Your wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the back of your mouth. For many people, these teeth need to be extracted when they are in late adolescence or their early 20s. Have you ever wondered why that is the case? Very often, it is because the wisdom teeth become impacted. What are impacted wisdom teeth, and what are some warning signs that might indicate you have this problem? This blog post explains.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
When a tooth is impacted, it simply means that it has not completely erupted from the gumline. There are different types and levels of impaction. For example, bony impaction occurs when a tooth gets stuck within the jawbone, whereas soft tissue impaction means that a tooth cannot completely erupt through the gums. Both types of impaction can cause a number of oral health problems, including infections, cysts, and damage to nearby teeth, and more.
Impaction occurs because there is not enough space in the dental arch to accommodate incoming teeth. Although any tooth can become impacted, this issue is quite common with wisdom teeth because they are the last teeth to erupt, and most people’s mouths are not large enough to let them grow in a healthy, unproblematic way.
Warning Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of signs and symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Pain and discomfort. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain and discomfort as they attempt to erupt. The problem is most noticeable at the back of the mouth. Typically, this type of pain is a dull and persistent ache.
- Signs of infection. Due to their position in the mouth, impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean. Therefore, they are prone to infections. Pus, swelling, sharp pain, and persistent bad breath can all indicate a dental infection. Cysts and abscesses may also develop.
- Difficulty chewing. Impacted wisdom teeth often develop at an odd angle. They can push against adjacent teeth, causing damage. In turn, this can lead to soreness, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing.
In most cases, these symptoms appear when a person is a teenager or young adult. However, even if you are older than that, the state of your wisdom teeth can continue to change. Any significant changes in the way your mouth feels are a reason to get a checkup!
Do You Need to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The best way to find relief from the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is to have a dentist or oral surgeon remove them. To find out if you need this procedure, visit a qualified dental team. They will take some X-rays, perform a visual examination, and recommend your next steps.
Impacted wisdom teeth can spell trouble for your oral health! Be alert to signs of this problem so you can seek treatment in a timely manner.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. In our Katy/Cypress office, they perform a wide range of services, including the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. If you suspect that you might need this procedure, our team would be happy to answer your questions. Contact our friendly staff at 832-353-1100.