Impacted & wisdom teeth

What is an extraction of an impacted tooth?

Extraction of an impacted tooth is a surgical procedure to remove a tooth that has not fully erupted through the gum tissue and is therefore trapped or blocked by other teeth, bone, or soft tissue. This commonly occurs with wisdom teeth (third molars), but it can also happen with other teeth, such as canines or premolars.

When do we decide to extract impacted teeth?

• Pain: Impacted teeth can cause significant discomfort, especially if infected or inflamed.
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted teeth may exert pressure on neighboring teeth, causing them to shift, tilt, or become damaged.
• Infection: Impacted teeth can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to gum infection (pericoronitis) or dental abscesses.
• Cysts or Tumors: Impacted teeth can sometimes develop cysts or tumors, which may require removal to prevent further complications.
• Orthodontic Treatment: Impacted teeth can interfere with orthodontic treatment by preventing proper alignment of the teeth or causing crowding.
• Sinus Issues: Impacted upper wisdom teeth can sometimes extend into the sinus cavity, leading to sinus problems or infections.

You may need an impacted tooth extracted if you experience any of the following:

Impacted teeth typically cause persistent or sharp pain during chewing or biting. Swelling and redness around the gums can signal infection or irritation. Difficulty opening the mouth fully or jaw stiffness often occurs, especially with impacted wisdom teeth. Visible signs like pus or an abscess near the gum line may indicate the need for extraction. Pressure from impacted teeth can also shift adjacent teeth out of alignment, while upper impacted teeth may extend into the sinus cavity, potentially causing sinus issues or infections.

General procedure

The extraction of impacted teeth involves several steps. Before the procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure comfort. An incision may be made in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth and surrounding bone, followed by the removal of any necessary bone to facilitate extraction. Using specialized instruments, the tooth is carefully extracted from its position in the jawbone. Closure of the incision with stitches and placement of gauze to control bleeding may be performed as needed.

• Before your extraction appointment at Ironwood Dental, take steps to prepare for a smooth experience. Ensure your oral hygiene is top-notch by brushing and flossing, reducing bacteria and discomfort during the procedure. If you feel nervous, feel free to bring along a supportive companion who can also assist with transportation if needed and dress comfortably
• Prioritize discussing any concerns with the Ironwood Dental team beforehand for reassurance. Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm and remember that Ironwood Dental's experts are here to alleviate your discomfort and preserve your dental health effectively.
• Ensure that you have taken any antibiotics prescribed to you before the appointment as instructed by the dentist.

How long will the appointment be?

The duration of an impacted tooth extraction procedure can vary depending on various factors such as the tooth's location, complexity, patient's anatomy, and the presence of any complications. Generally, the procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.

What does the procedure look like?

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area; sedation or general anesthesia may also be used.
• Exposure of the Tooth: If necessary, an incision is made in the gum tissue, and bone covering the tooth is removed.
• Loosening and Removal: Using specialized instruments, the impacted tooth is gently loosened and removed from the socket.
• Sectioning: If needed, the tooth may be divided into smaller sections for easier removal.
• Cleaning the Site: The extraction site is cleaned to remove debris or infection, possibly with saline solution irrigation.
• Closure: Gum tissue may be sutured if necessary; stitches are typically dissolvable and heal as the extraction site does.
• X-rays: In some cases an x-ray will be taken throughout the procedure to better visualize the tooth as ot after to ensure that the entirety of the tooth was removed

Will it Hurt?

The removal of impacted teeth involves local anesthesia to numb the area, reducing pain during the procedure. Sedation options may also be offered for relaxation. While you may feel pressure, pain is minimized and the jaw is supported throughout the surgery. Post-extraction, discomfort, swelling, and mild pain are normal as anesthesia wears off. Pain management instructions include OTC pain relievers and ice packs.

Emergency

If you have any concerns, call the office at (519)763-1488. Your treatment is not complete until you are comfortable and healing is well established.

Activity

For the first 48 hours you should rest and relax with no physical activity. After 48 hours, you may resume activity as tolerated.

Bleeding

Bite firmly on a piece of gauze for at least 1 hour. Try not to change the gauze too often, as it can act like a sponge and start pulling more blood out. If bleeding persists and does not improve, soak a tea bag in luke-warm water and apply it to the extraction site with pressure for 1 hour. This should help reduce the bleeding.

Pain

Pain may increase for 2-3 days following surgery, but you should see improvement after a week.

Medication

Use medications only as directed by your dentist or the product instructions. Prescribed narcotic pain medicines can make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking them.

If prescribed antibiotics, you must complete the full course.

Swelling

Swelling may increase for the first 2-3 days. You may apply ice packs to the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off after the surgery to help decrease swelling. You should start to see improvement in about 1 week.

Smoking

Avoid smoking for 3-5 days following surgery. The chemicals can irritate the area, and the suction created from smoking can disrupt the blood clot from the area, which can lead to severe pain and infection.

Spitting

Avoid spitting for at least 3-5 days. Spitting creates suction that can disrupt the blood clot from the area, which can lead to severe pain and infection. Gently rinse with water and allow fluids to fall from the mouth without pressure.

Diet

A soft diet is recommended for the first few days following surgery, such as soup, scrambled eggs, soft pasta etc. Avoid any seeds, nuts, popcorn, rice, etc. that may become lodged in the extraction site. You can return to a normal diet once you feel comfortable chewing again.

Fluids

Avoid drinking through a straw for the first few days following surgery as this can disrupt the blood clot from the area. You may drink water, or flat ginger ale. Avoid very hot drinks until the day after surgery.

Rinsing

Do not to rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours following surgery. After 24 hours, you may gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2-3 times daily for 2 weeks to help with healing. Do not spit when rinsing for the first 3-5 days (see previous instructions)

Oral Hygiene

You can brush and floss as usual, but make sure to be gentle around the treated area. Take care by brushing, flossing, coming in for regular checkups and cleanings