When wisdom teeth emerge, they often lack sufficient space, leading to impaction. This can cause pain, swelling, infection, or cysts, necessitating treatment. While extraction is the typical approach, it carries risks, especially if the tooth is close to nerves, potentially causing long-term nerve damage, pain, and difficulty with eating, speaking, or sensation.
A coronectomy offers an alternative by removing only the crown of the wisdom tooth while leaving the roots in place, minimizing the risk of nerve damage. This procedure typically takes less than an hour under local, general, or sedation anesthetic. The dental professional will cut the gum, remove the crown and surrounding bone, clear any infected tissue, smooth the root, and stitch the gum.
While coronectomies significantly reduce the risk of nerve damage, some risks remain, including pain, swelling, bleeding, the need for further treatment, dry socket, and infection. It's crucial to remember that dental professionals are highly trained to assess and treat impacted wisdom teeth, often referring patients to oral or maxillofacial surgeons for these procedures.
Determining whether your wisdom teeth are impacted and the best course of action requires professional evaluation. Due to individual anatomical variations, a dental professional will conduct an oral exam and use radiographic imaging like X-rays or CT scans to assess your specific situation. This detailed insight guides their decision on whether treatment is necessary and if extraction or coronectomy is the most appropriate and safest option for you.
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