How Oral Surgeons Remove Impacted Teeth
Posted on 3/3/2025 by New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery |
 Many people have heard of wisdom teeth, but not everyone knows what they are or why they need to be removed. Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the very back of your mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom. They are the last teeth to erupt, usually between the ages of 17 and 25.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth erupt normally and cause no problems. However, in many cases, wisdom teeth become impacted. This means that they are unable to erupt fully because they are blocked by other teeth, bone, or gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including:
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Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can press against other teeth, causing pain and discomfort. |
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Infection: The gum tissue around an impacted wisdom tooth can become infected, leading to swelling, pain, and difficulty opening your mouth. |
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Damage to other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can damage the roots of neighboring teeth, leading to cavities and even tooth loss. |
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Cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can develop fluid-filled sacs called cysts, which can damage surrounding bone and tissue. |
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to see an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons are dental professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the mouth, jaws, and face. They have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove impacted wisdom teeth.
How Oral Surgeons Remove Impacted Teeth
The process of removing an impacted wisdom tooth is called an extraction. An oral surgeon will typically perform the extraction in their office under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
The first step in the extraction process is to make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the impacted tooth. The surgeon will then remove any bone that is blocking the tooth and section the tooth into smaller pieces if necessary. Finally, the surgeon will remove the tooth pieces and close the incision with stitches.
After the Extraction
After the extraction, you can expect some pain, swelling, and bleeding. Your oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your mouth during the healing process. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection and promote healing.
Most people recover from wisdom tooth extraction within a week. However, it is important to see your oral surgeon for a follow-up appointment to ensure that the extraction site is healing properly.
Conclusion
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to see an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons are highly trained professionals who can safely and effectively remove impacted wisdom teeth and help you avoid potential complications.
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