What You Should Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth usually become manifested during late teen period or early adulthood. They become impacted when there isn’t enough room for them to express themselves. This can make them to be vulnerable to various diseases and that is why impacted wisdom teeth removal may be the only way out.

 

What Are The Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Tooth ?

You may not notice any problem with your wisdom teeth and there is every possibility that you will feel some pain. When the wisdom tooth breaks through the gums making part of the gums conspicuous, it is referred to as a partially impacted tooth. Partially impacted tooth can give rise to food trapping which will make tooth cleaning more stressful and it can cause pain for some people. In a situation where the tooth gets infected, this can lead to other dental problems like jaw pain, swelling around the jaw, bleeding or red gums, bad breath, unpleasant taste and so on. If the wisdom tooth does not come forth, it is said to be fully impacted which may necessitate impacted wisdom teeth removal.

 

What Causes An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth usually get impacted when your jaw does not provide enough room for them. At times, they grow at angles that are not appropriate which can make them to be impacted.

 

Risk Factors Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If your age is between 17 and 25, you are more disposed to having an impacted wisdom tooth. In addition, if you possess a jaw structure that is very small, you are very likely to develop this condition. There is no preventive measure for the condition but good oral hygiene should be developed in order to prevent associated, potential issues.

 

How Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth Diagnosed?

Your dentist will carry out series of tests as well as X-rays to determine if your wisdom tooth is impacted. The X-ray will go a long way in showing the relationship between the impacted tooth and the surrounding bones. If a situation that can lead to potential problems is established, an impacted wisdom teeth removal is inevitable.

 

How Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Treated?

An impacted wisdom teeth removal may be recommended if it is established that they can cause dental problems. The removal procedure is an outpatient one as you will be able to go back home same day. Usually, an anesthetic drug will be used to make you relaxed for the surgery and ease pain. The type of anesthesia that will be used for you is dependent on your body type.

A cut will be made in your gums so that the bone giving you problems will be removed before your wisdom tooth is extracted. The incision will be stitched and the space will be packed with gauze. Typically, the procedure should not last for more than one hour and you are good to go. It is very important for you to note that partially impacted wisdom teeth removal is easier than the fully impacted ones.

 

Recovering From Wisdom Tooth Extraction

You can get back to your usual activities after some days succeeding the surgery. You should expect total healing after about six weeks and you will only be able to take soft foods because your mouth may be difficult to open for about one week. There is every possibility that you will experience some discomfort, swelling and bleeding but your doctor will provide instructions that will be useful in managing these conditions. You may be asked to use cold compresses and pain medications may be prescribed for you.

Furthermore, you may come up with an agonizing dry socket but this occurs in rare occasions. This is caused by improper formation of blood clot after the surgery or its dislodgement from the socket which makes the bone to be exposed. In order to avoid complications after the surgery, it is advisable for you to follow all your dentist’s instructions and if you notice any unusual thing, you should not waste time in seeing your dentist.

 

Do You Have To Remove Impacted Teeth?

If they don’t give you any problem, your dentist may advise you to leave them. However, removal is a good option in order to prevent any future problem. Your doctor will discuss various options with you. Which will eliminate issues that you may be experiencing now or in the near future. As a result of this, it is very important to visit your dentist regularly. And proper flossing should be carried out around the wisdom teeth.

 

Complications Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

It can be very difficult to clean impacted wisdom teeth and food particles can be easily trapped in them. If they are not eliminated, they can cause problems. Such as cavities, infection, decay, gum disease, cyst, difficulty in flossing, just to mention a few. That is why removal may be the option even if they are not causing you any pain.

 

Soft Foods To Take After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Since it won’t be possible for you to take foods that can adversely affect your recovery. You need to take soft foods that are rich in nutrients so that your healing process can be quickened. Some of the soft foods you can take after surgery include broths, Greek yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, mashed bananas, applesauce, banana ice cream, avocado, cottage cheese, instant oatmeal, among others. The intake of these soft foods will ensure that the extraction region is not overstretched making recovery easier.

 

The Bottom Line

Impacted wisdom teeth removal can be the option for you in order to guide against dental problems now or later. They may not give you any problem now but there is every possibility that they may give you later. Their management is also not as easy as ABC. And getting them eliminated by a competent dentist is not out of place. A competent dentist is desirable so that complications can be avoided during and after the surgery. If they are a source of pain for you, extraction will give you the desired comfort. So that you can go about your normal activities with ease.