Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom teeth are the four molars that typically erupt in the back of your mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, or they may not erupt at all. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.
There are many reasons why wisdom teeth may become impacted. Some common reasons include:
- Lack of space: If there is not enough space in your jaw for all four wisdom teeth to erupt, they may become impacted.
- Crowding: If your teeth are crowded, it may be difficult for wisdom teeth to erupt normally.
- Misaligned jaw: If your jaw is misaligned, it may also make it difficult for wisdom teeth to erupt normally.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, including:
- Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, especially when chewing or biting down.
- Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, which can cause fever, chills, and other symptoms.
- Damage to surrounding teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against or damage surrounding teeth.
- Development of cysts or tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumors, which can be serious health problems.
If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist may recommend removing it. The removal of an impacted wisdom tooth is a surgical procedure that is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, but in some cases, general anesthesia may be required. The dentist will make an incision in the gums to access the impacted tooth. The tooth will then be carefully removed from the socket. The dentist may also clean out the socket and remove any bone fragments.
The recovery from tooth removal can take several days to several weeks. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding after the procedure. The dentist will prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain. You should also avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth for a few days.
Risks of Wisdom Tooth Removal
As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with wisdom tooth removal. These risks include:
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection after wisdom tooth removal.
- Bleeding: There is a small risk of bleeding after wisdom tooth removal.
- Damage to surrounding teeth or nerves: There is a small risk of damage to surrounding teeth or nerves during wisdom tooth removal.
- Dry socket: Dry socket is a rare complication that can occur after wisdom tooth removal. Dry socket is characterized by pain and tenderness in the socket where the tooth was removed.
Before it Becomes a Bigger Problem
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, and they may require removal. The removal of an impacted wisdom tooth is a surgical procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia. The recovery from wisdom tooth removal can take several days to several weeks.
If you think you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, it is important to see a dentist right away to discuss your options.