Impacted wisdom teeth are no fun and can cause severe problems. Read more to know how to treat and manage impacted wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last to appear in your mouth. They usually make an appearance between the ages of 17 and 25.
Some wisdom teeth pop in just fine, like good guests at a party. They fit nicely with your other teeth and don’t cause trouble. But sometimes, they’re not so well-behaved.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth get stuck in your gums or jawbone, it’s called impaction. This can lead to problems like cavities, gum issues, and infections.
- Fully Impacted: You can’t see them; they’re hidden under your gums.
- Partially Impacted: You can see a bit because they’ve come out a little.
- Non-Impacted: These are fully out and visible, but even they can cause problems sometimes.
Types
Mesial Impaction
These are angled forward and the most common type of impacted wisdom tooth. In this case, the wisdom tooth is leaning toward the front of your mouth.
Distal Impaction
Distal impaction is the rarest type. Here, the wisdom tooth is angled toward the back of your mouth.
Vertical Impaction
Vertical impaction happens when the wisdom tooth is in the right spot to come out but is still stuck under your gums.
Horizontal Impaction
Horizontal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is lying on its side, trapped under the gums. These are often painful because they push on the front teeth.
How Common Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are super common. According to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, about 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
Impact on Oral Health
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infections, and harm to other teeth. They’re tough to clean, making them more likely to get cavities and gum problems. So, they can be trouble for your mouth.
Symptoms
Sometimes, you might not notice any problems with your wisdom teeth, but here are some signs to watch for:
- Jaw pain and swelling
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding from gums
- Odd taste
- Bad breath
- Difficulty in opening mouth
Causes
The wisdom teeth can get stuck when your jaw lacks enough space. Sometimes, they try to pop out at a weird angle, and that’s when the trouble starts.
Diagnosis
When you go to the dentist, they’ll do a checkup. They’ll ask you questions about how you’re feeling. They’ll also take special pictures of your teeth called X-rays. These X-rays show if your teeth are stuck, and your jaw or other teeth have problems.
Treatment
If your stuck wisdom teeth are causing pain, infections, or other dental issues, the solution is often to remove them. Many dentists suggest this as a way to prevent future problems.
Is Removing Impacted Teeth Painful?
While taking out impacted wisdom teeth is a bit more challenging, it doesn’t mean it’s more painful. Your oral surgeon will give you medicine to ease discomfort after the surgery. So, it’s not necessarily more painful, and you’ll have pain relief.
Risks of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Dry Sockets
Sometimes, after removing wisdom teeth, a blood clot can emerge too early from where the tooth was. This exposes the bone and can be painful. To avoid this, don’t use straws right after the surgery.
Infection
Once in a while, bacteria, food, or debris can get stuck in the hole where the tooth was. This can lead to an infection. Your oral surgeon can give you antibiotics to treat it.
Damage to Nearby Stuff
During the removal, things like nerves, jawbones, sinuses, or other teeth can accidentally get hurt. Advanced techniques help reduce this risk, but it can still happen. Fixing this kind of damage might need more surgery.
Recovery Time After Extraction
Most people get better in one to two weeks after removing wisdom teeth. You can go back to work or school in a few days.
Prevention
You can’t stop wisdom teeth from getting stuck, but you can lower the chances of issues. Here’s how:
- Take good care of your mouth. Brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- If your wisdom teeth start causing trouble, consider removing them when younger. This can help avoid future problems.
Conclusion
Hope now you are aware of the impacted wisdom teeth. Always consult your dentist in case of complications after tooth extractions. Contact Dentalsway for more information on wisdom teeth extractions.
