Think about how many times per day you rely on your teeth. You use them to chew breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You press your tongue against them to make certain sounds when you speak. There's really no doubt about it — your teeth are important, and they deserve your respect. You can pay them that respect by visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and checkup appointments. You should also call at the first sign of dental pain, tooth discoloration, or other oral health changes. Read more about dentists and dentistry here on this blog, where we dive deep into related topics.
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If your dentist has recently informed you that you have impacted wisdom teeth that need to be surgically removed, then you may be nervous about the operation. Fortunately, surgical operations to remove impacted teeth are quite common and routine. If you want to know a little bit more about why impacted teeth should be removed and also how you can prepare for the procedure, then keep reading.
Why Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are impacted if the third molars simply have no way to emerge from the jaw. A crowded mouth, a small jaw structure, and stubborn permanent teeth that will not shift out of the way are a few of the main causes of impaction. And, as the emerging teeth meet resistance, they turn sideways. Sometimes, the very tip of each tooth crown pokes up in the mouth, but full compaction can occur where the teeth never pop through the gums.
The impacted teeth place substantial pressure on the jaw and the existing teeth. This can lead to micromovements of the permanent teeth. The teeth can be seen visually shifting towards the front of the mouth, causing bite issues. The existence of bite problems is one reason why the teeth are removed. Surgery may also be scheduled to prevent occlusion issues and to also minimize pain. And, teeth are released to keep infections from occurring within the impacted teeth.
Furthermore, if the impacted teeth are left in place, they can cause some joint issues. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a common problem associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
How Should You Prepare For Removal?
Your oral surgeon will use x-rays to find out where your wisdom teeth are located in relation to your other teeth. This helps the professional to plan the best type of surgical procedure for removal. It will also inform the dentist about the best type of anesthetic needed. For example, if the teeth have emerged a small amount, then a minimally invasive surgical approach can be taken. However, if the teeth are fully impacted, then the bone around the teeth must be disturbed.
For minimally invasive procedures, local and mild sedation can be used. More general sedation methods are likely for any surgery involving the bone. So, you will need to prepare based on the sedation method used. Specifically, if any mild of general sedation is needed, then you will need transportation to and from your procedure. You also will need to watch what you eat beforehand, according to your dentist's instructions.
To learn more about wisdom teeth removal and other forms of oral surgery, contact a dentist or oral surgeon in your area.
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