If you are scheduled for wisdom teeth x-rays, then you may be wondering what to expect. Do I need to prepare for it? What will the dentist be looking for? In this article, we break down all there is to know about Wisdom Teeth X-Rays from start to finish. Wisdom teeth x-rays are a common procedure, and most people have no problems with them. However, it is important to know what to expect so that you can relax and enjoy your experience!
Why do Dentists Take Wisdom Teeth X-Rays?
Wisdom teeth x-rays are taken to assess the position of wisdom teeth within the jaw. Dentists can then use this information, in addition to other evidence gathered before treatment, to make a decision about if, how, and when the wisdom teeth are removed. There are many benefits to keeping wisdom teeth, and a dentist must weigh those benefits with their risks and present them to you so that you can make an informed decision.
Wisdom teeth x-rays can provide a variety of different pieces of information to the dentists performing the surgery. This includes:
Assessing How Many Wisdom Teeth There Are
Although most people have four wisdom teeth, it is possible to have more or fewer. (We cover more about how you can have more wisdom teeth in our article “Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back“) Unfortunately, not all teeth will be visible by only looking at a patient’s mouth. This is because many wisdom teeth are partially or fully impacted.
Impacted teeth are wisdom teeth that have not had the chance to grow into their proper position. The tooth may be growing at an angle and may be blocked from coming into the mouth by other teeth.
There is an important difference between partially and fully impacted teeth. Partially impacted teeth can still trap food and bacteria as they are exposed to the mouth. Because of this, they are very likely to be needing extraction. Fully impacted teeth, on the other hand, are still hidden below the gum line. These teeth are unlikely to need extraction unless they are causing pain or other problems. However, note that getting wisdom teeth headaches doesn’t always mean they need to be removed.
Assessing If There is Enough Room for the Wisdom Teeth to Come in Fully
Once the dentist determines how many wisdom teeth there are they can now determine if there is enough room for those teeth to come into the mouth fully. This is an educated guess because if wisdom teeth are still developing that means the jaw is also growing. Once the wisdom tooth root fully forms wisdom tooth growth is done.
If there is enough room for the wisdom teeth to fully come into the mouth there may be a chance that they do not have to be removed. However, this will need to be determined by other factors as well, such as if the patient feels pain once the tooth has fully erupted into the mouth.
To Assess if the Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed
Determining whether or not a wisdom tooth needs to be removed is based primarily on if food and bacteria can get trapped in a place that cannot get cleaned. This can happen when wisdom teeth are partially impacted. If wisdom teeth are unable to be cleaned they are at higher risk for infection. This means that your dentist will be very likely to recommend they be removed.
Assessing How Much Further You Should Allow the Teeth to Come In
The timing of wisdom teeth removal is critical to the surgery. Wisdom teeth that have not come into the mouth very far may require a more involved surgery. This is because the dentist may have to make an incision through the gum, tooth, and bone to remove the tooth.
Wisdom teeth that have come into the mouth fully are better to remove as they require less surgery. The dentist may still make an incision in the gum, but they will not have to go through bone and tooth. This means that the recovery time after surgery is going to be shorter.
At the same time, the dentist has to be careful not to allow the roots of the wisdom teeth to grow too much. Once wisdom teeth have fully developed their roots will be very long. They may be so long that the roots surround the neurovascular bundle in your lower jaw. This makes surgery more difficult and the recovery time after surgery is going to be longer.
What Technique Should Be Used to Remove the Wisdom Teeth
The technique used in the surgery that is going to be used to remove wisdom teeth is going to be based on a variety of factors including the length of roots, where the roots are located, if the tooth is partially/fully impacted, and how much room is available in the mouth.
All these factors are easier to assess when the dentist has an x-ray of the wisdom teeth. Using this information the dentist may decide to leave parts of your root behind if they fear that removing it may damage your nerves and arteries. They may also decide what angle the tooth will come out at as well as what incisions and instruments will be used.
What Type of X-Rays Do Dentists Use for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Typically a dentist will use a panoramic x-ray when assessing the position of your wisdom teeth. This type of x-ray gives the dentist a broad overview of all the teeth in your mouth, including wisdom teeth. Thus it is very handy in being able to detect the exact location and orientation of the wisdom teeth in your jaw.
In extreme cases where the dentist may suspect that the root of your wisdom tooth is around the inferior-alveolar nerve, a CT scan may be required. This type of x-ray gives a more detailed view of the wisdom tooth and the surrounding structures.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth X-Rays
Wisdom teeth x-rays are quick and easy to do. The process usually takes less than 2 minutes from start to finish.
- First, you will be asked to remove any metal objects from your mouth, such as jewelry. This is because metal can interfere with the x-ray images. Since X-rays take a 3D image and put it into a 2D picture you may have superimposition.
- Next, you will be asked to bite down on a small piece of plastic in the middle of the machine. This is to help keep your mouth still during the x-ray. Once you are ready, the technician will step out of the room and activate the x-ray machine. You will not feel anything during the x-ray, and it is completely safe in the small doses you receive.
- After the x-ray is complete, the technician will develop the film and give it to the dentist. Usually, x-rays are now digitalized but if your dentist’s office is old-fashioned they may still use film.
- The dentist will then review the x-ray and make a decision about wisdom teeth removal. If wisdom teeth are partially impacted, the dentist may recommend surgery to remove them. Or they may let the teeth grow in for a bit longer so that they can be removed in a less invasive procedure. If you have any questions about wisdom teeth removal, be sure to ask your dentist. They will be more than happy to answer any of your questions!
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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