What is an impacted tooth?

What is an impacted tooth?

An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot fully emerge or develop normally in the mouth. It may only partially emerge or be completely buried within the jawbone. The most commonly impacted tooth is the lower wisdom tooth, which should typically emerge between the ages of 18-25. It may grow at an angle or completely vertically. Other teeth, such as canines and premolars, can also become impacted but are less common than the lower wisdom tooth.

Why is it necessary to remove impacted teeth?

1. To prevent gum infection due to bacteria and food particles accumulating around the impacted tooth, which can lead to painful and swollen gums, and even abscess.

2. To prevent crowding of adjacent teeth.

3. To prevent the resorption of neighboring bone due to difficulty cleaning around the impacted tooth, which can result in the buildup of plaque and bone loss.

4. To relieve pain caused by pressure from the impacted tooth.

5. To prevent cyst formation.

Treatment steps:

1. Preliminary examination.

2. X-ray to check the position of the impacted tooth.

3. Notification of complications if present.

4. Surgical removal of the impacted tooth.

5. Post-surgical follow-up to monitor healing and address any complications.

What are some possible complications after the surgery?

Normally, patients may experience pain and swelling for about 5-7 days after surgery, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

1. Infection after surgery.

2. Allergic reactions to pain relievers, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs.

3. Excessive bleeding.

4. Numbness or tingling of the tongue, lips, or chin due to the proximity of the impacted tooth to the nerves that run through the jawbone.

Preparing for wisdom tooth extraction or tooth extraction:

Before receiving treatment, it is recommended to eat and rest adequately. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you should consult your doctor beforehand to prepare your body for the treatment, especially if you are taking blood-thinning medication.

Common symptoms after wisdom tooth extraction:

1. Pain and swelling for about 3-5 days.

2. Bleeding may occur from the wound within 24 hours.

Recommendations after wisdom tooth extraction or tooth extraction:

1. Bite down on gauze for 1-2 hours after the procedure, then remove and discard it. If bleeding persists, replace with a clean gauze for another hour.

2. While biting down on the gauze, swallow saliva to keep the mouth dry. Do not spit or rinse out blood and saliva.

3. Avoid using mouthwash or sucking on ice in the first day.

4. Brush your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the wound.

5. Take medications as prescribed by your dentist.

6. Do not poke or suck on the wound.

7. Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming hot food.

8. If there are abnormal symptoms, such as uncontrolled bleeding or numbness after the procedure, immediately consult a dentist.

9. In case of surgical wound or wisdom tooth extraction, apply ice pack wrapped in cloth on the outside of the mouth on the day of the procedure, and use a warm compress after the first day. This will help reduce swelling and promote faster healing, and the stitches will be removed in about 5-7 days.