Why is an impacted tooth removed?
An unerupted tooth puts pressure on the root of the neighboring one and causes its resorption, provokes crowding of the dentition, and chronic inflammation develops under the semi-covered gum hood - pericoronitis. The operation is planned using computed tomography: it is important to know exactly the position of the tooth relative to the mandibular canal and the maxillary sinus. Access is created through an incision, the tooth is sawed and removed in fragments, and the wound is sutured.
When a tooth has to be removed
Modern dentistry strives to save the tooth to the last, but sometimes removal is the only correct option. This occurs with complete destruction of the crown and root, longitudinal fracture of the root, severe periodontitis with tooth mobility, a cyst that cannot be treated, and impacted wisdom teeth that damage neighboring teeth.
Extractions can also be part of an orthodontic plan when teeth do not have enough space in a row.
Difficulty categories
- simple removal - the tooth retains its crown, the roots are straight, intervention with forceps takes a few minutes
- moderate severity - the roots are bent or the crown is partially destroyed, an elevator and root separation are required
- complex - a tooth destroyed or fused with bone, cutting out a flap, cutting the tooth into fragments, sutures
- impacted or dystopic tooth - not erupted or positioned incorrectly, removed surgically
How does the hole heal?
Immediately after removal, a blood clot forms in the socket - this is a natural dressing that protects the bone and initiates healing. It should not be washed out by rinsing on the first day. The mucous membrane closes the hole in 7–10 days, the bone tissue is completely restored in 3–4 months.
If after 2-3 days the pain intensifies and an unpleasant odor appears, alveolitis, inflammation of the socket, is likely. This condition requires a visit to the doctor, not self-medication.
What to do with the gap after removal
After removal, the bone at the site of the tooth gradually decreases, and neighboring teeth shift towards the defect. Therefore, it is better to discuss the issue of replacement - with an implant or a prosthesis - immediately, without delaying it for years.