The Risks and Benefits of Removing a Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth
If you have a wisdom tooth that is impacted, meaning it doesn’t have enough space to grow normally, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend removing it. But before you undergo the procedure, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits involved.
What is a Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
A wisdom tooth is a third molar that usually emerges in the late teens or early twenties. If it doesn’t have enough space to grow normally, it can become impacted, which means it’s stuck below the gum line. If the tooth is tilted, it’s known as a “mesioangular impaction.” If it’s oriented toward the back of the mouth, it’s called a “distoangular impaction.” And if it’s oriented vertically, but still stuck below the gum line, it’s called a “vertical impaction.”
The Risks of Keeping an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
If a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can cause a number of problems:
1. Pain: An impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain and discomfort, especially if it becomes infected.
2. Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean, which can lead to gum infections or tooth decay.
3. Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can also contribute to gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and other health problems.
4. Damage to Other Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing them to shift or become damaged.
5. Cysts or Tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts or tumors to grow in the jawbone, requiring surgical removal.
The Benefits of Removing an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends removing your impacted wisdom tooth, here are some benefits you can expect:
1. Pain Relief: Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with it.
2. Prevent Infection: Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can help prevent infections, gum disease, and other dental problems.
3. Better Oral Health: Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can improve your overall oral health by reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
4. Maintain Proper Tooth Alignment: The removal of an impacted wisdom tooth can prevent adjacent teeth from becoming damaged or shifting, which can help maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of other dental problems.
Risks of Removing an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
All surgical procedures come with some risks, including the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth. These risks include:
1. Infection: There is a risk of infection after the procedure, especially if you don’t follow your dentist’s instructions for postoperative care.
2. Bleeding: You may experience bleeding after the procedure, which can be managed through the use of gauze and other remedies.
3. Swelling: There is a chance that you may experience swelling and bruising in the area where the impacted wisdom tooth was removed.
4. Nerve Damage: In some cases, the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to nerve damage, which can cause tingling or numbness in the lip, tongue, or chin.
5. Dry Socket: There is a risk of developing dry socket after having a wisdom tooth removed. This occurs when the blood clot that normally forms in the socket doesn’t develop or is dislodged, causing pain and infection.
Conclusion
In summary, if you have a vertical impacted wisdom tooth, it’s important to discuss your options with your dentist or oral surgeon. While there are risks associated with the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth, it may be necessary to prevent future dental problems and alleviate pain and discomfort. By educating yourself about the risks and benefits involved, you can make an informed decision about whether to have your wisdom tooth removed.
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