Gelisim News

“Not all impacted teeth need to be extracted"

Toothache, which makes even daily activities impossible, can lead to an even more difficult and painful period in cases where the tooth is impacted. Speaking about impacted teeth, Maxillofacial Surgeon and Implantology Specialist Prof. Dr. Şeref Ezirganlı stated that not all impacted teeth need to be extracted.

The absence of teeth in the place where they should be in the mouth is defined as "impacted". Many factors can be effective in impacting teeth. Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Dentistry Maxillofacial Surgeon and Implantology Specialist Prof. Dr. Şeref Ezirganlı stated that the teeth are usually embedded in the bone due to the lack of space.

Wisdom teeth most commonly impacted

It is seen that the third molars, called wisdom teeth, are most commonly impacted. Since these are the last teeth in the mouth, they usually cannot find enough room to erupt. Prof. Dr. Seref Ezirganli stated:  “Although it is rare, we come across other teeth that are also impacted. Impacted teeth can remain without causing problems for years. Impacted teeth can sometimes cause serious problems. In particular, the lower wisdom teeth cause inflammation from time to time, and patients apply to dentists with various problems such as bad breath, development of dental caries and pain. Teeth in this situation must be extracted by a maxillofacial surgeon.”

The biggest risk in surgical extraction of impacted teeth: numbness due to nerve damage!

Although rare, pathological conditions such as cysts and tumors may develop around impacted teeth. In this case, a surgical operation is required. Prof. Dr. Şeref Ezirganlı: “These pathologies should not be considered only for wisdom teeth, they can occur in all impacted teeth. However, this does not mean that all impacted teeth should be extracted. After all, every surgery has certain risks. The biggest risk in surgical extraction of impacted teeth, especially in the lower jaw, is numbness in the lower lip and tongue due to nerve damage. This numbness can sometimes be permanent. While impacted wisdom teeth in the upper jaw usually do not cause a problem, they are more likely to cause problems in the lower jaw. Sometimes we can leave the roots of the tooth to avoid the risk of numbness in the lower jaw. We can cut off the upper part, which we call the crown. Of course, we do this for the extraction impacted teeth without decay, which we consider too risky or where the patient cannot take the risk of low numbness. If there are pathologies such as tooth decay or cyst, tumor, the risk of numbness is ignored. The entire tooth must be extracted. Cysts or tumors must be extracted.”

Extraction must be done before completing the development of the tooth root!

Prof. Dr. Şeref Ezirganlı: “The extraction of impacted teeth is not always necessary. If it is not, we recommend an annual X-ray follow-up. If the impacted tooth causes pain or infection, if there is any formation such as a cyst, tumor, or if it is deemed appropriate to be removed by an orthodontist even if there is no problem, it is appropriate to have the impacted teeth removed by a maxillofacial surgeon. Sometimes it can be extracted at the request of the patient. In such cases, the most appropriate period is to do it at a young age before completing the development of the tooth root. This is essential in terms of minimizing the risks that may occur.”