Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal?
You may have heard of wisdom teeth, but you may not be sure what they are and whether or not they need to be removed.
Below is information about what impacted teeth are in general, what wisdom teeth are, what happens if they are impacting other teeth, and what the wisdom tooth removal process is like.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth occurs when a tooth is unable to grow in its correct position naturally. This situation can arise due to various factors, such as obstruction caused by retained baby teeth or limited space in the mouth for all the teeth to grow. As a result, the affected tooth may become stuck—either partially erupting from the gumline or remaining entirely concealed beneath the gums.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
Whether wisdom teeth need to be removed depends on the individual's specific circumstances. In some cases, the wisdom teeth emerge without causing any issues and function properly. However, more often than not, these molars become impacted—meaning they do not have enough room to grow naturally or emerge. This impaction can lead to various dental problems, including pain, infection, crowding, and damage to adjacent teeth.
To determine if wisdom teeth need to be removed, a dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination (including X-rays) to assess the position and alignment of the teeth. If the wisdom teeth are causing problems or have the potential to cause future issues, the dental professional will likely recommend extraction.
The Process
The wisdom tooth extraction process is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist experienced in surgical procedures. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, which numbs the specific area around the tooth, or under general anesthesia if multiple teeth need to be removed or if the patient prefers to be unconscious during the procedure.
During the extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will carefully remove the gum tissue covering the impacted tooth and, if necessary, may need to extract the tooth in sections to ease the process. After the removal, the dentist will stitch up the incision site to facilitate proper healing.
Following the extraction, patients may experience some swelling, discomfort, and mild bleeding. Dentists usually provide aftercare instructions, including pain management, maintaining oral hygiene, and dietary restrictions to promote a smooth recovery.
Contact Us
While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant dental issues and are often recommended for extraction. The extraction process, performed by a qualified dental professional, can alleviate pain and prevent potential complications—leading to better overall oral health and comfort.
If you believe your wisdom teeth are emerging or haven’t had dental x-rays in a while, contact us. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation.