Wisdom Tooth Surgery
WHAT IS AN IMPACTED TOOTH?
A tooth which has failed to erupt in its normal position in the mouth due to less space in the jaw or due to hindrance in its path by the adjacent tooth.
WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO REMOVE AN IMPACTED TOOTH?
An impacted tooth may cause:
HOW IS AN IMPACTED TOOTH REMOVED?
- Dull to severe pain in the jaw,surrounding areas especially the ears.
- It can spoil the adjacent normal tooth due to continuous food lodgement & inability to clean the area properly.That can also result in foul smell in mouth.
- It can cause continuous pressure on the teeth ahead resulting in malalignment (crowding) of front teeth.
- It can be a potential source of cysts or tumours in the jaw.
- It can continuously result in cheek biting & swelling on the overlying gum (pericoronitis).
It can be done either in Local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on patients requirements. It is done by a specialist ( Oral surgeon).General minor surgical protocols of preparing the patient & sterilization procedures are carried out. Next the specialist gives a small cut intraorally on the overlying skin covering the impacted tooth.A flap is then reflected & the tooth is then exposed. Next overlying bone is removed if it is covering the tooth & then finally the tooth is gently lifted with special instruments from its socket. Sometimes splitting the tooth & removing it in pieces might be required. Finally the socket is cleaned, bleeding if any is stopped & wound is closed with sutures.