchorage community with advanced, affordable, and effective dental care.

While removing wisdom teeth is a relatively common practice these days, not many people know about the risk of impacted canines or what they are. Having an impacted canine means that your tooth is “stuck” and cannot break through the gums. They often develop when wisdom teeth are coming in and your teeth are getting pushed and crowded. Unfortunately, when the teeth have nowhere to go, they can come in sideways, run into your jaw, and lead to extreme pain, teeth misalignment, swelling, and, most dangerously, infection. 

Removing impacted canines when the problem is first noticed is one way to avoid these complications. Oral surgeons may also try to “erupt,” or expose, the tooth and realign it with a bracket or a retainer. Like wisdom teeth removal, both procedures are quick and require little recovery time. Any inconvenience or discomfort you experience during the procedure will be overshadowed by the lifetime of healthy smiles you gain.

If you or someone in your family have an impacted canine, gum swelling, pain, or just want a checkup to make sure everything is in order, make your appointment today with Oral Surgery Associates by calling (907) 561-1430. You can also learn more about their services and the team of oral surgeons by visiting their website.