Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom teeth erupt at different ages. We can have all four wisdom teeth or none at all. Wisdom teeth are often troublesome. There are many indications for removing these teeth. However, if they are properly positioned and completely erupted, it is worth leaving them. A bigger problem occurs in the case of impacted teeth, which patients are often unaware of.
Do we need wisdom teeth?
Often, the shape and size of our jaws and jaws are not adapted to accommodate wisdom teeth. There is simply no room for them. It also happens that we grow only one wisdom tooth at the top and one at the bottom - then they do not fulfill their function properly. However, if they have an opposing tooth, they take an active part in the chewing process. The wisdom teeth are less mineralized than the other teeth, which means there is a greater risk of caries. Additionally, their remote location does not facilitate oral hygiene or dental treatment.
When to remove wisdom teeth?
This question is best answered by a dentist. It is worth making an appointment and taking a panoramic radiograph, which, among other things, will help confirm or exclude the presence of impacted teeth. The wisdom are often incorrectly located, have an irregular shape and differ in the number of roots. They can also distort or damage adjacent teeth and cause pain and inflammation. In such cases, wisdom tooth removal surgery should be considered. Other indications include caries, damage to tooth tissue, recurrent inflammation, and orthodontic recommendations.
The procedure for removing wisdom teeth (tooth extraction) is similar to that for other molars. It is necessary to perform an X-ray beforehand. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. It usually lasts a short time and has no complications. After tooth extraction, follow the dentist's recommendations.
What are impacted teeth?
These are fully developed teeth that are embedded in the bone tissue. The tooth may be partially or completely impacted - it all depends on how it is surrounded by bone. Impacted teeth prevent the proper functioning of the oral cavity and cause gingivitis. They can also cause malocclusion and distort other teeth. In such cases, it is advisable to remove the impacted teeth - this is a more complicated procedure than removing the entire wisdom tooth or another molar.
Treatment to remove an impacted wisdom tooth
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and lasts up to 45 minutes - depending on the complexity of the case. Before the procedure, the dentist performs X-rays, which help them decide the best course of action for tooth removal. During the procedure, first, the gum is incised, which allows adequate exposure of the area where the treatment is performed. The tooth is usually divided into parts and then removed. Only in simple cases is it possible to get rid of it completely. After the procedure is completed, the wound is sutured. The stitches are removed after seven days, or they may dissolve themselves, depending on what your dentist used. During this time, you should follow your dentist's recommendations, which in some cases may prescribe an antibiotic. After the anesthesia wears off, pain and swelling may occur in the area where the procedure was performed.