The Risks of Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Why Removal is Recommended

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, often leading to complications if there is insufficient space in the mouth for them to properly erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth, where teeth are blocked from fully entering the mouth, can lead to a range of dental issues. In this blog post, we explore the concept of impacted wisdom teeth, the problems they can cause, and why Dr. Daniel Briskie of Revive Dental recommends their removal to prevent potential oral health issues.

Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are classified based on their depth and the complexity of their position within the jaw:

  • Soft Tissue Impaction: The tooth has partially erupted but is covered by gum tissue, leading to difficulty in cleaning the area and potential for infection.
  • Partially Bony Impaction: The tooth is partially visible in the mouth, but a portion remains embedded in the jawbone, often causing discomfort and making it hard to clean.
  • Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth is fully encased by the jawbone, with no part of the tooth visible. This type often remains undetected without X-rays and can lead to significant complications.

4 Reasons Why Removal is Often Recommended

Dr. Briskie advises the removal of impacted wisdom teeth for four reasons:

  1. Prevention of Oral Health Issues: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth. They are also a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause gum disease.
  2. Alleviation of Pain and Discomfort: Impacted teeth can cause significant pain and swelling. Removal relieves these symptoms and prevents future discomfort.
  3. Avoidance of Orthodontic Problems: Impacted wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, necessitating orthodontic treatments to correct.
  4. Prevention of Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, cysts or tumors can develop around bimpacted teeth, potentially leading to more serious health issues if not addressed promptly.

The Surgical Removal Process

The removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a common surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the impaction and the patient’s comfort level. The procedure involves making an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone, removing any bone blocking access to the tooth root, and then extracting the tooth in sections to minimize the amount of bone that needs to be removed.

Following surgery, patients are provided with detailed care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes managing swelling with ice packs, taking prescribed pain medication, and adhering to a soft diet to allow the surgical sites to heal.

Why Choose Revive Dental for Wisdom Tooth Removal

At Revive Dental in Longmont, Colorado, Dr. Briskie and his team are experienced in the latest techniques for the safe and effective removal of wisdom teeth. We use advanced imaging technology to accurately assess and plan the best approach for each individual case.

If you suspect your wisdom teeth are impacted or are experiencing discomfort in the back of your mouth, don’t wait for complications to develop. Contact Revive Dental at 303-226-0420 to schedule a consultation. Early intervention is key to maintaining your oral health and avoiding more complex problems down the road.

Revive Dental

11411 Business Park Circle
Unit #1000
Firestone, CO 80504
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Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Phone

303-226-0420

Fax

303-226-0421

Email Address

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