Wisdom teeth or Third Molars are the last teeth to erupt in jaws, often there is not enough space for them to erupt into the correct position leading to pain, damage to other teeth, and other dental problems. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may cause no apparent or immediate problems. But because they're hard to clean, they may be more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease than other teeth are.
Impacted wisdom teeth cause several problems like:
1. Damage to other teeth: If the wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it may damage the second molar or increase the risk of infection in that area. This pressure can also cause problems with crowding of the other teeth or require orthodontic treatment to straighten other teeth.
2.Cysts: The wisdom tooth develops in a sac within the jawbone. The sac can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Rarely, a tumor — usually noncancerous (benign) — develops. This complication may require the removal of tissue and bone.
3.Decay: Partially impacted wisdom teeth appear to be at higher risk of tooth decay (caries) than other teeth. This probably occurs because wisdom teeth are harder to clean and because food and bacteria get easily trapped between the gum and a partially erupted tooth.
4.Gum disease: The difficulty cleaning impacted, partially erupted wisdom teeth increases the risk of developing a painful, inflammatory gum condition called pericoronitis.
Upper Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If the upper wisdom tooth is impacted, it may prevent adequate oral hygiene, it's often best to have them removed. Upper wisdom teeth are usually easier to extract.
Lower Wisdom tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth that are usually mesially or horizontally positioned that have not erupted fully have a high risk of decay occurring within the wisdom tooth and also to the tooth in front. If left alone the decay may get to the extent that you may develop pain from both teeth. The decay may get to the extent that the tooth in front has to be removed as well.
Commonly Asked Questions ?
Find Your Answers Here
What does the complete removal of lower wisdom teeth involve?
If the wisdom tooth has not fully erupted it is often necessary to extract it. Sometimes it is also necessary to remove some bone surrounding the wisdom tooth. The tooth may need to be cut into 2 or 3 pieces to remove it. Once the wisdom tooth has been removed the gum is put back into place with stitches which are completely healed in seven days.
What are the main possible risks of removing a wisdom tooth?
Most patients will recover fully with no problem.
1. Bleeding:
There may be a little bleeding at the time of the extraction this usually stops very quickly and is unlikely to be a problem.
2. Sensation to the chin, lower lip, or tongue:
Two nerves lie quite close to the lower wisdom teeth. The nerves can vary in their proximity to wisdom teeth and may get injured during extraction. If this happens then you may have numbness on lower lip, the skin over the chin.
Infection
3.Dry Socket
An infection in the socket can occur or the blood clot from extraction socket has dissolved away which may result in a dry socket. It can be minimized by keeping the area clean by rinsing with water or a mouthwash starting this the day after your procedure. It is advisable not to smoke for a few days after having the wisdom tooth removed.
Is there much pain or swelling after the removal of wisdom teeth?
It is likely that there will be some discomfort and swelling both on the inside and outside of your mouth after surgery.