DENTISTRY
Surgical
IMPACTED TEETH
What is "impacted teeth"?
Teeth, which do not take their normal place in the mouth even though their eruption time is elapsed, are called “impacted teeth”. Third molar teeth (also known as wisdom teeth) are the most prevalent “impacted teeth”. If there is no space available in the dental arch for the eruption of the third molar teeth, and if they do not erupted even if the person has reached the age of twenty five; they are evaluated as “impacted teeth”. Sometimes, these teeth erupt partially, but never reach to their full height. If our third molar teeth have not erupted, you can visit your dentist and obtain information about their status and you may have the affected teeth being pulled out before some problems emerging; such as ache, swelling, decay and gingival diseases.
Why do not the third molar teeth erupt normally?
Even though, the jawbone of the evolving human being eventually got smaller, the decrease in the number of third molar teeth is not really actualized. As a result of this, generally there is no space available for the last erupting third molar teeth, in the present day human being’s mouth. As it is known, the third molar teeth may erupt between the ages of 15 to 25.
What kind of problems may the impacted third molar teeth lead to?
Cysts and tumors may develop around the impacted third molar teeth. On the other hand, the partially erupted third molar teeth are also serious sources of an infection. These types of teeth may lead to gingival problems and abscesses besides toothache. However, not all third molar teeth may lead to these problems.
Isn’t it alright just to use antibiotics?
Antibiotics provide comfort only for a short time. As insensible and various antibiotic usage is widespread amongst our community, the antibiotics taken may not always have an impact on the micro-organisms causing the problems. Also even if they are effective, they do not remove the actual problem. In other words, even if antibiotics are taken, the tooth causing the problem still there, in our mouth.
When is it necessary to pull the third molar teeth out?
It is wrong to wait for the third molar teeth to cause a problem before being pulled out. Providing that your dentist also recommends, don’t forget that extraction of the third molar teeth prevents many problems that might emerge in the future. For example, impacted third molar teeth might endanger the second molars. Healing in extractions, performed prior to 16 years of age, occurs very rapidly. The extraction of third molars is possible after the eruption of permanent second molars. This occurs around the age of 11-12. Your dentist shall make the necessary recommendation for extraction, after taking x-rays during this period and determining whether or not there is enough space in the dental arch for the eruption of the third molars.
What should I do, if I have no complaints?
Persons with ache, swelling and infection complaints should have their third molars being pulled out as soon as possible. However, if there is no complaint, again it will be beneficial to have these teeth being pulled out to prevent the problems that might emerge subsequently and to eliminate the risk of a possible crowding. Apart from this, with the extraction of the impacted third molars, not causing complaints, at early stages shall eliminate some risks such as jaw aches with undefined causes, tissue incompatibility of the removable prosthesis, periodontal diseases and tumor development.
How are the impacted teeth pulled out?
After splitting the gingival tissue on the impacted teeth, the connecting tissues on the jawbone and tooth are removed. Afterwards, the tooth is pulled out and the split gingival is stitched.
 
After this operation, it might be necessary for the patient to take some medicine (antibiotic, pain killers, etc.) recommended by the dentist.
|
