Pediatric Dentistry with a Mother's Touch
Board-Certified Pediatric DentistVisit Our Website
Board-Certified Pediatric DentistVisit Our Website
01
Oct
Questions about impacted wisdom teeth answered in our Greensboro, NC office
The best time to take a look at wisdom teeth is before they cause any problems. Dr. Steven Hatcher offers the knowledge and experience patients in Greensboro, NC need to help them make decisions on what steps they should take with regards to wisdom teeth extraction.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in at the back of the mouth. Ideally, the growth of these molars will be monitored through the teen years. Wisdom teeth that are not removed may lead to costly and painful complications. If the teeth are able to fully grow in, they may push against adjacent teeth, negatively affecting alignment. Overcrowding can increase the chance for decay, as well. Because they are located in the very back of the mouth, these teeth can be hard to properly care for and may be more likely to develop cavities and infection. For these reasons, it may be desirable to have wisdom teeth extracted in the office of your experienced dentist. The removal procedure is made comfortable with local anesthesia and with sedation if requested.
Very often a person’s mouth does not have room to allow third molars to come in, so they remain below the surface of the gums. This situation is referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. In the case where part of a tooth is able to surface but not all of it, this is partial impaction. In order to evaluate what is best for a patient, Dr. Hatcher will take x-rays and assess each situation individually in our comfortable Greensboro, NC office.
In many cases, if wisdom teeth are not removed, the patient may also experience pain or swelling. There are also situations where a cyst could develop on an impacted tooth and cause pain and infection. These issues can be avoided if wisdom teeth are monitored and extracted in a timely manner.
Wisdom teeth can be removed in a straightforward in-office procedure that takes typically less than an hour to complete. A small cut is made in the gums to access and remove each tooth. Stitches may be placed to close the empty sockets, and gauze will be placed in order to minimize swelling and bleeding. Dr. Hatcher will provide after-procedure instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery. These will include suggestions on what to eat and how to keep the surgical sites clean to allow proper healing. Follow-up will be scheduled to be sure healing has progressed as expected.
For the best in care and help in navigating decisions for oral care treatments and surgeries, call and make an appointment with Dr. Steven Hatcher’s office. Experience for yourself the benefits of personal care already enjoyed by his other dentistry patients.
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Dr. Steven L. Hatcher is a skilled dentist with extensive expertise in oral health and
patient care. A University of North Carolina alumnus with a background in biology and cancer research, Dr.
Hatcher's military service at prestigious locations, including Fort Meade and the Pentagon, underscores his
commitment to excellence. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an active member of several
professional associations. Recognized for his dedication through numerous awards, including Army
Commendation Medals, Dr. Hatcher continually advances his knowledge through ongoing education. His
patient-centered approach ensures personalized, long-term oral wellness. Connect with Dr. Steven L. Hatcher on Linkedin
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Dr. Chad T. Merrell, a dedicated dentist with 16 years of experience, combines his deep expertise and advanced training to provide exceptional care. A Temple University School of Dentistry alumnus and Advanced Education in General Dentistry resident at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Merrell is skilled in advanced dental techniques. His commitment to patient care, treating each as family, underscores his trustworthiness. His background includes a B.S. in Zoology from N.C. State University and an Eagle Scout honor, highlighting his long-standing dedication to excellence. You can trust Dr. Merrell for compassionate, cutting-edge dental care.
Dr. Sona J. Isharani is a board-certified pediatric dentist renowned for her compassionate care and expertise. With a background that combines hands-on parenting experience and specialized training, Dr. Isharani excels in creating a comforting, home-like environment for children and their families. Affectionately known as "Dr. Sona," she emphasizes education and preventive care to ensure lifelong dental health. At Triad Pediatric Dentistry, she provides exceptional dental care and maintains continuity of care as children transition to adulthood, reflecting her commitment to building trust and fostering long-term relationships with her patients.
Dr. Victoria L. Santiago-Coiro is a highly experienced dentist with over 16 years in practice, specializing in comprehensive dental care. She holds a degree in Molecular Biology from Montclair State University and graduated from UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School in 2005. Dr. Santiago-Coiro earned a Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2011 and is advancing toward Scholar status with the Dawson Academy, focusing on complex bite and TMJ issues. Her commitment to continuous learning and patient care reflects her dedication to providing exceptional dental care.
Dr. Bailey Walker is a dedicated general dentist known for her compassionate care and patient-centered approach. With a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biology from Illinois State University and a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from Southern Illinois University, she combines extensive academic knowledge with hands-on expertise. Dr. Walker is pursuing a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, underscoring her commitment to professional excellence. Her community engagement includes dental mission trips and volunteering for underserved populations. Dr. Walker’s emphasis on patient education and her caring nature foster a trusted, positive dental experience.
