Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

How many wisdom teeth do we typically have, and what are they used for?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the four teeth located at the back of the mouth, one in each corner. Most humans have four wisdom teeth, but some people may have more or fewer.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop and emerge in the mouth, typically appearing in the late teenage years or early twenties. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they typically appear at a time when a person is considered to be more mature and “wise.”

Wisdom teeth are not essential for chewing or speaking, and many people have them removed if they do not have enough room in their mouth to accommodate them. This can prevent the accumulation of problems such as pain, infection, and crowding of the other teeth. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed even if they have fully erupted and are functional. This is often done to prevent potential problems in the future.

What is an impacted tooth and what are the different methods used to extract it?

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that is partially or fully covered by gum tissue or bone and has not fully erupted into the mouth. Extracting an impacted wisdom tooth can be more difficult than extracting a fully erupted tooth because the tooth may be more difficult to access and may be more firmly anchored in place.

There are several methods that may be used to extract an impacted wisdom tooth, including:

Incision and drainage: In this method, the surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and then removes any tissue or bone that is blocking access to the tooth. The tooth is then extracted using forceps or a tooth elevator.
Surgical removal: This method involves a more extensive surgical procedure in which the surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue and removes any bone or tissue that is blocking access to the tooth. The tooth is then extracted using forceps or a tooth elevator.

The method used to extract an impacted wisdom tooth will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the preferences of the patient and surgeon. It is important to discuss the options with a qualified dental professional before making a decision.

Under what circumstances is it necessary to extract wisdom teeth, and what can happen if they are not removed?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can be difficult to clean due to their location in the back of the mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay on the adjacent molars. Impacted wisdom teeth may also cause symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, limited mouth opening, and sometimes fever and fatigue. The pain from wisdom teeth can be local or radiate to nearby teeth, the throat, ear, or head. These teeth can also cause superficial or deep resorption of the adjacent teeth due to the pressure they exert on them. In rare cases, this may result in the extraction of the adjacent tooth. It is generally recommended to remove wisdom teeth when they appear, typically in the late teenage years or early twenties.

There is a risk of cystic transformation in the developmental follicle around impacted teeth. For this reason, it is recommended to have a dental examination every six months to evaluate this risk, even if the impacted teeth are not extracted.

What are the important considerations before and after an impacted tooth extraction procedure?

It is best to consult a dentist before experiencing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or limited mouth opening. If symptoms do occur, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible, even if the symptoms resolve on their own.

It is important to follow the recommendations of the dental professional to ensure a successful recovery after impacted tooth extraction. Avoiding activities such as spitting and mouth washing on the first day after the procedure can help facilitate healing.

How long does a person typically experience pain after an impacted wisdom tooth extraction procedure?

It is common to experience pain after an impacted tooth extraction procedure. This pain is usually relieved within the first few days after the extraction. However, complications such as swelling, limited mouth opening, redness, or bruising on the cheek may rarely occur.

These symptoms are generally resolved within the first week following the procedure with proper care and treatment as recommended by the dental professional. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your dental professional for further evaluation.