Impacted wisdom teeth:
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem that should not be taken seriously. In fact, nine out of ten patients have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. It may feel fine right now, but it could cause problems later.
Teeth are one of the most overlooked parts of our bodies—that is until we have problems with them. Among these issues is the eruption of wisdom teeth, which in many cases necessitates surgical removal.
Humans have less and less need for wisdom teeth over time. We can bite and chew without those extra back teeth that get in the way and can even be painful.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that develop at the back of the mouth in people between the ages of 17 and 21. By that age, most children have a full set of adult teeth. As a result, many people’s wisdom teeth grow in impacted surrounding, which means they don’t have enough space to grow properly.
Before committing to surgery, it is best to consult with a dental professional to discuss your options. In situations like these, knowledge is power. Dentists have the knowledge and skills to provide patients with the information they need to make an informed decision.
However, try to detect and report a potentially impacted wisdom tooth as soon as possible. The risk to one’s oral health increases as wisdom teeth grow and develop. There is a window where extraction may be easier than if one waits.
Untreated impacted wisdom teeth push through and cause pain when they begin to erupt. They can also cause a variety of other issues, such as infections, cleaning issues, decay, and more. Anyone experiencing such symptoms is advised to consult with their dentist and seek appropriate treatment.
- Pain:
- Pain is the most common but least pleasant symptom of an impacted wisdom tooth, and it occurs in nearly all cases.
- When teeth grow irregularly, they tend to touch places they should not, such as neighboring teeth and their roots.
- Pain symptoms aren’t just limited to the tooth. The gums around the tooth may begin to bleed. The pain extended all the way to the jaw.
- No two people’s experiences will be exactly the same. One person may feel a dull throb, while the other feels something sharper.
- When there are deeper causes to address, treating these issues with pain medications would be detrimental to your body.
- The onset of pain varies from patient to patient. In any case, whenever there is pain, it implies that something is wrong.
- When it comes to wisdom teeth, this frequently indicates an infection.
Cleaning Issues and an Increased Infection Risk:
- There may be issues lurking in one’s mouth even before they become apparent. Our oral cavities are home to over 700 different types of bacteria. Wisdom teeth are exposed to bacteria the moment they erupt.
- Wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean than other teeth due to their position.
- It is much more difficult to reach every area with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. This is especially true for wisdom teeth that have partially erupted.
- Food can also become trapped between crowded teeth. This complicates brushing even more because such areas are often difficult to reach.
- Food that becomes trapped against a wisdom tooth is hidden in small spaces between teeth and gums known as “pseudo pockets.” Bacteria from the trapped food and your mouth could cause an infection or cavity.
- Wisdom teeth can become infected if they are not kept clean. Each usually affects more than one tooth.
Pericoronitis and periodontitis are two specific types of infections to be aware of.
- Pericoronitis:
- Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding a partially erupted tooth, which is why it is frequently associated with wisdom teeth.
- It typically occurs in and around the small “flap” of tissue that covers the tooth.
- Pericoronitis has many causes, but the most common are bacteria from food stuck between the tooth and the gums or the general environment in which the tooth grows.
- Pericoronitis is commonly characterized by bad breath. It can also cause pain or swelling in certain areas of the face.
- Many people who have advanced pericoronitis will have difficulty biting, chewing, or closing their mouths.
- Pericoronitis can also cause fever, swallowing difficulties, and a loss of appetite. Again, no two people’s symptoms will be identical.
- Professional treatment is required to clear the infection and prevent it from reoccurring. Cleaning and possibly medication will go a long way toward improving oral health.
