Wisdom teeth, also termed third molars, are the last to come out in the back of the mouth. While they can be useful if they erupt correctly, they often pose problems that necessitate removal. This blog explores the necessity of wisdom teeth removal and the common reasons behind it.
Table of Contents
Wisdom Teeth Impaction
- Vertical Impaction: This happens when the wisdom tooth fails to erupt fully through the gum line and remains partially or fully submerged in the jawbone. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.
- Horizontal Impaction: In cases of horizontal impaction, the wisdom tooth grows sideways instead of vertically, pressing against the roots of adjacent teeth. This can damage neighbouring teeth and cause pain and discomfort.
- Mesial and Distal Impaction: Mesial impaction refers to a situation where the wisdom tooth tilts forward towards the front of the mouth, while distal impaction involves tilting backwards towards the rear of the mouth. Both types of impaction can cause issues with neighbouring teeth and surrounding structures.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: Soft tissue impaction occurs in case the wisdom tooth partially erupts through the gum tissue but does not fully emerge into the oral cavity. This can result in inflammation, infection, and the formation of gum flaps that trap food and bacteria, leading to oral health problems.
Improper Eruption
When wisdom teeth erupt at awkward angles, they can cause significant issues. Improperly erupted wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing misalignment and discomfort. This improper eruption can also affect surrounding structures in the mouth, leading to further complications.
Limited Mouth Space
Limited mouth space is a common problem that can hinder the proper growth of wisdom teeth. With limited space, wisdom teeth may grow crooked or cause crowding, leading to misalignment and difficulty cleaning, enhancing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Dental Health Complications
- Cavities and Decay: Wisdom teeth, when improperly aligned or impacted, can create pockets where food particles and bacteria accumulate, leading to cavities and decay. Because these teeth are challenging to reach and clean properly, they become prone to decay over time.
- Gum Disease: The availability of wisdom teeth can also increase the risk of gum disease. When wisdom teeth do not fully erupt or become impacted, they create spaces where bacteria can thrive, thus leading to inflammation and infection of the gums.
- Tooth Crowding: Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to move out of alignment. This can result in overcrowding and misalignment of the entire dental arch, leading to bite problems and aesthetic concerns.
- Abscess Formation: In severe cases of wisdom tooth impaction, the surrounding gum tissue may become infected, leading to the formation of an abscess. This can cause extreme pain, swelling, and even systemic health issues if left untreated.
Surgical Removal Procedure
- Anesthesia Administration: A wisdom tooth extraction in Spring, TX, typically involves administering local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Sometimes, sedation or general anaesthesia may be used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
- Incision and Extraction: Once the anaesthesia takes effect, the dentist near you or the oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth. The tooth may be required to be divided into smaller pieces to facilitate easier removal, especially if it is impacted or deeply rooted.
- Closure of the Incision: After removing the tooth, the surgical site is thoroughly cleaned to remove debris or bacteria. The incision is then cautiously closed with dissolvable stitches or sutures to promote proper healing.
- Post-Operative Care: Patients are provided with post-operative instructions, including guidelines for pain management, swelling reduction, and oral hygiene practices. They may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection and aid healing. Follow-up appointments are fixed to monitor recovery and ensure optimal outcomes.
Choosing the Right Dentist
Choosing a qualified and experienced Spring Dentist for wisdom tooth removal is crucial, especially regarding oral health. At Charm Dental Spring, we understand the importance of finding the right dental care provider. Schedule consultations with us and ask any questions you may have to ensure you’re comfortable before proceeding with the procedure. Your smile is our priority.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is necessary because of the potential complications they can cause. From impaction to dental health issues, addressing problematic wisdom teeth is essential for maintaining oral health. Remember, it’s not just about removing teeth—it’s about ensuring a healthy, happy, and dazzling smile for years.
