Surgery for impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth (or third molars) are usually the last teeth to erupt in the back of the mouth after the age of 16. There is usually not enough room for wisdom teeth to erupt, so they usually do not fully grow in. Wisdom teeth usually move either forward or backward into the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause recurrent infections in the gums around the teeth, causing pain and swelling, which is why experts recommend wisdom tooth extraction.

This article will address some of the possible questions that patients may have, including:

• Why do I need treatment?
• What are the treatment options for wisdom teeth?
• What does wisdom tooth extraction involve?
• What type of anesthesia is used during the procedure?
• What are the possible complications of wisdom tooth surgery?
• What are the possible complications of wisdom tooth surgery?

Why do I need wisdom tooth surgery?

If not treated promptly, an impacted wisdom tooth will continue to cause recurrent attacks of infection and toothache.

If a cyst is not properly removed and drained around the wisdom tooth, it can develop. A cyst forms when the sac that normally surrounds the developing wisdom tooth fills with fluid.

When an impacted wisdom tooth erupts crookedly and causes damage to other teeth, surgical removal of the affected tooth is necessary. However, even if these molars erupt correctly, many people have difficulty keeping them clean because they are located in the back of the mouth.

Failure to remove plaque before it hardens can lead to tooth decay. Since it is impossible to fill third molars, tooth extraction is the only possible solution. Some people have their wisdom teeth removed even if they are not experiencing any problems with their wisdom teeth, to ensure that there are no future problems.

Surgical options for impacted wisdom teeth

If the tooth is not causing any pain or recurring infections, your dentist can monitor the tooth. Removing the entire tooth, including the root, is one way to treat wisdom teeth.

If the roots of your lower wisdom teeth are found to be close to nearby sensory nerves, you may be offered a coronectomy instead of a complete tooth extraction, which significantly reduces the risk of permanent numbness of the lips, chin, cheeks, gums, and tongue, or permanent tingling of the tongue after wisdom tooth removal. There are only certain circumstances in which this treatment is recommended.

Surgical treatment steps for impacted wisdom teeth

Since wisdom teeth do not fully grow in, it is often necessary to make a small incision in the gum and then remove the wisdom tooth through it. The bone surrounding the tooth is gently removed. The crown of the tooth is removed with special instruments, and the remaining root surface is smoothed. The tooth root is then repositioned and sutured in place. This procedure usually takes 30 to 40 minutes.

Possible complications of wisdom tooth treatment roots of the wisdom teeth may be removed during surgery if they are mobile, as they may become infected and need to be removed. If this happens, they usually grow upwards, away from the nerve, reducing the sensation of numbness. Studies show that tooth root displacement occurs in about 15 percent of cases, resulting in the need for more surgery. Other possible complications of wisdom tooth surgery include:

Swelling

The most common side effect of wisdom tooth surgery that affects the nerve is swelling, which usually lasts up to 14 days. The amount of swelling varies from patient to patient. Additionally, using an ice pack for the first 24 hours after surgery may be helpful. Do not place the ice pack directly on your skin; instead, wrap the ice pack in a towel and then place it on the operated tooth.

Inability to fully open your mouth

Inability to fully open your mouth is one of the results of tooth swelling and often resolves as the swelling goes down. During this time, when your mouth is limited, you may need to change your diet and eat soft or watery foods. However, there are no hard and fast rules about what you should eat. It is recommended to keep your mouth as clean as possible and use regular mouthwashes to reduce the risk of infection.

Bleeding

Although there may be some bleeding during the procedure, it usually stops very quickly and is unlikely to cause any problems if the wound is stitched. If the surgical site starts to bleed again when you return home, it can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the area for at least 10 minutes with a damp cloth. If the bleeding does not stop, be sure to contact the clinic.

Tooth Infection

Infection can be minimized by maintaining good oral hygiene during the healing phase. This usually includes regular brushing with a special mouthwash recommended by your dentist in Mississauga and avoiding smoking.

Nerve Damage

In general, two nerves are located near the impacted wisdom tooth. The lingual nerve provides sensation to your tongue, while the inferior alveolar nerve provides sensation to your lower lip and upper chin. These nerves may become sensitive during the tooth extraction.

If nerves are damaged, you may experience numbness or tingling in your tongue, lower lip, skin above your chin, or any combination of these. Nerve damage is most often temporary, although it can take up to 18 months for the tooth to heal. In some cases, it may not heal completely, and patients may be left with areas of numbness.