IMPACTIONS
Impacted Teeth
We all know that teeth start to erupt from 6th or 7th month and this process goes till the wisdom teeth. So, teeth emerge from the gums as we age. However, some teeth may not breakthrough, instead of remaining embedded in the gums or jaw bone. These unprofessional teeth are called impacted teeth/unerupted teeth. These impacted teeth do not erupt, they are retained throughout the individual’s lifetime unless extracted or exposed surgically.
This most commonly happens with the wisdom teeth (the third set of molars). They are the last teeth to erupt. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21.
What causes an impacted tooth?
In general, a tooth becomes impacted when your mouth doesn’t have enough space for it. This can be the result of genetics or orthodontic treatment.
What happens if you leave an impacted tooth?
Impacted wisdom teeth never need removal if they don’t cause dental problems. But if you are facing frequent health issues then its better visit us and confirm whether you need an extraction. Else,
- Can lead to cyst development around the teeth.
- May cause infections on tooth or gums
- Chronic mouth discomfort
- Teeth misalignment problem
- Settling of plaque between teeth and gums
What are the symptoms of impacted teeth?
In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms. In some cases, an impacted tooth may cause
- Swollen, bleeding or red gums
- Pain or tenderness of the gums or jaw bone
- Prolonged headache or jaw ache
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in mouth
- Difficulty in opening mouth
- Difficulty in chewing and biting.
What is the procedure of extracting impacted teeth?
Pre procedure
Before scheduling the procedure, our dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. Be sure to tell us about any medications you take, as well as vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Make sure to tell us if you have any condition like congenital heart defect, diabetes, thyroid, hypertension.
Step 1: Numbing your teeth
Our oral surgeon administers local anaesthesia with one or more injections near the site of each extraction. Before you receive an injection, our surgeon will likely apply a substance to your gums to numb them. You’re awake during the tooth extraction. Although you’ll feel some pressure and movement, you won’t experience pain.
You may also receive both local anaesthesia and intravenous anaesthesia, the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed. You may also receive general anaesthesia, depending on any medical conditions. With general anaesthesia, you will remain unconscious during the procedure.
Step 2: Making an incision
Our oral surgeon will cut into your gum with a small incision. This incision helps in exposing the tooth and bone.
Step 3: Bone removal
Our oral surgeon will remove the bone that blocks access to the tooth root. They may also cut the divide the tooth into sections if its easier to remove in pieces
Step 4: Cleaning & closing the site
Then our oral surgeon will clean the site of the removed tooth of any debris from the tooth or bone. Then we close the wound by stitches, to promote healing, though this isn’t always necessary. Our oral surgeons may also place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and help blood clot.
What is the post procedure care required?
Our dentist will instruct on your post treatment care required such as
Pain management: You may be able to manage pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever prescribed by oral surgeon. Prescription pain medication may be especially helpful if bone has been removed during the procedure. Holding a cold pack against your jaw also may relieve pain.
Swelling and bruising: Use an ice pack as directed by your dentist or surgeon. Any swelling of your cheeks usually improves in two or three days. Bruising may take several more days to resolve.
Beverages: Drink lots of water after the surgery. Don’t drink alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages in the first 24 hours. Don’t drink with a straw for at least a week because the sucking action can dislodge the blood clot from the socket.
Food: Eat only soft foods, such as yogurt or banana, for the first 24 hours. Start eating semisoft foods when you can tolerate them. Avoid hard, chewy, hot or spicy foods that might get stuck in the socket or irritate the wound.
Cleaning your mouth: Don’t brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, spit or use mouthwash during the first 24 hours after surgery. Typically, you’ll be told to resume brushing your teeth after the first 24 hours. Be particularly gentle near the surgical wound when brushing and gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours and after meals for a week.
Tobacco use: If you smoke, don’t do so for at least 72 hours after surgery — and wait longer than that if possible. If you chew tobacco, don’t use it for at least a week. Using tobacco products after oral surgery can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
What are the benefits of removing impacted teeth?
- Prevent damage to nearby teeth
- Decrease the risk of oral disease and inflammation
- Reduced orthodontic problems
- Prevent cysts, tumours and jaw damage
What are the risks of a tooth extraction?
There are a few risks for undergoing a tooth extraction. However, if our dentist recommends the procedure, the benefits likely “outweigh” the small chance of complications.
Usually after a tooth extraction, a blood clot naturally forms in the socket – the hole in the bone where the tooth has been extracted. However, if the blood clot does not form or dislodges, the bone inside the socket can be exposed – referred to as “dry socket.” If this happens, the dentist will protect the area by putting a sedative dressing over it for a few days. During this time, a new clot will form
Other risks include:
- Fever and chills
- Chest pain
- Swelling and redness at surgical site
What is the recovery period from a tooth extraction?
It normally takes a few days to recover after a tooth extraction. Practice the following for fast recovery
- Apply ice pack
- Take any medication prescribed
- Do not jump immediately into your regular routine the following day. Rest and relax for the first 24 hours.
- Don’t smoke
- As you heal over the next few days, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.
