Learning about Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Impacted wisdom teeth are very common throughout adults in the United States. There are

different forms of impacted wisdom teeth and learning about these different types of impactions

ahead of time may be beneficial when wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Mesioangular Impaction The first type of impaction, the most common type, is a mesioangular impaction. This type of

impaction is when the tooth is angled forward, facing the front of the mouth and crowding the

teeth in front of the place where the wisdom teeth are growing in.

A vertical impaction is less common than a mesioangular impaction but still happens frequently.

The vertical impaction is when the formed tooth does not push all the way through the gum line

in the back of an individual’s mouth.

Distoangular Impaction The less common type of impaction is a distoangular impaction. When a tooth is angled

backward, pointing towards the rear of the mouth it is identified as a distoangular impaction and

can cause many problems in the mouth.

The least common form of impaction is the horizontal

impaction. This impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth or

when all of the wisdom teeth are angled at 90 degrees,

growing into the roots of the second molar.

When a patient needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted

a mesioangular impaction is usually the most difficult to

extract in the upper jaw. But, this type of impaction is

easiest to extract in the lower jaw.

X-rays are taken when wisdom teeth are starting to form in the gums. The dentist will be able to

tell how the wisdom tooth is growing in and prepare a plan to remove the wisdom tooth or the

wisdom teeth from the mouth of the patient.

Anesthesia Some patients are put under for their surgery while other patients

require only a local anesthetic. Sometimes, the patient discusses both

options with their dentist to decide which option is going to be more

comfortable for him or her.

There are some wisdom tooth cases that have to be taken by a dental

surgeon. Other wisdom tooth cases can be handled by a dentist.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Problems After having wisdom teeth extracted there are many different problems that can occur. Some of

the problems are unavoidable and no matter how much preparation the patient or the doctor puts

into preventing these problems they just occur.

Other problems can be avoided if the patient takes time to care

for their mouth. It is important that the patient follows all of the

directions that are given by the surgeon and by their dentist

after they come out of their extraction surgery.

There are problems that can occur that are simply

uncomfortable but some problems can be potentially life-

threatening. A serious infection can be very dangerous and it is

important that the extraction sites are well taken care of in

order to avoid these types of infections.

Bleeding from the sites is normal and should be expected by all

patients that go through an extraction surgery. The bleeding should last for a few days after the

procedure and if it does not start to ease up after a few days a doctor should be notified.

Having wisdom teeth removed is often necessary. The process needs to be taken seriously to

ensure that the patient recovers quickly and recovers properly.