Are There Different Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Yes, there are four main types of impacted wisdom teeth, classified by how they are growing within the mouth. Different types have different degrees of difficulty when extraction time comes.
- Mesial impaction: This is the most common type of impaction. This happens when the wisdom tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth and pushes on the molar in front of it. This kind of impaction is particularly prone to infection and decay as they often only partially emerge.
- Vertical impaction: As the name suggests, this kind of impaction happens when the tooth is perpendicular to the jawbone but does not have the space to erupt. Contrary to popular belief, this kind of impaction can still cause infection and pain.
- Horizontal impaction: This happens when the wisdom teeth are fully horizontal in the gums. Left untreated, these can cause serious pain and problems. Surgical removal is often necessary.
- Distal impaction: This is similar to a mesial impaction, but the tooth is angled toward the back of the mouth. These are less common but can be more difficult to clean and are prone to infection.
Why Is It Important To Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth removal is important because impacted teeth can lead to many long-term and acute oral health problems.
The first is pressure and pain. Impacted teeth often push against other teeth, causing soreness or pressure. They can also move teeth around them, affecting bite and chewing. This movement can even lead to damage to adjacent teeth.
The other main worry is infection. Impacted teeth often become infected because they are excellent places to trap bacteria. Infection in the mouth is particularly worrisome as it can easily spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, heart, and lungs. If infections spread, they can even become deadly.
Signs You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
The best way to understand if you need wisdom tooth removal is from inspection by a dentist. They can tell you if the tooth has enough space to grow properly, if it is properly positioned, and make recommendations of whether it should be removed or if it can stay. They will often use dental X-rays to understand what is happening below the gums.
Not all impacted wisdom teeth have pain or other noticeable symptoms right away. However, as impaction progresses, you might experience pain or pressure, swollen or bleeding gums at the very back of the mouth, bad breath or an unpleasant taste that doesn’t go away, or repeated low-grade infections around the site of the wisdom teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist immediately. However, the best course of action is planned removal before they become a problem rather than emergency treatment.
What To Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a routine procedure that is performed often. In general, there are two different kinds of extractions: surgical and non-surgical.
Non-surgical extractions happen when the tooth has mostly erupted from the gumline and is easy to access. It involves minimal cutting of the gums and is often performed under local anesthesia. In most non-surgical cases, the tooth is removed in one piece.
Surgical cases are more difficult. They are performed when teeth are fully or partially below the gumline or when teeth must be taken out in sections due to their size or positioning. These cases are often performed by an oral surgeon.
Do I Need To Be Awake During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In general, most people are awake for wisdom teeth removal. However, Absolute Dental offers a number of different types of anesthetics for people who have anxiety around dental procedures, are particularly sensitive, or would simply prefer a different level of sedation. Most can be used during wisdom teeth removal and your dentist can tell you more.
