Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one that fails to erupt into its normal position in the mouth. Wisdom teeth and upper canines are most commonly affected. While not always immediately symptomatic, impacted teeth can cause serious problems if left unmanaged.
Indications for Surgical Removal
Recurrent Pericoronitis
Repeated infection of the gum flap over a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Causes pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, and sometimes fever. Extraction prevents further episodes.
Damage to Adjacent Tooth
A horizontally impacted lower wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, causing root resorption and decay at the contact point. Prompt extraction is needed to save the second molar.
Dentigerous Cyst
A fluid-filled cyst developing around the crown of an impacted tooth. Expands progressively, destroys surrounding bone, and can become very large if untreated. Requires surgical removal.
Decay (Caries)
Impacted or partially erupted teeth are impossible to clean properly. Both the wisdom tooth and the adjacent second molar are prone to decay. Extraction eliminates the ongoing problem.
Crowding
Pressure from erupting wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the front teeth, particularly relevant before or during orthodontic treatment.
Persistent Pain
Recurrent or persistent pain from an impacted tooth — from pressure, nerve proximity, or infection — that does not respond to conservative management is an indication for extraction.
Surgical Extraction
Most impacted wisdom tooth removals are performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient (day-care) procedure at The Maxillofacial Clinic or Asha Nursing Home, Rampurhat. For anxious patients or those requiring removal of multiple impacted teeth, IV sedation or general anaesthesia can be arranged.
The procedure involves:
- Small incision in the gum overlying the tooth
- Removal of bone covering the tooth crown (if required)
- Sectioning the tooth to facilitate removal (if deeply impacted)
- Extraction of the tooth
- Irrigation and closure with absorbable sutures
An OPG X-ray and clinical examination are needed before surgery to assess the tooth position, root anatomy, and proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve — all of which inform the surgical approach and allow realistic expectations to be set for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom Tooth Pain or Impacted Tooth?
An OPG X-ray and specialist assessment clarifies whether extraction is needed and the safest approach. Available at The Maxillofacial Clinic, Rampurhat.