Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that do not have enough space in the mouth to erupt or develop normally. Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to complete formation in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth in the back of the mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom.

 

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage to other teeth, and other dental problems. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause any symptoms or immediate problems. However, since these teeth are difficult to clean, they are more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease than other teeth.

 

Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or other dental complications are usually extracted. Some dentists and oral surgeons also recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth that do not show any symptoms to prevent possible problems in the future.

 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms

Impacted wisdom teeth do not always cause symptoms . However, when an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected , damages other teeth, or causes other dental problems, you may experience some of the following signs or symptoms:

 

Red or swollen gums

Tender or bleeding gums

jaw pain

swelling around the jaw

bad breath

An unpleasant taste in your mouth

Difficulty opening mouth

When should you see a doctor?

If you are experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, contact your dentist.

 

What Causes Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth (third molars) remain impacted if there is not enough space in the mouth for them to emerge.

 

Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. In some people, wisdom teeth are replaced in the mouth without causing any problems. In most cases, the mouth is too crowded for the third molar to emerge. Third molars that cannot come out due to this crowding remain buried.

 

An impacted wisdom tooth may sometimes emerge partially (partially impacted), and sometimes it may not break through the gums at all (fully impacted). Whether partially or completely impacted, an impacted tooth can:

 

Grows at an angle towards the next tooth (second molar)

growing at an angle towards the back of the mouth

Grow at a right angle to other teeth,

Grow straight or down like other teeth but remain trapped within the jawbone

 

 

Possible Complications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various problems in the mouth:

 

Damage to other teeth. If the wisdom tooth begins to push against the second molar, it may damage the second molar or increase the risk of infection in that area . This pressure can also cause problems such as clenching in other teeth and may require orthodontic treatment to straighten other teeth.

Cyst. Wisdom teeth develop in a sac inside the jawbone. As the sac fills with fluid, a cyst may form, which can damage the jawbone, teeth and nerves. Rarely, tumors that are not usually malignant cancer may develop. This complication may require removal of tissue and bone.

Decay. Partially impacted wisdom teeth have a higher risk of tooth decay (cavities) than other teeth. This is because wisdom teeth are much more difficult to clean than normal teeth.

Gum disease. Difficulty cleaning fully or partially impacted teeth increases the risk of these teeth developing painful, inflammatory gum disease called pericoronitis .

Ways to Prevent Impacted Wisdom Teeth

There is nothing you can do to prevent your impacted wisdom teeth from coming out. However, regular examination by your dentist will allow you to monitor the emergence and development of your teeth. Regular dental x-rays can show the condition of impacted wisdom teeth before any symptoms develop.

 

Impacted Wisdom Tooth Treatment

Your dentist will perform the procedure in the clinic. However, if your tooth is deeply impacted or requires an in-depth surgical approach to extraction , your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. In addition to numbing the area with local anesthesia, your surgeon may recommend sedation to make you more comfortable during the procedure .

 

Questions you can ask your doctor

Some questions you may want to ask your dentist or oral surgeon include:

 

How many wisdom teeth should I have removed?

What type of anesthesia will I receive?

How long will the process take?

Did my impacted wisdom tooth cause damage to my other teeth?

Is there a risk of nerve damage?

Will I need other dental treatments at a later date?

How long does it take for me to fully recover?

Preparation for Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery

Wisdom tooth extraction surgery is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure. This means you can return home the same day.

 

You will receive instructions from your doctor or dental clinic staff about what you should do before surgery and on the day of the planned surgery. Ask these questions:

 

· Will I need to make arrangements for someone to take me home after the procedure?

 

· When do I need to come to the clinic?

 

· Do I need to take a break from eating and drinking liquids?

 

· Can I take my prescription medications before surgery? If so, how many hours before the surgery should I take my medication?

 

· Should I avoid using over-the-counter medications and vitamins before surgery?

 

What Happens During Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Your dentist or oral surgeon may use one of three types of anesthesia, depending on the complexity of your wisdom tooth situation and your desired comfort level. The options are:

 

Local anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon administers local anesthesia with one or more injections near the areas where extractions will be performed. Before the injection, your dentist will likely also apply a numbing agent to your gums to numb them. You will be awake during the tooth extraction. You may feel some pressure and movement, but you will not feel pain.

 

 

 

During wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will:

 

 

 

1. Performs an incision in the gum tissue to make teeth and bone visible

 

2. Cleans the bone that blocks access to the tooth root

 

3. Cut the tooth into small pieces if it is easier to take apart

 

4. Removes the tooth

 

5. Cleans the area where the extracted tooth is located from tooth or bone debris

 

6. Stitches may be applied to the wound area, although this is not always necessary, to encourage the wound to heal

 

Places gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and aid blood clot formation

 

 

 

After Impacted Wisdom Tooth Surgery

your surgery took place under sedation or general anesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room after the procedure. In cases where local anesthesia is used, resting in the dental chair for a short time is sufficient.

 

 

 

During your recovery after your surgery, follow your dentist's instructions regarding the following:

 

Bleeding. It is normal for slight blood leakage to occur on the first day after wisdom teeth surgery. Do not spit to avoid disrupting clot formation.

Pain control. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol in case of pain. If the bone was removed during treatment, your doctor may prescribe stronger prescription painkillers. Putting ice on your jaw can also reduce pain.

Swelling and bruising. You can use an ice pack in accordance with the recommendations of your dentist or surgeon. Any swelling on your cheeks will heal within two or three days. Bruises may take a little longer to heal.

Activity. After surgery, rest for the rest of the day. You can continue your normal activities the next day, but avoid strenuous activities that may have negative effects on blood clotting in the socket for at least a week.

Beverage consumption. Drink plenty of water after surgery. Do not drink alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot drinks in the first 24 hours. Do not drink your drinks using a straw in the first week to avoid disrupting clot formation.

Food consumption. Eat only soft foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, for the first 24 hours. Avoid hard, sticky, hot or spicy foods that can irritate the wound.

Oral cleaning. Do not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, spit or use mouthwash for the first 24 hours after surgery. You can continue brushing your teeth after the first 24 hours. Be gentler around the surgical wound when brushing your teeth.

Tobacco use. If you smoke, do not smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery. If you chew tobacco, quit this habit for at least a week before surgery. Using tobacco products after your surgery delays healing and increases the risk of complications .

Stitches. Your doctor may use stitches that dissolve within a few weeks, or in some cases, he may choose not to use any stitches at all. If your stitches need to be removed, make an appointment to have them removed.

 

 

When should you call your dentist or surgeon?

Call your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms that may be indicative of infection , nerve damage, or other serious complications.

 

Difficulty swallowing or breathing

excessive bleeding

Fire

Severe pain that is not relieved by the use of prescription medications

Swelling that gets worse after two or three days

Bad taste that does not go away even when you rinse your mouth with salt water

pus oozing from the wound

Persistent numbness or loss of feeling

Presence of blood or pus in nasal discharge