Problematic wisdom teeth are one of the most common dental issue in Australia. Whereas other wisdom teeth may grow without any problem, others may be impacted, leading to severe discomfort and possible oral health complications. Horizontal wisdom tooth impaction is one of the many forms of impaction which is difficult to resolve without the intervention of a dental professional.
Horizontal Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Third molars, also referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually developed at the age of 17 to 25. When a wisdom tooth develops in a lateral or a horizontal direction than straight, it is considered as impacted horizontally. Contrary to the vertical impacted teeth which might partially erupt, a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth develops at 90-degree angle pushing directly into the neighbouring molar instead of piercing the gum line.
Horizontal impaction of wisdom teeth is a condition that is experienced when the tooth has not enough space to develop in the jaw. The tooth becomes trapped between the gum tissue and the bone, lies on its side, and may end up damaging or hurting the adjacent teeth. This is what renders the horizontal impacted wisdom tooth removal more complicated and intricate than the usual extraction of teeth.
Signs You May Need Sideways Wisdom Tooth Removal
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a horizontal impacted wisdom tooth, so that timely treatment can be achieved. Common indicators include:
- Severe toothache which spreads to the jaw and ear.
- Constant pain or tenderness of the back of the mouth.
- Gum redness and swelling around the affected area.
- Problem opening the mouth completely.
- Unpleasant taste or bad breath due to bacterial infection.
- Jaw pains that appear to be the cause of headaches.
- Swelling in the jaw or face
When you have any of these symptoms, it is important to seek the services of a dental professional immediately. At the Carrum Downs Dental Group, we have highly skilled staff members who will examine you and take digital images so as to establish the most appropriate course of action.
Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Harder to Remove?
The short answer is yes. Horizontal extraction of wisdom teeth is generally complicated compared to extraction of fully erupted teeth. The lateral location also implies that the tooth cannot be pulled off simply, it needs to be cut and extracted in fragments. The operation involves more surgical accuracy to be carried out with a tooth located near nerves or with a complete and curved root of the tooth.
Difficulty level also requires a number of different factors:
- The depth of the impaction below the gum and bone.
- The nearness to inferior alveolar nerve.
- Development and structure of the roots of the teeth.
- The surrounding bone density.
- Age of the patient (younger patients usually have underdeveloped roots)
Nevertheless, contemporary dental practices and anaesthesia have rendered horizontal wisdom tooth surgery a practical and a routine process by qualified personnel.
The Horizontal Wisdom Tooth Surgery Process
Understanding the methods used to remove a horizontal wisdom tooth can help reduce anxiety about the procedure. The following is what normally occurs when removing impacted wisdom teeth horizontally:
- Pre-Operative Assessment
Your dentist will perform a detailed examination which may involve X-rays or 3D scans in order to examine the position of the tooth and its roots, their relationship with surrounding tissues and nerves prior to the surgery. A successful outcome will only be achieved through this planning phase.
- Anaesthesia Administration
You will receive local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level. Most of the patients choose IV sedation, and it enables them to be relaxed and comfortable during the procedure and at the same time closely monitored.
- Accessing the Impacted tooth
The oral surgeon makes the incision in the gum tissue exposing the affected wisdom tooth and bone. In most of the cases, some part of the jawbone that covers the tooth has to be removed carefully in order to access it sufficiently.
- Tooth Sectioning
The tooth is horizontally placed and therefore cannot be pulled out in entirety. Specialised instruments are used as the dentist divides the tooth into smaller pieces. This is known as tooth sectioning and thus limits the trauma to the adjacent tissues and also limits the quantity of bone to be removed.
- Extraction
Every part of the tooth is meticulously extracted. The surgeon makes sure that all fragments of the tooth are removed even the ones that could have chipped off in the process.
- Cleaning and Closure
Once the tooth is completely removed the surgical area is also sterilized to get rid of any debris or infection. This will be followed by repositioning and suture of the gum tissue. Mostly dissolvable stitches are used and it implies that they do not need follow up appointment to remove them.
- Recovery and Aftercare
Post-operative care is critical in preventing the occurrence of complications like dry socket and optimal healing.
Short-term treatment (First 24-48 Hours)
- Ice packs to decrease swelling.
- Bite lightly on gauze to stop bleeding.
- Take painkillers as prescribed.
- Take breaks and do not do hard work.
- Take soft food only and consume as much fluid as possible.
- Straws are to be avoided, the suction can pull off the clots of blood.
Preventing Dry Socket
Dry socket is a painful complication which happens when blood clot which covers the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolved early thus exposing the underlying bone and nerves. To minimise this risk:
- Avoid smoking or taking tobacco products at least 72 hours.
- Do not rinse or spit violently.
- Do not take hot drinks or alcohol.
- Take all post-operative precautions.
Long-Term Recovery
Majority patients see remarkable improvement in 3-5 days and full recovery in a few weeks. The swelling generally reaches its peak on day three after which it slowly reduces. There is nothing unusual about some discomfort, but serious pain, excessive bleeding, or indications of infection are reasons to call your dentist at once.
Why Choose Carrum Downs Dental Group?
When it comes to wisdom teeth removal especially in a hard case like the horizontal impacted wisdom teeth, an experienced dental practice is what matters. Carrum Downs Dental Group offers:
- Experienced Oral Surgeons: We have experienced Oral Surgeons who have a lot of experience in performing complex extractions like sideways extraction of wisdom teeth.
- State of art Technology: We have state of art dental equipment.
- Extensive Sedation Provision: We will offer an extensive selection of sedation to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Individualised Care: We tailor your treatment plan to suit your situation and needs.
- Low-cost Dental Cares: We collaborate with our patients to provide them with necessary dental services.
Conclusion
Horizontal wisdom tooth removal can be quite frightening, but with some serious dental care by qualified specialists, it can be a simple operation that can help to avoid some serious oral health complications. Do not delay treatment if you experience symptoms of a problematic wisdom tooth or are advised that extraction is necessary.
Call us at Carrum Downs Dental Group to make an appointment. Our caring staff will assess your case, discuss your options, and ensure that you receive the best treatment possible during treatment. We are concerned about your oral health and we are here to assist you to make your smile pain-free and healthy.