Everyone’s body grows differently, and this uniqueness extends to our teeth, too—even wisdom teeth. They can grow in different positions, such as sideways, get tangled in the jaw, or come in straight like any other tooth. Wisdom tooth extraction in Los Altos involves removing one or more of the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of the mouth on both the top and bottom. Let’s explore the various types of wisdom tooth extraction procedures.
Types of wisdom tooth extraction:
How your wisdom teeth are removed depends on their orientation. They can grow straight, sideways, or even backward, but the biggest concern is impaction, which occurs when the tooth is wholly or partially trapped beneath the gums.
Here are the different types of tooth impactions:
No Impaction:
This is when the tooth’s crown is located above the jawbone and gum line.
Soft Tissue:
Impaction occurs when the tooth is covered by gum tissue. If the impaction is extensive, a “flap” is cut into the gum to expose the tooth and allow extraction.
Partial Bony Impaction:
This happens when part of the tooth’s crown is trapped below the gumline and in the jaw bone while the other part is exposed. An incision is made to expose the tooth, and a small amount of bone is shaved away until the tooth is fully exposed. The tooth is often cut into halves along the crown for easier removal.
Complete Bony Impaction:
This is when the tooth is fully encased in the jaw bone. This is common with sideways (horizontal) and backward (distoangular) teeth. A “flap” is cut in the gum to expose the tooth, and the jaw bone is carefully shaved away until the tooth is fully exposed. The tooth is then cut into two or more pieces for easier removal.
When do they come out?
It is common for wisdom teeth to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. If you begin to experience any difficulties or your dentist foresees potential problems in the future, it is recommended that you have them extracted as soon as possible. Since younger mouths are still adjusting to their adult shape, they tend to have faster recovery times and lower risks of complications after surgery.
Typically, wisdom teeth grow in without causing any issues for many years. However, as we age, our mouths remain active and can shift. This can lead to various dental problems, such as cavities, teeth shifting to a more crowded position, or the development of an abscess due to bacterial buildup. Wisdom teeth should be removed whenever they are causing any problems, even in your 50s, before you experience discomfort.
Do they need to come out?
Wisdom tooth removal is not required for everyone. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth come in like any other and don’t cause any issues. However, there are several reasons why a dentist might recommend extracting them, including:
Tooth Damage:
Impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the teeth in front of them and cause damage. This can result in tooth erosion, gum disease, and bone loss.
Nerve Pain:
If a wisdom tooth grows at an awkward angle, it can cause inflammation and severe pain due to the limited space in the mouth.
Infection:
Wisdom teeth often emerge with excess gum tissue, which can trap food and bacteria, leading to infections and tooth decay.
Disease:
In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts or tumors in the surrounding tissues.
In conclusion, wisdom tooth removal is a standard procedure that involves extracting teeth from the third set of molars. If you experience excessive bleeding, such as a high fever, chills, increased swelling, or pus-like discharge, In that case, contacting your dentist in Los Altos is essential immediately. You can minimize complications by following proper oral hygiene instructions and working closely with your dentist.