One of the common conditions we encounter in our clinic is impacted wisdom teeth, which can lead to potential problems that negatively affect your oral health. Wisdom teeth, which typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, can remain trapped beneath the gums or within the jawbone if there is not enough space in the jaw or if they are positioned incorrectly. Impacted teeth can cause more than just pain—they may also harm neighboring teeth and compromise overall oral health.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of dental issues. To prevent these problems or eliminate existing discomfort, we often recommend extraction:

Pain and Discomfort: Pressure from an impacted tooth can cause severe pain and discomfort in the jaw area.

Risk of Infection (Pericoronitis): A partially erupted wisdom tooth can trap bacteria and food debris, leading to gum inflammation and infection.

Cyst or Tumor Formation: In rare cases, tissues surrounding an impacted tooth may develop cysts or tumors.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can press against neighboring healthy teeth, causing decay, root resorption, or misalignment.

Orthodontic Issues: They may disrupt the alignment of existing teeth and potentially create the need for orthodontic treatment.

Stages of Impacted Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Our Clinic

The impacted wisdom tooth operations we perform are carried out with great care, prioritizing the comfort and safety of our valued patients. The process generally includes the following steps:

Detailed Examination and Diagnosis: First, our experienced dentists perform an oral examination and evaluate the position, root structure, bone tissue, and relationship of the tooth to nearby nerves using a panoramic X-ray or 3D CBCT scan. Based on this evaluation, we determine the safest and most effective surgical approach for your specific case.

Anesthesia Application: To ensure you feel no pain during the procedure, we typically use local anesthesia. If you feel anxious or prefer a more relaxed experience, you may discuss sedation or general anesthesia options with your dentist.

Surgical Procedure: Once anesthesia takes effect, a small incision is made in the gum tissue. In some cases, a minimal amount of bone surrounding the tooth may be gently removed to allow easier extraction. Depending on the tooth’s position and size, it may be removed as a whole or sectioned into smaller pieces for a safer and smoother extraction. The entire procedure is performed with precision to minimize tissue trauma.

Closure and Sutures: After the tooth is removed, the extraction site is carefully cleaned. To support healing and reduce the risk of infection, the incision is closed with sutures. These stitches are often dissolvable, but in some cases, you may be asked to return after about a week for removal.

Healing Process and Aftercare Instructions: Slight swelling, mild pain, or bruising is normal after surgery. To ensure a smooth recovery, our dentists will provide detailed post-operative instructions:

• Avoid spitting or using a straw during the first 24 hours.
• Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing in the surgical area.
• Maintain good oral hygiene, but clean the extraction site gently.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they negatively affect the healing process.
• Apply cold compresses at regular intervals and use prescribed medications as directed.

Follow-Up Appointment: We typically schedule a follow-up visit about one week later to evaluate your healing and, if needed, remove sutures.

At our clinic, we perform impacted wisdom tooth surgeries using the latest techniques and a patient-centered approach. We are happy to support you throughout the process, ensuring a healthy mouth and a comfortable recovery. Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.