Removal of Wisdom Teeth
In case of insufficient space in the jaw, wisdom teeth cannot break through normally and align themselves with the other teeth. Then they either remain in the jaw covered by bone (impacted) or break through partially (partial impaction). The impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth may take up different positions. Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is indicated in case of:
- inflammation of the bone and the gum tissue in the neighbourhood of the wisdom tooth, especially in case of partially impacted teeth;
- Formation of cysts in the area of impacted teeth, starting at the surrounding soft tissue of the crown;
- damage to the neighbouring teeth caused by the growth pressure of the wisdom teeth;
- neuralgic pain in the facial area (trigeminus neuralgia);
- shift of the row of teeth caused by the growth direction of the wisdom teeth;
- possible general illness;
- prostheses (crowns/bridges) up to the last molar or edentulous jaw
The surgery
The gum tissue is detached from the bone under local or general anaesthesia and the tooth exposed by removing the bone with a bur. The tooth can then be removed with a lever or forceps. In special cases, it may be necessary to cut the tooth in half to enable extraction. The lesion is closed with stitches.
The after-effects of this surgery may be swelling of the cheeks and lips, difficulty to open the mouth, difficulty swallowing and raised temperature. These after-effects usually subside within three to four days. The stitches can be removed after one week. The healing process takes approx. four weeks.
