Impacted tooth extraction is the procedure of removing teeth that are embedded in the jawbone. The most commonly encountered impacted teeth are wisdom teeth. The issue with these teeth is not only their impaction but also the potential damage they can cause to adjacent teeth.
What Is an Impacted Tooth and When Should It Be Extracted?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is partially or completely embedded in the jawbone. This condition is most frequently seen with wisdom teeth. Since these teeth are buried in the jawbone or gum tissue, they often cannot align properly in the mouth. To prevent threats to oral health, these teeth often need to be removed. Impacted teeth can cause problems such as damage to neighboring teeth, infection in the jawbone, misalignment of other teeth, and interference with proper tooth eruption. Extracting these teeth helps prevent such complications.
Preparation Process Before Impacted Tooth Extraction
Before performing the extraction, the dentist usually takes an X-ray to evaluate the position of the tooth and surrounding structures. Imaging helps determine the exact location of the impacted tooth, how it affects neighboring teeth, and the most suitable extraction method. During the consultation, the patient's medical history, allergies, and current medications are also reviewed. While this procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, in some cases general anesthesia may be preferred.
Steps of Impacted Tooth Extraction
Impacted tooth extraction is a careful and step-by-step process. The procedure typically includes the following stages:
- Application of Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area so that the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
- Accessing the Tooth: Surrounding tissue may be lifted to fully expose the impacted tooth.
- Sectioning the Tooth: In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided into sections to be removed more easily.
- Tooth Removal and Closure: After the tooth is extracted, the area is cleaned and sutured if necessary. The healing phase begins at this point.
Recovery After Impacted Tooth Extraction and Important Considerations
The recovery period after an impacted tooth extraction may take several days. The following points should be considered during this time:
- Pain and Swelling: Pain and swelling are normal after the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers to help manage discomfort.
- Soft Food Consumption: Eating soft foods during the first few days can speed up the healing process and prevent further trauma to the surgical site.
- Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is crucial to prevent infection. Avoid rinsing or gargling for the first 24 hours.
- Suture Removal: If sutures were placed, you may need to visit your dentist again after a certain period to have them removed.
- Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups play an important role in monitoring the healing process.