Why is a CT scan required for removing lower wisdom teeth?

Dec 06, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Liwen

Introduction

Wisdom teeth may become impacted or abnormally positioned due to insufficient space for eruption. Additionally, their difficult-to-clean location increases the risk of pericoronitis. To avoid these complications, some patients opt for preventive extraction. However, a CT scan is usually required prior to extraction to clearly assess the specific developmental status of the wisdom teeth, allowing for an appropriate extraction plan and minimizing impact on the oral cavity.

CT scans are usually required before removing impacted wisdom teeth in order to clearly assess their growth pattern and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are located at the very back of the dental arch. Due to their late eruption, they often face insufficient space caused by reduced length, width, or strength of the alveolar bone. This can lead to abnormal positioning or impaction. Additionally, poor accessibility makes cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of pericoronitis, periodontitis, pulpitis, and other dental problems in adjacent teeth. To prevent these complications, some patients opt for prophylactic removal. However, a CT scan is typically necessary prior to extraction to accurately evaluate the exact position and development of the wisdom tooth, allowing dentists to choose the most suitable extraction approach and minimize potential damage to surrounding oral structures.

After wisdom tooth removal, patients should take antibiotics as directed by their dentist to prevent bacterial infection and inflammation. Commonly used medications include metronidazole tablets and amoxicillin capsules.

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Does getting anesthesia for wisdom tooth extraction have any effect on the brain?

Under normal circumstances, the effects of anesthetic drugs on the brain are temporary and localized, without significant impact on the entire brain. Administering anesthesia for wisdom tooth extraction is a safe and effective method that ensures patients do not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. In tooth extraction surgery, dentists typically use local anesthetics such as lidocaine.

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Does removing wisdom teeth hurt?

In general, patients do not feel pain during wisdom tooth extraction, although pain may occur afterward. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, normally aid in chewing food and help promote digestion and nutrient absorption. If a wisdom tooth grows in the wrong direction, it can create periodontal gaps with the second molar, leading to food impaction, which may result in tooth inflammation and infection.

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Why do you need to remove wisdom teeth?

Under normal circumstances, wisdom teeth are a genetic remnant of human evolution and typically begin to grow between the ages of 18 and 25. Reasons for removing wisdom teeth generally include crowding, incomplete eruption, or abnormal positioning. Because wisdom teeth emerge late, other teeth have already occupied space in the dental arch, so wisdom teeth may exert pressure on surrounding teeth, leading to crowding, misalignment, or tilting of the teeth.

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What are the consequences of not removing wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth can generally cause problems, including periodontitis, tooth misalignment, and oral infections. Due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are highly susceptible to bacterial infection. If not promptly removed, they may lead to periodontitis, resulting in issues such as loose teeth, gum recession, and bad breath. In severe cases of inflammation, periodontal treatment or root canal therapy might be necessary.