Tooth impaction is a condition when the tooth is not able to erupt fully into its proper position due to various reasons such as lack of space in the jaw, misalignment, or blockage created by the neighboring teeth, bone, or gums. While any tooth can become impacted, wisdom teeth (third molars) and maxillary canines (upper jaw cuspids) are the most affected.
Surgical extraction of wisdom teeth or third molars is a minor procedure and is usually recommended depending on the severity of the symptoms and complications associated. However, canines/ cuspids play an important role in the mouth, hence, the dentist will try and a make a way for these teeth to erupt instead of removing them.
When Is Impacted Tooth Extraction Recommended?
Types of Tooth Impactions
Impacted teeth are categorized based on their position in the jawbone. The most common types include:
• Distoangular – Tilted backward back of the mouth (less common and more complex to remove).
Both mesioangular and distoangular impactions can cause damage to the neighboring teeth, in the form of decay or misalignment.
3. Vertical Impaction
In this type, the tooth is upright and is stuck in the bone and gums due to lack of space or obstruction and might require extraction if symptomatic.
4. Soft Tissue Impaction
When the impacted tooth is partially covered with gum tissue and is difficult to maintain hygiene. Such cases might cause infection in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth causing pericoronitis.
5. Bony Impaction
The tooth is completely impacted in the jawbone. Such impactions require surgical removal and are more complex than soft tissue impactions.
What Makes an Impacted Tooth Serious?
Removing an impacted tooth can relieve discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and help protect the surrounding teeth, bone, and oral health.
Helps relieve pain and swelling associated with an impacted tooth while improving overall comfort.
Helps reduce the risk of infection and cyst formation while protecting neighbouring teeth and surrounding bone from potential damage.
Can make oral hygiene easier and may support proper tooth alignment, particularly when orthodontic treatment is planned.
Seek prompt dental care if you experience pain, swelling, pus, difficulty opening your mouth, or fever. An infection associated with an impacted wisdom tooth can spread to surrounding tissues and requires timely treatment.
Surgical extraction of an impacted tooth involves careful planning, tooth removal, and post-operative care to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.
The oral surgeon takes a detailed dental and medical history before planning the surgical extraction of the impacted tooth or wisdom tooth. If the patient has any medical condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, or is taking any medication, written medical consent from the respective specialist may be required.
Complete blood reports may be done before the procedure. A digital X-ray or CBCT scan is taken to assess the position of the impacted tooth. During this step, the patient is informed about what to expect before, during, and after the surgical procedure.
Before the procedure begins, the oral surgeon administers a local anaesthetic solution to numb the affected area. The procedure is designed to be painless, although the patient may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain.
The oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum to expose the impacted tooth. In cases of bony impaction, removal of bone around the tooth may be required using a dental drill. The surgical area is kept sterile and trauma to the surrounding tissues is minimised.
In cases of horizontal or bony impaction, or when the impacted tooth is large, deeply positioned, or difficult to extract, tooth sectioning may be required. The tooth is divided into smaller sections to make removal easier and safer while minimising the risk of damage to neighbouring teeth.
The tooth or tooth sections are carefully removed using specialised surgical instruments. The surgical area is then checked for any remaining fragments and thoroughly cleaned to help reduce the risk of infection.
The surgical site is closed using dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures or stitches. A sterile gauze pad is placed over the area to help control bleeding and support blood clot formation.
After the surgical procedure, the oral surgeon provides post-extraction care instructions along with prescribed medications, such as painkillers and antibiotics when indicated. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled after about one week to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary.
DURATION, RECOVERY & COST
The procedure itself is usually completed within an hour, while complete healing takes longer depending on the complexity of the impaction and individual recovery.
30–60 Minutes
Surgical extraction of an impacted tooth usually takes around 30–60 minutes. The duration depends on the type, position, depth, and complexity of the impaction.
3 Days–8 Weeks
Pain and swelling generally reduce within 3–5 days, soft tissue healing takes about 1–2 weeks, and bone healing can take up to 6–8 weeks. Light activities can often be resumed within 24–48 hours.
₹ 5000-10000
The cost of impacted tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity and position of the tooth, type of impaction, imaging required, and whether additional surgical procedures are needed.
Following are detailed home care instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort after the surgical extraction of wisdom tooth/ impacted tooth.
Do’s:
• Bite down on gauze for 30–60 minutes after surgery to stop bleeding.
• Apply an ice pack on your cheek (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
• Take all prescribed medications (painkillers, antibiotics) exactly as directed.
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling and bleeding.
• Stick to soft foods (Khichdi, soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies) that is cool enough to not to harm the affected area. This diet has to be followed for the first 3-4 days.
• Take the prescribed medications after food for 5 days.
• Gently rinse with warm salt water (after 24 hours) 2–3 times daily to keep the area clean.
• Stay hydrated with plain water, sipping gently.
Don’ts:
• Do not spit, use a straw, or rinse vigorously in the first 24 hours (can dislodge blood clot and cause dry socket).
• Avoid smoking or alcohol for at least 72 hours post-op.
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that may irritate the site.
• Don’t touch or disturb the surgical area with your tongue or fingers.
FAQs – Surgical Extraction of Impacted Tooth
No. The area is numbed with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure but not pain. Mild soreness after surgery is normal and can be managed with prescribed medications.
Initial healing takes about 3 to 5 days, and complete healing of the gums and bone may take 2 to 6 weeks.
Stick to soft, cold or lukewarm foods for 48 hours—such as smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soup. Avoid hard, hot, and spicy foods.
You may return to work within 24 to 48 hours depending on how you feel. Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
Dry socket is a painful condition where the blood clot gets dislodged from the extraction site. Prevent it by avoiding smoking, spitting, or using straws for 2–3 days.
The surgical procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes per tooth, depending on the complexity of the impaction.
No. If the tooth is fully erupted and not causing any problems, it may not require removal. However, impacted or partially erupted teeth often need surgical extraction to prevent future complications.
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