Widom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom Teeth Extractions – Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to show up in your mouth, generally appearing between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom.”
In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.
Types of Impaction
Soft Tissue Impaction
In cases of soft tissue impaction, the crown of the wisdom tooth has managed to penetrate the bone but remains partially or fully covered by the gum tissue. This type of impaction can cause the gum to form a flap over the tooth, which can trap food particles and bacteria. This can lead to painful infections and swelling as it becomes difficult to keep the area clean.
Partial Bony Impaction
When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted but still partially submerged in the jawbone, it is considered a partial bony impaction. This means that part of the tooth is visible above the gum line, but a portion of the crown remains embedded in the jawbone. This can create a pocket where bacteria can thrive, leading to infections, gum disease, and potential damage to surrounding teeth.
Complete Bony Impaction
A complete bony impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is entirely encased within the jawbone. This type of impaction is the most complex to treat, as the tooth does not break through the gum line at all. The surrounding bone must be removed or cut to extract the tooth, often requiring more invasive surgical techniques and a longer recovery period.
Reasons To Remove Wisdom Teeth
Damage To Nearby Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can press against adjacent teeth, causing them to shift and potentially leading to tooth decay and gum disease. The pressure from the impacted tooth can damage the roots and bones of nearby teeth, necessitating their removal to prevent further harm.
Infection
Impacted wisdom teeth create spaces where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections. These infections can cause significant pain, swelling, and even more severe complications if not addressed promptly. Removing the impacted teeth can eliminate the source of these recurring infections.
Tooth Crowding
The emergence of wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, leading to overcrowding. This can disrupt the balance of your bite and necessitate orthodontic treatments to correct the misalignment. Extracting the wisdom teeth can help maintain the proper alignment of your existing teeth.
Gum Disease
The areas around impacted wisdom teeth are often hard to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease. Inadequate cleaning can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, resulting in inflammation and infection of the gums. Removing the wisdom teeth can help prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.
The Extraction Process
Anesthesia
Before the extraction begins, your dentist will administer anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your anxiety levels, this may include local anesthesia to numb the area, sedation to help you relax, or general anesthesia to make you unconscious during the procedure.
Extraction
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom tooth and the surrounding bone. If necessary, a small amount of bone may be removed to access the tooth. The tooth will be gently rocked back and forth to loosen it from its socket and then extracted. In some cases, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Cleaning & Stiching
After the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the socket to remove any debris and bacteria. The gum tissue will then be stitched closed to promote healing and prevent infection. Gauze will be placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding and encourage clot formation.
Recovery
After the procedure, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site. This includes keeping the area clean, avoiding certain foods and activities, and taking prescribed pain medications or antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection. A soft food diet is recommended to avoid disturbing the extraction site during the initial healing period. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your recovery.
