Impacted wisdom tooth and its removal

The removal of an impacted wisdom tooth is considered a rather serious surgical procedure and in most cases is the only way to avoid further complications: periodontal disease, periodontitis and other diseases. What are the reasons for this phenomenon, and also in what cases it is necessary to remove an impacted tooth, we will consider.

Impacted wisdom tooth - what is it?

An impacted tooth is a tooth that is fully formed, but could not break through the gum or jaw, or was partially erupted. This usually happens because the tooth did not erupt in time. Also, the reasons for this phenomenon can be called:

• embryological features: too thick walls, dense soft tissue;
• incorrect location of the axis of the germ;
• genetic predisposition;
• too tightly fitting teeth;
• developmental pathologies of the jaws;
• transferred infectious diseases;
• early loss of teeth;
• poor nutrition during tooth formation.

Also, recently there has been talk about the reduction of the jaws due to the lack of roughage in the diet. As a result, the load on the teeth is reduced, which leads to a reduction in the jaw, in which there is simply no room for wisdom teeth.

When is it necessary to extract a tooth and are there any contraindications?

An impacted wisdom tooth may not cause any discomfort for a long time and after a while it will still erupt (if it does not meet any obstacles) and take its place. Therefore, in the absence of complaints in a person, the tooth is not removed.

Indications for surgical intervention are:

• pain, swelling appear;
• development of inflammatory processes;
• the presence of a follicular cyst;
• the appearance of a feeling of numbness of the face due to pressure of the tooth on the nerve endings;
• if the tooth interferes with prosthetics or orthodontic treatment;
• with the development of complications caused by retention;
• with chronic pulpitis or periodonitis;
• caries;
• malocclusion.

In this case, you should be aware that in some cases, surgical intervention is contraindicated:

• if the patient is diagnosed with a hypertensive crisis;
• in the presence of serious heart disease;
• with blood diseases;
• if the general health of the patient is severe;
• in case of exacerbation of nervous and mental diseases;
• in advanced forms of viral diseases.

How is the operation

Removal of the top eight is considered simpler - the procedure rarely gives complications, requires less time to complete, and is less traumatic.

Removing an impacted wisdom tooth in the lower jaw has some nuances. The fact is that the bone tissue in the lower jaw is more dense, which can affect the difficulty of extracting the tooth. In addition, the lower "eights" usually have massive branched and twisted roots that prevent its normal extraction.

Before removing a problematic tooth, it is necessary to take an x-ray and collect all the necessary information about the patient’s state of health in order to find out the body’s reaction to medications, possible concomitant diseases, determine contraindications, and choose the optimal agent for anesthesia. After that, the actual removal is performed:

1. After the anesthesia has taken effect, an incision is made in the gums, spreading the edge of the incision to expose the tooth.
2. If necessary, bone tissue is drilled. The hole should be of such a size that the tooth can be easily extracted.
3. The wound is washed with an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory medicine is added to it, after which it is sutured.
4. If the tooth is fully developed, it must be crushed into pieces for removal, because it is dangerous to drill a large hole in the bone tissue. In this case, the doctor carefully removes the fragments of the crushed tooth, while controlling that not a single piece remains in the wound. After treating the wound with an antiseptic, its edges are sutured and a compress is applied for speedy healing.
5. The next day, an examination is performed to evaluate the healing process. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and necessary painkillers, and may also set a date for the removal of sutures. Anesthesia is also required to remove the stitches.

What to do after the operation?

It would seem that the problem is in the past, the wisdom tooth is no more. However, after the removal of an impacted tooth, it is necessary to undergo a restorative course so that possible complications do not appear. To do this, dentists recommend the following:

• to stop the bleeding, you need to bite and hold for at least 10-15 minutes a gauze swab that was applied to the wound by a doctor. It is not worth keeping a tampon longer, so as not to provoke infection of the wound;
• you can apply a tissue bag with ice to the cheek to reduce pain;
• it is recommended to stop eating for at least 3 hours after the procedure, and preferably even for a longer period;
• at least for the same time to stop smoking - nicotine has an effect on the formation of blood clots;
• spotting from the wound is possible within two to three days after surgery. If the blood goes intensively - it is necessary to see a doctor;
• during this time it is not recommended to eat too hot or cold dishes;
• you should avoid visiting the sauna, bath, not to be in the sun, so as not to provoke the development of the inflammatory process and bleeding. For the same reason, it is forbidden to heat the tooth socket;
• avoid intense physical exertion, and not only after the procedure, but also until the wound is completely healed;
• on the first day after surgery, it is not recommended to rinse the mouth so as not to destroy the formed blood clot that prevents infection of the wound;
• on the second day, rinsing can be carried out, trying not to produce intensive rinsing manipulations. You can simply take a solution of the remedy into your mouth and hold it near the wound;
• do not forget that the prescription of antibiotics and painkillers should only be handled by a dental surgeon;
• avoid eating solid food so as not to damage the wound;
• rinsing can be done with saline, this will help reduce irritation and speedy recovery. To prepare a saline solution, 10 g of salt must be dissolved in a glass of boiled water.

If the pain does not subside, bleeding continues, there is an unpleasant smell from the wound, swelling or a fever, you should immediately contact your dentist.

It is desirable for hypertensive patients to measure blood pressure after the procedure, pain, medications and stress could provoke an increase in pressure. If the indicators are increased, take your usual remedy.

Do not forget that the success of recovery largely depends on the correct implementation of postoperative recommendations. Also remember that impacted teeth can cause inflammation, so removing them in a timely manner will help maintain your health.