Impacted Teeth

One dental problem that is common among many people is impacted teeth.   In most cases, this invloves the widsom teeth which are your third molars located in the very back of your mouth on the top and bottom.   An impacted tooth means that a certain tooth is unable to grow in its designated position because of the surrounding tooth, gums, bone or tissue being in the way.  Not taking care of this problem will mean that the tooth will not grow properly and can also cause trouble for the surrounding gums, teeth, bone and tissue.  Correcting this problem will require oral surgery.   Removing wisdom is probably the most frequent procedure performed among oral surgeons.

How do teeth become impacted and why do they need to be treated?

Wisdom teeth will often become impacted and need to be removed because of the fact that many people don’t have jaws large enough to fit them.  In fact, studies show that 90 percent of the population need to have these molars removed.  If there is not enough room, the growth of the wisdom teeth will be forced to come in at an un-natural angle and put pressure against surrounding teeth, gums and tissue causing even more problems like gum disease, decay, and uneven teeth.  Many people who wait too long too get their wisdom teeth taken out will need to have teeth straightening procedures done.

Should I be worried about impacted teeth?

One sign that you may have impacted teeth is if you feel constant pains in the back of your mouth.  Having bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth is also a warning sign.   If you are experiencing these symptoms you should visit your dentist right away.  Your dentist will be able to tell if these teeth are impacted.  If they haven’t grown in yet, the dentist will also be able to determine whether or not they will be impacted. He or she will probably need to take x-rays to see depending on how far the teeth are developed.

How are impacted teeth treated?

The typical method used for treating impacted teeth is “extraction.”  This is removal of the impacted tooth.   The process is a bit more complicated than just pulling your tooth out.  Since the tooth’s root is secured in the jawbone by the ligaments underneath the gums, it will need to be taken out a certain way to avoid further damage.  The tooth will have to be rocked side to side and maybe even turned around in order for the jawbone to release protection of the tooth properly.  In some cases, the tooth might be so secured in the jawbone that it will need to be removed in pieces.  It makes the procedure a bit more complex, but does not come with anymore risks than normal extraction.  Of course you would be given an anesthetic while this happens so you wouldn’t feel any pain.  You will just feel some strong pressure.  If your dentist determines that extraction needs to happen, he or she will most likely refer you to an good oral surgeon who will be fully trained at this procedure.

What happens after the procedure?

After a tooth is extracted there will be a lot of blood.  You can relieve the blood flow by using a clean wet gauze over the area and put gentle pressure.  However, it is important to note that the blod clot is crucial for healing the wound.  For the first day or two after the procedure, you should not rinse heavily because it may get rid of the blood clot.  Also stay away from hot foods or drinks such as tea or soup because heat can disolve the clot. You should also avoid rigorously cleaning the area of extraction in order to avoid further damage during the healing process.

You will probably experience some pain (like any other surgery) in the area of extraction.  Your dentist will most likely give you pain medication if necessary.  Pain after tooth extraction generally lasts a few days.  If the pain remains after that, call your dentist or oral surgeon to let them know.