Human teeth have evolved in response to changing diets and food quality. The front teeth are ideal for biting, while the back ones are perfect for grinding and chewing. It may seem like our bodies have perfected the number of teeth we need, but many people still grow a third set of molars. Since these teeth are no longer necessary, they don’t always grow in the way they’re supposed to. If your dentist advises you to seek oral surgery for impacted wisdom teeth, here’s what you need to know about this situation.

What Does It Mean for a Tooth to Be Impacted?

Impacted teeth are those that have begun to develop but don’t have enough room to grow fully and erupt through the gums. The term is often used to refer to the wisdom teeth, the third set of molars in an adult mouth. These teeth become impacted because the average human doesn’t have enough room to accommodate 32 teeth without causing other problems. However, impacted teeth can have serious side effects.

Without adequate space, wisdom teeth can start to grow at an angle and put pressure on other molars that will then push on the rest of your teeth, resulting in crowding and pain. Because the wisdom teeth are closest to the jaw joints, the pain can also radiate to the ears and cause persistent aches.

Do I Need to Have the Tooth Extracted?

Wisdom teeth that grow in straight and don’t cause crowding and pain may not need to be extracted, but impacted ones typically require oral surgery. Leaving them in place for too long can lead to tooth decay and gum infections, putting the healthy surrounding teeth at risk.

The type of oral surgery you need depends on the severity of your case. If the teeth are partially erupted, you may only need a local anesthetic. Those that are completely impacted and still covered by jawbone tissue will require general anesthetic. In both cases, the oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and clear any bone holding the wisdom tooth in place. Some teeth can be removed whole, but larger teeth or those growing in at a steep angle may need to be broken apart first.

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision and pack the site with gauze. The surgeon will also provide aftercare recommendations to promote healing. You may be prescribed painkillers and put on a soft diet temporarily to minimize the risk of complications.

If your dentist recommends oral surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth, trust Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska to keep you safe and comfortable during the procedure. They use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify the problem and develop a treatment strategy. Their experienced oral surgeons and support staff will be with you at every step, from consultation to post-op care, to help you heal. Visit the Anchorage practice online to learn more about wisdom tooth removal, and call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment.