Impacted tooth extraction, which is an important issue in the field of dentistry, is among the applications performed by specialist dentists. Impacted teeth are teeth that have remained under the gum or in the bone and have not erupted during normal dentition. This situation often occurs due to insufficient space or obstruction of the direction of tooth eruption. Impacted teeth can often cause problems such as pain, infection, damage to other teeth and deterioration of tooth structure.
Although impacted teeth do not always bother patients and do not require treatment, in some cases they can seriously threaten oral and dental health. It is necessary to extract impacted teeth to prevent possible risks. Going for regular dental examinations from an early age ensures that impacted teeth are diagnosed early and intervened when necessary.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
Teeth that do not erupt normally during the natural tooth under the gum or in the jawbone are called impacted teeth. These teeth, which remain under the gum or in the jawbone, usually start to cause problems in adulthood or early adulthood. Impacted teeth can often cause pain, swelling, gum infections, decay and distortions by pressing on other teeth. Therefore, the causes must be determined and a treatment plan must be created accordingly. For the problem of impacted teeth, it is absolutely necessary to get support from a dentist who is a specialist in the field.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Impacted Tooth?
Many factors can be counted among the causes of impacted tooth formation. An impacted tooth in the jaw or palate can lead to deterioration of the teeth and adversely affect oral health. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the cause of the impacted tooth problem and treat it. Common causes of impacted teeth are as follows:
- The presence of other teeth or tissues (for example, soft tissues or bone) in its path can prevent the tooth from erupting. This leads to impacted tooth formation.
- Limited jaw structure or the positioning of other teeth can prevent the new tooth from erupting normally.
- In some people, the normal development of teeth can be disrupted by genetic factors and impacted teeth can form.
In order to recognize that there are impacted teeth in the mouth, it is necessary to know some symptoms. These symptoms can be harbingers of impacted teeth. Therefore, you should be sensitive about your oral and dental health, try to detect the symptoms and consult a dentist when you detect them. Symptoms of impacted teeth include the following:
- An impacted tooth can cause pain by pressing on other tissues. There may also be swelling or tenderness in the gums.
- Impacted teeth that cause gum infections can cause bad odor in the mouth.
- Impacted teeth can cause other teeth to decay or become crooked. These conditions can lead to gum recession or tooth decay.
- If there is swelling on the gums, it may be an impacted tooth. Because the tissues around the impacted tooth can become inflamed.
- Jaw sensitivity and pain may occur where the impacted tooth is located.
How is Impacted Tooth Extraction Performed?
Impacted tooth extraction usually consists of several steps and can be performed with different treatments depending on the patient’s condition. For example, if the patient’s impacted tooth is infected, antibiotics should be used before extraction. After antibiotics, the impacted tooth surgery is performed. The steps of the impacted tooth extraction process include the following:
- First, the dentist evaluates the condition of the impacted tooth. X-rays are used to determine the position of the tooth and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
- The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The anesthesia numbs the treatment area, minimizing pain and discomfort.
- If the impacted tooth has not completely erupted or is blocked from erupting, surgical extraction may be necessary. The gum is cut and, if necessary, the surrounding bone tissue is also removed. This is done to free and remove the impacted tooth.
- After the surgical procedure, stitches are placed. These stitches support the healing of the gum tissue and help to close the wound in the mouth.
- After the extraction of the impacted tooth, the dentist monitors the healing process. It is important to follow certain guidelines during the healing process; this usually includes regular use of antibiotics and painkillers, wound care and avoiding certain foods and drinks.
What are the Benefits of Impacted Tooth Extraction?
Impacted tooth extraction is very important for maintaining the overall oral and dental health of patients. You can get the following advantages after impacted tooth surgery:
- Impacted teeth can put pressure on other teeth, causing pain and discomfort. Removing the impacted tooth can help reduce this pain and discomfort.
- Impacted teeth can be extracted to improve the success of other dental treatments.
- Removing impacted teeth that are pressing on adjacent teeth, causing crookedness or tooth decay, can help maintain the health of surrounding teeth.
- Impacted teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult. Removing these teeth can make it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
- Extraction of impacted teeth, which can cause infections around the gums, can help prevent these infections.
FAQ
How long does it take to recover from impacted tooth extraction?
The healing process can vary from person to person, but usually ranges from a few days to a few weeks. The recovery time after an impacted tooth extraction varies depending on whether or not stitches are placed and the complexity of the surgical intervention.
What complications can occur after an impacted tooth extraction?
In rare cases, complications such as bleeding, infection, extreme pain and swelling may occur after an impacted tooth extraction. In this case, it is important to consult a dentist immediately.
What should be considered after extraction of an impacted tooth?
You should follow the recommendations of your dentist after extraction of an impacted tooth. Regular use of antibiotics and painkillers, wound care and consumption of soft foods are important during the healing process.