The Guide To Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal

The removal of one or more wisdom teeth, which are the four permanent adult teeth located in the top and bottom corners of your mouth, is known as wisdom tooth extraction.

You’ll almost certainly need to have a wisdom tooth extracted if it doesn’t have enough room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth), causing pain, infection, or other dental issues. 

Some dentists and oral surgeons advise wisdom tooth extraction to avoid future problems even if impacted teeth aren’t bothering you right now. In this article, we will guide you on your wisdom teeth journey.

 Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth are Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last in the mouth to erupt (appear). A wisdom tooth can become impacted (i.e., stuck below the gum line) and grow at an unusual angle, posing a risk of complications.

Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last permanent teeth to emerge from the gums. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Some people are born without wisdom teeth. Others have wisdom teeth that typically erupt and cause no problems, just like the rest of their molars.

Due to a lack of space, which cannot erupt or develop normally. Wisdom teeth that are impacted may only erupt partially or not at all.

An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the following problems:

• To the next tooth, grow at a 45-degree angle (second molar)
• Grow with the back of the mouth at a 45-degree angle.
• Wisdom teeth grow next to the other teeth, almost as if they’re “lying down” in the jawbone.
• They can grow straight up or down like other teeth, but they are trapped within the jawbone.

Problems With Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Every patient is different, but if there are signs of changes in the mouth, wisdom teeth may need to be removed. If your impacted wisdom tooth is causing you problems, it may need to be removed.

1. Food and debris are trapped behind the wisdom tooth, causing pain.
2. Gum disease or infection (periodontal disease)
3. Tooth decay in a wisdom tooth that hasn’t fully erupted
4. A nearby tooth or surrounding bone has been damaged.
5. Around the wisdom tooth, a fluid-filled sac (cyst) develops.
6. Orthodontic treatments to straighten other teeth can cause complications.

Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction as part of braces or another dental treatment plan.

Before making any decisions, your dentist will examine your mouth and take an x-ray. You can discuss with your dentist the best treatment options together.

Preventing Future Dental Problems

Dentists disagree about the value of extracting impacted wisdom teeth that aren’t causing problems (asymptomatic). It’s difficult to predict future problems when wisdom teeth are not impacted. Preventive extraction, on the other hand, has the following rationale:

• Your wisdom teeth could be infected even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.
• It’s often difficult to get to the tooth and clean it properly if there isn’t enough room to erupt.
• In younger adults, serious complications with wisdom teeth are less common.
• Surgery can be complicated for older adults, and complications can occur after surgery.

Are There Any Cons to Wisdom Teeth Removal?

There are some benefits to wisdom teeth. They can offer the necessary support for a dental bridge. Wisdom teeth can also fill in gaps left when a molar is lost. Some researchers believe wisdom teeth could be used as a source of stem cells to develop new teeth.

Dentists frequently use new dental technology to determine if extraction is required during your child’s dental exam. Dentists use panoramic and digital X-rays to see things that a simple visual examination might miss. Individual anatomical features can also pose additional risks, which your child’s dentist can detect using X-ray technology. This technology also aids the dentist in determining the best approach for your child’s removal procedure.

Possible Complications

The removal of a wisdom tooth carries the same risks as any other type of surgery. Infection or delayed healing are two of them, and both are more likely if you smoke during your recovery.

Another potential complication is “dry socket,” which is characterized by a dull, aching sensation in the gums or jaw, as well as a foul odour or taste emanating from the empty tooth socket. If you don’t follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you’re more likely to develop a dry socket.

Nerve damage is also a possibility, which can cause tingling or numbness in the tongue, lower lip, chin, teeth, and gums. This is usually only temporary, but it can be permanent in some cases.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

The position of the third molars by oral and maxillofacial sutures is used to classify wisdom tooth impactions. The four types are as follows:

1. Mesial or Mesioangular Impaction: occurs when a tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth and presses against the second molar.
2. Vertical Impaction: occurs when the tooth approaches the proper angle but becomes stuck in the gums or jawbone.
3. Horizontal Impaction: The tooth grows sideways toward the second molar and parallels the jawbone in a flat or traverse impaction.
4. Distal End Wisdom Teeth Impaction: The tooth is angled toward the back of the mouth, away from the second molar, in a distal or disto-angular impaction.

Things To Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery 

After the procedure, your mouth needs to heal. You may feel a sensation in your mind. Avoid doing anything that causes suction in your mouth, which may cause the stitches to come loose. Suction can also be used to dislodge a blood clot that has formed over the wisdom tooth extraction hole.

Things to stay away from include:

• drinking from a straw
• spitting
• smoking
• drinking hot liquids
• strenuous activity or exercise
• drinking alcohol

Consult your oral surgeon to determine when you will be able to resume these activities.

What to Expect From the Procedure?

Wisdom teeth extractions are usually performed under local anesthesia. It is particularly fearful of the procedure, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about possible anesthesia supplements or alternatives before the process.

Knowing what to expect from a dental procedure can make your child feel more comfortable extracting their wisdom teeth. So, what do you have planned for the future?

 Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure 

Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental surgery procedure that entails cutting through the gum tissue that covers the tooth, removing the connective tissue between the wisdom tooth and the bone, removing the wisdom tooth, and sewing the gum back together. When removing an impacted tooth, the bone around it may need to be removed. It may be necessary to cut the wisdom tooth into sections to remove it.

Because they will be under local or general anesthesia, your child should not feel any pain during the procedure. Many people, however, experience pain following surgery. The degree of discomfort is determined by whether or not you give your child pain medication, as well as the child’s tolerance for pain. Most children will be in pain for three days following the procedure.

Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Easier To Remove?

Many dentists will recommend surgical removal of affected wisdom teeth because they can cause damage to the gums, teeth, and bones in the area. Impacted wisdom teeth are more difficult to remove and are more likely to cause surgery complications and permanent bone and tooth damage.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From The Removal Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

A simple extraction can take three to four days, whereas an impacted tooth extraction can take a week to recover from at home. After that, you may experience some pain and swelling for another week, but you should be able to resume your regular activities.

Ensure you visit your dentist’s for regular checkups. After the procedure, your oral health is essential. Follow your dentist’s advice on what to do. If you have more questions about Impacted Wisdom Teeth, feel free to book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists now.