Removal of an impacted tooth

Impacted and misaligned wisdom teeth are third molars that fail to erupt properly. They may remain embedded in the gums, partially erupt, or emerge in an abnormal position relative to the other teeth. These teeth often require surgical removal, as the chances of preserving them in such cases are very low.

The removal procedure of an impacted wisdom tooth is complex, as it often involves cutting the gum, removing a portion of the bone, and performing other manipulations. Compared to a simple extraction, this type of surgery is usually more invasive and traumatic.

At Gallant Dental Clinic, our experienced specialists perform this procedure quickly and safely, using modern treatment methods and advanced anaesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort and excellent results.

The price for removing an impacted tooth depends on various factors: the complexity of the case, materials and medications used, and the individual clinical situation.

Diagnosis of an impacted wisdom tooth

Detection of an impacted wisdom tooth occurs when it partially erupts, and a part of the crown appears in the gums, which may be either within the dental arch or beyond its limits. Usually, it is difficult to notice an impacted wisdom tooth on your own, since it is located at the end of the jaw. The most common symptoms of partial eruption of a wisdom tooth are redness and swelling of the gums, a sensation of pain, and discomfort.

To diagnose a fully impacted wisdom tooth, an X-ray image is necessary. Patients may also experience a rise in temperature due to inflammation in the gums. The tooth can exert pressure on neighbouring ones — this causes their shifting and loosening, making the process of opening the mouth and chewing painful. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause cavities, pulpitis, or periodontitis in neighbouring teeth. In complex cases, the formation of a follicular cyst or purulent complications is possible.

Resorption of the root of a neighbouring tooth may also begin. If the impacted tooth has partially erupted, a gum flap may form over the crown. This creates a favourable environment for the accumulation of food debris and the growth of bacteria, leading to inflammation.

Indications for removal of an impacted wisdom tooth

An impacted tooth may be completely hidden in the gums or partially erupted. If it begins to erupt, swelling and redness appear on the gums, which allows partial impaction to be diagnosed during an examination. If the wisdom tooth does not erupt, the pathology can only be detected with the help of an X-ray image.

Among the main indications for the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth are:

• pain in the area of the wisdom tooth;
• impossibility of resolving the issue with orthodontic treatment;
• formation of a cyst on the problematic tooth;
• inflammation of the impacted or neighbouring tooth;
• elevated temperature;
• incorrect positioning — horizontally or under another tooth.

With improper growth of the wisdom tooth, resorption of the root of the neighbouring tooth is often observed, which may lead to serious problems. Removal can be painful and complicated, but without solving this issue there is a risk of damaging neighbouring teeth.

Impaction of wisdom teeth is one of the most common pathologies, which occurs due to heredity, incorrect bite, or premature removal of baby teeth.

There are several types of impaction depending on the position of the wisdom teeth in the jaw:

• angled forward or backward;
• horizontal relative to other teeth;
• with the short side down.

Often, impacted teeth lying in the gums cause more problems than displaced ones. Removing them in the upper jaw is usually easier than in the lower, since in the latter they have a stronger root system.

The process of removing a wisdom tooth is complex and may lead to complications.

Therefore, this operation is contraindicated in the presence of:

• cardiovascular diseases;
• recently suffered myocardial infarction;
• ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection) and other respiratory diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• mental illnesses, especially during exacerbation;
• diabetes mellitus in the stage of exacerbation.

To prevent complications, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all existing diseases and undergo a preliminary examination.

In case of inflammatory processes in the mouth, appropriate treatment will be required before performing the operation.

Procedure of the removal

The dental surgeon performs an examination of the oral cavity and takes an X-ray image to assess the position of the impacted or displaced tooth in the gums. The patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics one day before the procedure to avoid inflammatory processes after removal.

The method of anaesthesia is chosen individually, taking into account the patient’s state of health and the clinical picture. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia using high-quality anaesthetics.

After this, the surgeon opens the gums and separates the mucous membrane to gain access to the bone tissues.

To remove an impacted wisdom tooth, the surgeon acts step by step, reducing trauma. The tooth is divided into several parts, which are gradually removed.

Finishing the operation, if necessary, the surgeon applies stitches. The patient is prescribed postoperative therapy to accelerate healing of the socket and to normalise the condition after the surgical intervention.

Removal of an impacted tooth requires a high level of professionalism and caution, which minimises the risk of complications.

Post-procedural care

After the surgery to remove an impacted wisdom tooth, it is important to follow the recommendations for a quick recovery. In the first days, the patient may be prescribed painkillers to reduce discomfort, as well as antihistamines and special antibacterial solutions for rinsing the wound, which help avoid inflammation.

After complicated wisdom tooth removal, significant swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, and sharp pain in the operation area may occur. Recovery usually takes several weeks. During this period, it is recommended to:

• rinse the mouth daily, especially after eating;
• brush teeth 2–3 times a day;
• take painkillers and haemostatic medications;
• follow antibacterial therapy.

Also, dentists advise avoiding spicy and hard food for several weeks.