What You Need to Know About Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know

If you are experiencing pain at the back of your mouth, it could be caused by a wisdom tooth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause discomfort, infections, and other dental problems.

If your dentist suggests the removal of a wisdom tooth that hasn’t completely erupted because it is at risk of complications, you may need to undergo a vertical impacted wisdom tooth extraction.

In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide on what you need to know about vertical impacted wisdom tooth extraction.

What Is a Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Firstly, it is important to understand what an impacted wisdom tooth is. An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that has grown partially or fully into the jawbone, but it has not emerged from the gums or has only emerged partially.

There are different types of impacted wisdom teeth, including vertical, horizontal, and angular. A vertical impacted tooth means that it is growing straight down, but it is still below the gum line.

A vertical impacted wisdom tooth extraction aims to remove the wisdom tooth by creating a small flap of gum tissue and bone to access the tooth. This is different from a horizontal impacted wisdom tooth extraction, which requires cutting through the gum and bone to remove the tooth.

What Happens During Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Before the procedure, your dentist will numb the area using a local anesthetic to reduce pain and make you feel comfortable. If you are anxious, they may also offer sedation or general anesthesia.

Once you are numb, the dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. They will then remove any bone that is blocking access to the tooth and gently extract the tooth using forceps.

If the tooth is difficult to remove, the dentist may need to cut it into pieces to extract it more easily. After the extraction, your dentist will clean the area and stitch the gum tissue back into place.

What to Expect After Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to reduce pain and prevent infection.

You should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and eating hard or crunchy foods for the first few days to allow the gum tissue to heal properly. You should also rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.

It is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling for up to a week after the procedure. However, if you experience severe pain, bleeding, or swelling, you should contact your dentist immediately.

In Conclusion

Vertical impacted wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that aims to remove a wisdom tooth that is causing problems. The procedure is generally safe and straightforward, but it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure proper healing.

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort caused by a wisdom tooth, speak to your dentist about getting a vertical impacted wisdom tooth extraction. It is better to address the problem early to prevent complications and future dental problems.