Understanding the differences between impacted wisdom teeth and other types of wisdom teeth can be overwhelming. If you have recently been diagnosed with an impacted wisdom tooth, it may be difficult to know what to expect during your treatment.
In today’s blog post we’re going to look at exactly what impacted wisdom teeth are and why they might require specialized treatment compared to other forms of impacted or non-impacted dental issues.
We’ll also discuss whether or not removing them is more problematic than extracting traditional wisdom teeth that are not stuck in one place. There will be helpful information shared on when surgery may be necessary, as well as how recovery time after removal might differ from with other cases of extraction.
What are impacted wisdom teeth in detail?
Impacted wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people develop in their late teenage years or early twenties. These teeth can be difficult to identify because they are the last teeth to erupt, pushing through the gum line at the very back of your mouth.
When impacted wisdom teeth become stuck in your jawbone or gums, they are unable to break through the surface and may need to be surgically removed. Depending on how deep the tooth is embedded in your jawbone or gums, it can cause a variety of dental complications such as increased risk for infection, overcrowding of other teeth, and difficulty when eating or speaking.
Symptoms:
- Pain at the back of the mouth
- Swelling
- Redness or tenderness in the area
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide enough to talk or eat properly
Causes:
The most common cause of impacted wisdom teeth is simply not enough space in the mouth. As we get older, the jawbone and surrounding tissues can become less flexible, making it harder for new teeth to push through the gum line. Additionally, our diets today are often lacking in minerals like calcium and phosphorus that help promote good oral health and dental development.
Why do impacted wisdom teeth require special treatment?
Impacted wisdom teeth can be more challenging to remove than other types of dental issues because they are usually embedded in the jawbone and gums. This means that the dentist needs to carefully plan out the extraction process in order to avoid damaging surrounding tissue or causing further complications. It is also important for dentists to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the jaw in order to determine how best to access and remove the impacted wisdom tooth with as little risk as possible.
In some cases, a patient may be able to avoid surgery altogether by using braces or other orthodontic methods to realign their teeth. However, this is not always an option depending on the severity of the impacted wisdom teeth, so surgery may still be required.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can be managed with medication, braces, or other non-invasive treatments. However, if an impacted wisdom tooth is causing pain or discomfort, surgery may be necessary to remove the tooth and alleviate any symptoms.
In other cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to permanent damage of the jawbone and gums if left untreated. In these situations, it is best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best course of action.
Recovery Time
The recovery time for wisdom tooth removal varies depending on the individual and their health status, as well as whether or not a surgical approach was necessary. Generally speaking, most patients experience minimal discomfort after surgery and can return to their normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
How do you know if you need your wisdom teeth removed?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it is best to consult with your dentist right away. They will be able to perform a thorough evaluation and determine whether or not wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
The risks associated with impacted wisdom teeth removal step by step?
Impacted wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure and, as with any surgery, there are risks involved. Some of the potential risks associated with impacted wisdom tooth extraction include:
- Bleeding or bruising of the gums and surrounding tissue
- Swelling in the area
- Damage to surrounding teeth or nerve damage resulting in numbness
- Infection of the surgical site
- Cysts or tumors in the area
- Dry socket, which is a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction.
In order to reduce the risks associated with wisdom tooth removal, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions closely and be sure to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities during the recovery period.
How are impacted wisdom teeth removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth removal is a complicated and delicate surgical procedure that requires precise planning. Depending on the severity of the impacted tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon may use one of several methods to access and remove it:
- Excavation – This method involves carefully removing bone and other tissue to access the impacted wisdom tooth.
- Elevation – Using an instrument known as a dental elevator, the dentist will gently loosen the tooth from its socket and then remove it.
- Sectioning – This method involves breaking up the impacted wisdom tooth into several pieces in order to make it easier to remove.
- Curettage – If necessary, the dentist may use a dental instrument known as a curette to remove any remaining debris or tissue.
Once the tooth has been removed, the area will be cleaned and sutured in order to promote healing. In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics or pain medication in order to reduce the risk of infection and help manage any discomfort.
Conclusion:
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems if left untreated, including pain and damage to the jawbone and gums. If you have been diagnosed with an impacted wisdom tooth it is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon in order to determine the best course of action. Surgery is often necessary in order to remove the impacted tooth, and recovery time varies depending on the individual and their health status. By following your dentist’s instructions and getting plenty of rest, you can help to reduce the risks associated with wisdom tooth removal and get back to living your life as soon as possible.
