Impacted Wisdom Tooth: Do You Have One?

8 out 10 young adolescents suffer from a dental condition called "impacted third molars" or others may refer it to "impacted wisdom tooth". Others may experience pain and some may not and remains to be asymptomatic for a long time. The procedure to remove an impacted tooth is called "Odontectomy". This procedure is considered as a minor surgery for removal of bone is needed  take out the impacted tooth. 

Impacted Molars (seoral.com)

What causes it?

Impaction of the molars happen when there is insufficient space in the jaw for it to erupt. Improper angulation of the molars could also be the cause of its impaction.








What are the indications for removal?

• If there is pain involved.

• If there is an infection on the site or what we call "pericoronitis". The gums that surrounds the impacted tooth becomes infected due to biting forces or a food debris that is difficult to remove. 

Pericoronitis (healthtap.com)

• If the adjacent tooth is at risk of damage.
  

  

  Damage to the Distal of the Adjacent tooth. (drsimonrosenberg.com)
  

  
  

• If there is an existing pathology/tumor. 

Cyst development due to impacted 3rd molar (theparentsguidetowisdomteeth.com)

• If it is necessary for orthodontic therapy.
  
   

Post Op Care after Odontectomy:

1. For the next 24 hours do not drink from a straw, do not spit, and do not rinse mouth.
2. Diet: Today, soft diet is best. For example: soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, casseroles, etc. You can advance your diet as tolerated over the next few days.
3. It is very important to keep your mouth clean to prevent infection. Tomorrow start brushing your teeth after every meal and at bedtime, and then rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.  This rinse should also be used after meals and at bedtime for the next seven (7) days.
4. Following anesthesia or the use of pain and antibiotic medications, you may experience slight nausea. To prevent this, never take your medication on an empty stomach. If nauseated, avoid milk products for the next 24 hours. Take small sips of ginger ale until you feel better. Then you may start on applesauce and toast.
5. Bleeding:  A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected.  It is often possible to control mild oozing by placing folded, moist gauze over the area and biting down for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, repeat.
6. Often, sutures (stitches) have been placed in the surgical site(s). These needs to be removed after 7 days. 
7. Discomfort:  You will experience some discomfort for a few days. If pain or swelling gets worse, please call our office. For mild pain, you may take two Advil or Tylenol. Otherwise, use the prescribed pain medication.  If antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed.
8. Return to our office for postoperative appointment, if one was given.
9. Please remember that our care does not end after your surgery. Our goal is to make your surgical experience as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us.