Gangnam-gu Dental Clinic: Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Really Need to Be Removed?

Gangnam-gu Dental Clinic: Do impacted wisdom teeth really need to be removed?

Hello.

This is Oks Dental Clinic.

“Lately, the inside of my jaw keeps throbbing.”

“I can’t open my mouth easily because of my wisdom tooth.”

“Do I really need to have my wisdom tooth removed?”

As such, there are surprisingly many people who experience discomfort because of wisdom teeth.

In particular, impacted wisdom teeth often progress quietly without pain and then suddenly appear with inflammation or pain, so it is important to know about them in advance and be prepared.

Today, we will explain in detail about impacted wisdom teeth, which many people are curious about.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth refer to the last molars to erupt, that is, the third molars.

They usually erupt in the late teens to early twenties, and there can be a total of four, one on each side of the upper and lower jaws.

However, compared with the past, modern human jaws have become smaller, while wisdom teeth still remain the same, so there is often not enough space for them to erupt straight and properly.

Wisdom teeth that cannot erupt in the correct position and remain impacted in the gum or bone are called “impacted wisdom teeth.”

Why Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth a Problem?

It may seem like leaving impacted wisdom teeth alone would cause no issues, but they can actually lead to various problems.

1️⃣ Cause pain and inflammation

Food debris and bacteria can easily get trapped around an impacted wisdom tooth, which may lead to gum inflammation or pus, and in severe cases, an infection that spreads to the jawbone.

2️⃣ Damage to adjacent teeth

If a wisdom tooth erupts horizontally, it can press against the root of the molar in front of it and cause cavities or root damage.

In severe cases, even a healthy molar may need to be extracted.

3️⃣ Jaw joint pain & oral pain

In severe cases, this can lead to jaw joint problems, such as stiffness or pain when opening the mouth, and it may also be accompanied by persistent headaches or ear pain.

In What Cases Is Extraction Necessary?

Not all impacted wisdom teeth must necessarily be extracted.

However, early extraction is recommended in the following cases.

▶ If the gum around the wisdom tooth swells and hurts frequently

▶ If the X-ray shows that it is pressing on an adjacent tooth

▶ If it is located in a position that makes oral hygiene difficult

▶ If it may affect orthodontic treatment or prosthetic treatment

▶ If it is close to the maxillary sinus, increasing the risk of spreading inflammation

※ Even if an impacted wisdom tooth is not painful, it is a good idea to consider extraction as a preventive measure if the X-ray shows risk factors.

What About Pain or Recovery After Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

This is the part many people are most curious about.

“Won’t the extraction be too painful?”,

“How much will it swell?”,

“What if I can’t open my mouth?”

But don’t worry.

These days, extraction is performed after accurately assessing the condition of the gums, nerves, and jawbone through a precise 3D CT diagnosis before surgery and digital navigation surgery, which helps minimize pain and swelling.

The usual recovery period is 3 to 7 days, and most people recover without major issues if they follow instructions such as using cold compresses, taking medication, and eating soft foods.

Precautions Before and After Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction

▶ Before extraction

● Avoid being on an empty stomach

● Consult in advance about any medications you are taking or any existing medical conditions

● Avoid a demanding schedule on the day of extraction

▶ After extraction

● Do not eat until the anesthesia wears off

● Do not drink through a straw

● Avoid spicy foods, smoking, and alcohol for at least 3 days

● Maintain cleanliness by gargling 1 to 2 times a day

● Be sure to take prescribed medication at the correct times

In Closing…

Impacted wisdom teeth are not simply teeth that “will need to be removed someday”; they are a treatment in which accurate diagnosis and proper timing are important.

Rather than putting it off and thinking, “It doesn’t hurt right now, so I’ll just get it removed later...,” the best way to protect your healthy teeth and oral health is to manage it preventively before problems arise and, if necessary, have it removed early.