Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Millions of Americans have their wisdom teeth removed cleveland tx each year. The wisdom teeth extraction procedure is straight forward and can be fairly simple. But why do we remove wisdom teeth at all? And why is the procedure more invasive and painful for some more than others?

Why extract wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that come in at the back of the mouth. These molars are the last adult teeth to come in and this usually happens sometime during early adulthood (between the ages of 17 and 25). Most people have four wisdom teeth: two on the top, two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth are generally removed when they come in because there is not enough remove in the mouth for them. Also, we just don’t really need them. Some people have wisdom teeth that emerge without any issues and line up in their mouth without any shifting or overcrowding. For these individuals it may not be necessary to have their wisdom teeth extracted.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are impacted when there is not enough room for them to emerge and break through the skin. In many cases this means the teeth are trapped below the gum. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in pain and can cause damage to other teeth. In some cases, the impacted wisdom teeth may cause no pain or immediate problems, but over time can result in complications because they are difficult to clean and therefore at risk of tooth decay. Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain, dental problems, or are apparently underdeveloped will need to be removed either immediately or in the near future to prevent future complications. Impacted wisdom teeth become an issue because they:

  • Grow at an angle toward the surrounding tooth
  • Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
  • Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, trapped "lying down" within the jawbone
  • Grow straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Are you concerned your wisdom teeth are impacted? While impacted wisdom teeth don't always cause symptoms, there are some common symptoms that help to identify them. Here are some signs and or symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth:

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Pain in the jaw
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth that won’t go away
  • Difficulty opening your mouth

Complications of Impacted wisdom teeth

If you are concerned your wisdom teeth are partially or fully impacted it is important to visit your dentist. While the symptoms may not be too bad, the impacted teeth can cause damage and complications that you may not be aware of. Impacted teeth can cause:

  • Damage to other teeth. If the wisdom tooth is pushing against the nearby teeth it may damage the tooth or increase risk of infection.
  • The wisdom tooth grows in a sac within the jawbone. If the tooth is impacted and does not emerge fully through the tissue, the sac can fill with fluid and form a cyst.
  • Decay and gum disease. When the wisdom teeth are partially impacted, they are harder to keep clean. In time, this may increase risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

More on Wisdom Teeth Removal : Wisdom Teeth Complications