Saving Impacted Molars

OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group is a leading San Francisco orthodontic office that offers patients ten conveniently located offices through out the Bay Area that are near public transportation, and which feature both public and private parking. Our seven orthodontic specialists have several decades worth of combined experience in treating patients of all ages using the latest and most effective treatments.

Dr. David Shen, D.M.D. is a Bay Area orthodontist who has over 25 years of experience in orthodontics. He is one of the top five most experienced Invisalign doctors in Northern California. He lectures internationally and has been asked to speak at the American Association of Orthodontists' Annual Convention on numerous occasions.

Dr. Shen would like his current and prospective patients to know that impacted molars do not always have to be removed. The doctors at OrthoWorks are able to save many impacted molars right in our office using a method that we designed ourselves.

About Impacted Molars

As the human body has evolved, the size of the human jaw has become smaller. This is due to a softer diet we have. We are chewing less, which means our jawbones do not get the stimulation from the muscles to grow. The result is a smaller jaw size.

An impacted third molar is present, it simply means that the molar is 'stuck' and cannot erupt properly. When a patient has an impacted molar there are several problems, which can occur including swelling, stiffness, pain and infection. And, the pressure from the impacted tooth can cause other teeth to move which can disrupt the natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth.

In Dr. Shen's clinical practice, many times he has found second and third molars having a hard time erupting into the dental arch because there is not enough room. The result of this is an impacted molar or a molar erupting at an angle so that it gets stuck behind the adjacent tooth.

In the x-ray below, you see an impacted lower second molar on the left side. The tooth is trying to erupt but is stuck at an angle behind the first molar.

Our Procedure for Uprighting Impacted Molars

At OrthoWorks Orthodontic Group, we have developed a special technique used in uprighting impacted molars. It is a very safe and predictable procedure. The average treatment time is about 10 months. With this technique, we are able to save most of the impacted molars and bring them into proper function.

In this x ray below, we see the same molar being uprighted orthodontically. The tooth has good bone support and good function. We are very proud to be able to provide our patients with this unique procedure, which is done conveniently in our office environment.

If you have any questions on impacted molars, please contact Dr. Shen directly at davidshen@aol.com or call one of our San Francisco orthodontic offices for a complimentary consultation. 1 888-BRACES2 (888-272-2372).