Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Understanding the Condition and Treatment Options
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties. However, for many people, these teeth may not have enough room to emerge and become impacted fully. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various problems, including pain, infection, and tooth decay. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth.
Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are caused by a lack of room in the jaw for the teeth to emerge fully. This can be due to genetics or too small a jaw size to hold all of an adult’s teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also occur due to other dental issues, such as misalignment of the teeth or the presence of an extra tooth.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth can vary, but they may include the following:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the jaw
- Swelling in the gums
- Infection or abscess
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Bad breath
- A bad taste in the mouth
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Treatment of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The treatment of impacted wisdom teeth depends on the severity of the impaction. Sometimes, a dentist may recommend monitoring the teeth to ensure they do not cause any problems. However, the dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal if the teeth are causing pain, infection, or tooth decay.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal
The removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a fairly common procedure in dentistry today in the Western World. The removal of a patient’s wisdom tooth can be done under local anaesthesia, IV sedation, or general anaesthesia. The process involves making an incision in the gums to access the tooth and then removing it. Recovery time from the removal of your wisdom tooth will depend on the type of anaesthesia used and the complexity of the extraction on a case-by-case basis.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
The cost of impacted wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on various factors, such as the location of the affected tooth, the type of anaesthesia used, and whether the patient has dental insurance. It would be prudent to discuss this with your dentist before proceeding with the operation. You would not want to undergo an evasive procedure that leaves a hole in your gum and an even larger hole in your bank account!
Impacted Tooth Surgery
Impacted tooth surgery is a common procedure to remove impacted wisdom teeth. The surgery involves making an incision in the gums to access the tooth and then removing it. Recovery time will depend on the type of anaesthesia used and the complexity of the extraction.
Horizontal Impacted Wisdom Tooth
A horizontally impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that is angled horizontally in the jaw rather than vertically. It is rare and can be particularly difficult to remove. A horizontally impacted wisdom tooth may require specialised techniques to be treated.
Partially Impacted Wisdom Tooth
A partially impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that has partially emerged from the gums. Most wisdom teeth erupt this way and then eventually straighten themselves out. Although, this could cause problems, such as tooth decay and infection, and may still require removal. In minor cases, the dentist might provide you with a course of antibiotics to treat the condition if minor.
Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Impacted wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure to remove impacted wisdom teeth. The extraction involves making an incision in the gums to access the tooth and then removing it. Recovery time will depend on the type of anaesthesia used and the complexity of the extraction.
Schedule an Appointment Today
We offer same-day visits and late opening hours that work around your schedule. Do you have pain in or around your wisdom teeth? Can you feel a constant ache at the rear of your jawbone? Contact our team today to discuss having an x-ray to confirm your assumptions. We’re providers with Medibank, HCF and MDF. You can claim your health fund rebate on the spot with our HICAPS machine.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
FAQ Common Questions about Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?
Yes, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, swelling in the gums and difficulty opening the mouth.
Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth be Left Untreated?
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause any problems and may be able to be left untreated. However, if they are causing pain, infection, or tooth decay, they should be removed.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Recovery time from impacted wisdom teeth removal will depend on the type of anaesthesia used and the complexity of the extraction. Typically, patients can expect to experience some swelling and discomfort for several days after the procedure.
Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth be Removed Without Surgery?
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may be able to be removed without surgery, but the patient would be in the minority if this were to happen. However, in most cases, surgery is required to remove the teeth as this type of surgery is often quite inevasive for the patient.
Is it common to Treat Wisdom Teeth That are Impacted at Brighton Dental Suite?
At Brighton Dental Suite, we commonly treat impacted wisdom teeth. Our experienced dentists have the skills to handle both simple extractions and complex surgical procedures based on individual needs. We prioritize providing personalized care and aim for the best possible outcomes.
How Long, Painful, and Invasive is The Treatment for Treating Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth can vary in terms of duration, level of pain, and invasiveness. Several factors come into play, such as the complexity of the impaction, the patient’s oral health, and their body’s healing response. These variables can influence the overall experience and recovery process. At Brighton Dental Suite, our professional approach involves a thorough assessment of each patient’s unique situation to determine the most suitable treatment plan. By carefully considering these factors, we can effectively manage expectations and provide personalized care that aligns with their specific needs.
Could a Patient End up in Hospital if The Procedure Required General Anaesthetic?
At Brighton Dental Suite, we strive to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. In some cases, if the treatment for impacted wisdom teeth requires general anaesthesia, it may be performed in a hospital setting for the safety and well-being of the patient.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal?
This depends on the type of insurance coverage that your current health insurance company provides. We recommend that you fully know the level of insurance you have and if it covers wisdom teeth removal.