A wisdom tooth is a set of molars that grow in the back (top and bottom) of our mouth. Typically, they start to break out during the teens, however, not everyone’s wisdom teeth start growing during the teenage years. Some people may get their wisdom teeth during their late teenage years, while others may not see them until their early twenties or even later.
In many cases, wisdom teeth grow in the wrong direction, causing pain and discomfort. Such improper wisdom tooth eruption may also lead to crowding and misalignment of surrounding teeth, necessitating wisdom teeth removal.
Wisdom tooth removal or extraction is a procedure to remove the wisdom teeth, if the wisdom tooth doesn’t have space to develop (affected wisdom tooth). This can lead to toothache, infection and other dental issues. So, it is best to remove it. Wisdom teeth removal can be done by a dental specialist or an oral surgeon.
A] What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is when a wisdom tooth grows in the wrong direction/angle, sideways or partially. This can trigger pain, and individuals may also have swelling around the gum area. Wisdom tooth infection is usually seen in partially-grown wisdom teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth may also become infected due to the presence of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause further damage to the teeth. This is why people who have an impacted wisdom tooth should undergo the wisdom tooth extraction procedure under the guidance of an expert dentist.
B] Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Types & Symptoms
1. Symptoms Of Impacted Wisdom Tooth
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a lot of issues as the pressure to grow and overcrowding may lead to serious orthodontic problems. If the food gets trapped, it becomes difficult to clean which can lead to infection. Some of the signs of impacted wisdom teeth are:
- Red or enlarged gums
- Difficulty in chewing food
- Delicate or bleeding gums
- Trouble opening your mouth
- Pain and swelling around the jaw
- Bad breath
- Bitter and unpleasant taste in your mouth
2. Types of Impacted Wisdom Tooth (Wisdom Teeth Impactions)
- Soft tissue impaction: This tooth removal happens when the wisdom tooth has developed over the upper line of the jawbone, but is yet covered by gum tissue.
- Mesial impaction: Mesial impactions are the most common wisdom tooth impaction. Here, the tooth is angled forward towards the front of the mouth. Depending on the angle, the dentist will determine if the wisdom tooth needs removal. Mesial impactions frequently lead to a fractional emission, where just a piece of the crown will erupt past the gums.
- Distal impaction: In Distal impactions, the tooth’s crown is angled towards the rear of the mouth. Whether or not the affected wisdom tooth should be removed relies upon the point. In the event the point is slight, it will probably erupt normally, and the dentist may wait for a year or two to check if it needs to be removed.
- Horizontal impaction: Horizontal impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth is angled completely on its side, lying horizontally within the jawbone. This positioning makes it the most challenging type of impaction to deal with. The impacted horizontal wisdom tooth is situated beneath the gum line and is typically pushed against the adjacent molar. Treatment for horizontal impaction often involves surgical removal, which may require the extraction of surrounding bone tissue. This procedure, known as horizontal impacted wisdom tooth removal, is commonly performed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure patient comfort and optimal outcomes.
- Vertical impaction: This impaction doesn’t need removal since there is a high chance the tooth will fall with next to no issues. If extraction is needed, it is because the tooth causes pressure to its neighbouring molar or the jawbone.
- Bony impaction: There is NO space for the tooth to erupt. It stays implanted in the jaw bone, or if it is visible even partially, it will need complex and careful strategies for removal. The affected wisdom tooth may also be in an uncommon position and challenging to remove.
C] Causes of Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Lack of sufficient room to grow is the major cause of why a wisdom tooth gets impacted. Wisdom teeth generally emerge/erupt between the ages of 17 to 25. When only the crown of the tooth is visible from the gums, it is known as a partially impacted tooth. Whereas, molars that never break through the gums are referred to as fully impacted wisdom teeth.
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause problems if:
- It grows towards the back of the mouth.
- It grows at an angle that tilts towards the neighbouring tooth, overcrowding it due to limited space.
- Vertical or horizontally impacted wisdom teeth that stay trapped within the jawbone can also cause a problem.
D] Complications Caused by Impacted Wisdom Tooth
- Damaged teeth: While growing towards the neighbouring teeth, the impacted tooth can damage the structure of other teeth. Pushing towards the next tooth can harm it and cause infection around that area. It could lead to more bacteria in the mouth, which leads to infection. It can also cause immense tooth pain inflammation of the gums or swelling around the jaw. Here, removing the impacted tooth is the best option to prevent damage to the other teeth.
- Cysts: When the wisdom tooth develops in the sac of the jaw, it can be filled with fluids. This can lead to the formation of cysts that can harm the jawbone, teeth and nerves in your mouth. When such complications arise, the dentist may remove the tissue and the bone.
- Tooth decay: Since a partially impacted wisdom tooth is harder to clean, it leads to the build-up of more bacteria. This increases the risk of tooth decay, which needs to be treated post-haste.
- Gum disease: With the build-up of bacteria, the wisdom tooth infection may worsen and cause a painful gum disease known as pericoronitis. It commonly affects the lower teeth and gum area leading to inflammation and swelling/bleeding of gums. It can also cause a burning sensation and redness around the gums.
Avoid dealing with these complications and get your impacted wisdom tooth treated by a professional local dentist you trust.
Further Read: Why You Should Choose A Local Dentist?
E] How can you diagnose an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
For diagnosis, a dental X-ray is recommended by the dentist. This provides them with a clear picture of the damage and helps them identify if the damage extends to other teeth or bones. Four types of impacted wisdom teeth can be diagnosed through a dental X-ray.
- Fully impacted: This type of impacted wisdom tooth is the most difficult to remove as it is completely stuck inside the jaw.
- Partially impacted: This involves the tooth being partially stuck inside the jawbone.
- Soft-tissue impacted: This is the least complicated wisdom tooth to remove. It is only stuck under the gums, which makes the process of removing it easy.
- Erupted: The impacted wisdom teeth removal for a fully erupted tooth is easier and involves less pain.
F] Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?
As per the study published in the British Dental Journal, an expected 85% of wisdom teeth are taken out. Listed below are some of the reasons why so many wisdom teeth get extracted:
- Pain and Discomfort: When wisdom teeth are unable to break through the jaw and emerge in the wrong direction, they can cause pain, discomfort, and potential damage to adjacent teeth. The pressure from the impacted tooth against the surrounding tissues can lead to soreness and swelling.
- Infection: The impacted wisdom teeth are partially covered by gum tissue, hence it becomes challenging to clean them effectively. This can accumulate bacteria and food particles, increasing the risk of infection in the area.
- Gum Problems: Wisdom teeth that remain partially or fully hidden Beneath the gum line, wisdom teeth that remain partially or fully hidden can cause dental issues. The plaque can accumulate around these areas which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cysts and Tumours: In some cases, fluid-filled cysts or tumours can develop around impacted or infected wisdom teeth, causing damage to the jawbone and adjacent teeth.
- Shifting of Teeth: The pressure by wisdom teeth can push nearby teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and affecting the overall bite. They may also cause damage to adjacent structures, leading to the development of cysts.
- Tooth Decay: Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to get cavities because they are hard to clean. This difficulty in cleaning not only affects the impacted tooth but also increases the risk of decay in adjacent teeth.
G] Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal: Treatment and Removal
1. What Happens Before the Surgery?
Before the surgery to remove wisdom teeth, there are several steps that patients can take to prepare for the procedure and ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some things that may happen before the surgery:
- You need to schedule time off: Patients should schedule time off from work or school to correspond with their recovery time. The amount of time needed for recovery varies from patient to patient.
- Prepare a comfortable rest area at home: Patients should prepare a comfortable area in their home to rest and recover after the surgery. This may include having a relaxing form of entertainment, such as watching TV and having cold packs and over-the-counter pain medication on hand.
- Follow doctor’s instructions: Patients should carefully follow their doctor’s pre-procedure instructions, which may include brushing their teeth before the appointment, avoiding alcohol or tobacco use for at least 8 hours before the procedure, and confirming transportation.
- Avoid eating and drinking: Patients should not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight on the evening before the surgery.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Patients should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes to the appointment.
- Arrive early: Patients should arrive at the appointment 20 minutes early to complete any last-minute paperwork and relax before the surgery.
During your scheduled visit to the dentist, you can ask all questions related to the medical procedure. At Oris Dental, our experienced Sunshine Coast dentist will also ask you to give them a rundown of the medications that you take routinely.
2. What Happens During the Surgery?
You can pick the local sedation if you need to be asleep during the medical procedure or if the dentist wants to numb the area under the medical procedure. Depending on the impacted wisdom tooth extraction’s expected complexity and comfort level, the dentist might utilise one of three sedations.
- Local Anaesthesia: The dentist uses local anaesthesia with at least one injection close to the site of every extraction. Before you get an infusion, the dentist or surgeon will probably apply a substance to your gums to numb them. You’re conscious during the tooth extraction. Although you’ll feel a little pressure and movement, you shouldn’t experience pain.
- Sedation Anaesthesia: The dentist or surgeon will give you sedation anaesthesia through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. With sedation anaesthesia, you won’t feel any pain and will have limited memory of the procedure. You’ll also get local anaesthesia to numb your gums.
- General Anaesthesia: In special circumstances, you might be offered general anaesthesia. You may inhale medication through your nose or have an IV line in your arm, or both, after which you will lose consciousness. The surgical team will monitor your medication, breathing, temperature, fluids and blood pressure. You’ll experience no pain. Local anaesthesia is also given to help with post-operative discomfort.
During the impacted wisdom tooth extraction, the dental specialist or oral surgeon will:
- Make an entry point in the gum tissue to uncover the tooth and bone.
- Eliminate the bone that blocks access to the tooth root.
- Separate the tooth into sections if it’s easier to remove in pieces.
- Remove the tooth.
- Cleans the site of any debris from the tooth or bone.
- Stitches the injury to promote healing. However, this isn’t required at all times.
- Places gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and aid blood clots.
3. Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare: What Happens After the Surgery?
After the surgery to remove wisdom teeth, there are several important steps and considerations for a smooth wisdom teeth removal recovery. Here’s what typically happens after the surgery:
- Bleeding: Some overflowing of blood might occur on the first day after wisdom tooth removal. Try to stay away from extreme spitting so you don’t dislodge the blood coagulation. Replace the gauze over the extraction site as suggested by the dental or oral specialist.
- Pain management: The dentist will prescribe pain medications. Holding a cold pack against your jaw may also help alleviate pain.
- Swelling and bruising: Use an ice pack as recommended by the dental specialist or surgeon. The wisdom tooth swelling will reduce in a few days.
- Movement: After the medical procedure, rest until the end of the day. Continue normal activity the following day. But for seven days, stay away from difficult movements that could bring about loss the blood coagulation from the socket.
- Beverages: Hydrate after the medical procedure. Try not to drink alcoholic, energised, carbonated or hot refreshments in the initial 24 hours. Avoid straws for essentially seven days because the sucking activity can unstick the blood coagulation.
- Food: If you are wondering, what to eat after wisdom teeth removal?, then eat only soft food like yoghurt or fruit purée for the initial 24 hours. Begin eating semi-soft food based on your doctor’s suggestion and meanwhile stay away from hard, chewy, hot or spicy food sources that can affect the site of tooth extraction.
- Cleaning your mouth: Try not to clean your teeth, wash your mouth, spit or use mouthwash during the initial 24 hours after the medical procedure. Normally, you’ll be told to continue cleaning your teeth after the initial 24 hours. Be extremely delicate near the surgical injury while brushing and tenderly wash your mouth with warm salt water for 2 hours and after every meal for seven days.
- Tobacco use: Assuming you smoke, avoid it for the next 72 hours after the medical procedure. Utilising tobacco items after an oral medical procedure can increase the risk of complications.
- Stitches: You might have stitches disintegrate within a few weeks or no stitches at all. Assuming your stitches are to be removed, plan an appointment to have them taken out.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a regular dental procedure and complications are rare. The extraction site can require as long as about a month and a half to heal. However, patients can continue normal activity the following day.
Conclusion:
While there is no way to prevent an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist can monitor the growth of the wisdom tooth through regular dental check-ups. Professional teeth cleaning can also limit bacterial growth in the mouth, thereby keeping your teeth healthy. Also, periodic dental X-rays can help track early signs and symptoms of wisdom teeth.
Connect with us today if you want to schedule an appointment. Or send us an email at dentist@orisdental.com.au if you have any queries and a member of our staff will contact you shortly.
FAQs On Impacted Wisdom Tooth:
1. How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Take?
Ans: The duration of wisdom teeth surgery can vary based on several factors, including the number of teeth extracted, the case’s complexity, and the patient’s unique circumstances. Typically, the procedure lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour for a single wisdom tooth extraction.
For straightforward cases where the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is easily accessible, the surgery may be relatively quick. Conversely, more intricate cases involving impacted teeth or multiple extractions may prolong the procedure.
Additionally, using general anaesthesia or sedation can impact the overall duration of the procedure. Incorporating general anaesthesia adds additional time for patient preparation and recovery from its effects afterwards.
2. How Much Does A Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost In Sunshine Coast?
Ans: The cost of getting your wisdom teeth removed in the Sunshine Coast can vary based on different factors. These include how complicated the extraction is—whether it’s a simple removal or a surgical procedure. At Oris Dental, a trusted clinic in the area, the price for surgical extraction begins at $350.
3. What Are The Possible Risks And Complications Associated With The Removal Of Wisdom Teeth?
Ans: The risks of wisdom tooth extraction include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, cyst development, bleeding, jaw stiffness, and damage to nearby teeth. While these complications are rare, dentists take every precaution to ensure a safe procedure and promote proper healing.
4. Can You Get Emergency Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Ans: Yes. If you’re experiencing intense pain, swelling, infection, or other urgent dental issues related to your wisdom teeth, emergency removal is possible. At Oris Dental, we’re equipped to assist with emergency wisdom tooth removal. Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our nearby clinic for immediate attention.
5. What To Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Ans: After your wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to choose soft and easy-to-eat foods to aid in your recovery. Consider options like tender noodles, smoothies, milkshakes, yoghurt, mashed bananas, oatmeal, pudding, mashed potatoes, seedless fruits, scrambled eggs, applesauce, lukewarm soups, and blended pears.
6. What Foods Should I Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Ans: Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods as they can be difficult to chew and may irritate the surgical sites.
7. When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?
Ans: For the first few days following tooth extraction, it’s best to avoid solid foods and opt for soft, easy-to-chew options. Check with your dentist to determine when it’s safe to transition back to a regular solid food diet, depending on how your healing is progressing.
8. Can I Drink Water After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Ans: Yes, staying hydrated is important for your recovery. However, avoid using straws as the suction can dislodge blood clots and lead to complications like dry sockets. Instead, sip water slowly from a glass.
9. How To Keep Your Mouth Clean After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Ans: Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day during the first 24 hours after the extraction. Then, use a soft toothbrush to clean the surgical area and maintain oral hygiene for optimal healing.
10. How Long Does Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Last?
Ans: Pain typically lasts for about 2-7 days, but this can vary from person to person. Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully for a speedier recovery.
11. How Long Does It Take For Wisdom Teeth Holes To Close?
Ans: Typically, it may take around 1-2 weeks for the holes to close and gums to heal quickly. However, complete healing of the surgery site with surrounding tissues may take a few weeks or months, varying from person to person.
12. How Long Do Dissolvable Stitches Last?
Ans: Wisdom teeth stitches are often made of dissolvable material and typically last about 1-2 weeks on their own.
13. What If The Wisdom Teeth Pain Persists?
Ans: If the pain persists or worsens after the extraction, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. It could indicate complications such as infection after wisdom teeth removal, dry socket, or nerve damage. Immediate action is crucial in such cases.
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi Post Author
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.