Impacted Wisdom Teeth

It is one of the most common scenario encountered In a dental office among adolescents

When there is inadequate space for accommodation of these teeth in the jaws, they tend to get embedded within the bone or gums, which is often referred to as impaction

This entrapment can cause a variety of problems like:

1. Pain and discomfort (which may extend to the ear and back of the head)
2. Difficulty in mouth opening
3. Infection and swelling of face
4. Bad taste in the mouth
5. Bad breath
6. Difficulty in chewing

Why is the Removal Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Necessary?

An impacted wisdom tooth when left untreated can give rise to a variety of problems. A few of which have been detailed below

1. Overcrowding of teeth: It is one of the commonest problems seen with wisdom teeth and makes it difficult for properly clean the mouth due to lack of space.

2. Lesions: Small, round, painful growths called lesions may develop near impacted wisdom teeth in the gums. Although most of them are non cancerous, certain lesions maybe cancerous and should not be ignored

3. Cavities in adjacent teeth: Your wisdom teeth are usually larger than your other teeth, so if there is not enough room for them to erupt, they may push and harm your other teeth. In the long run, impacted wisdom teeth can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues.

4. Damage to jaws: Wisdom teeth can grow abnormally as they have insufficient space which can cause damage to the jaw. They can also cause pain and swelling due to infection. In rare cases, cysts can form around new teeth, which can hollow out the jawbone and damage the nerves.

5. Infection and swelling: An impacted wisdom tooth can harbour bacteria and food particles in pockets within the gums causing painful infections. It can often manifest as redness, swelling and foul taste in the mouth

Benefits of Removing an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

1. Pain relief : Impacted wisdom tooth causes significant pain and discomfort, especially if it is pressing against the nearby structures. Once the tooth is removed, the pain is alleviated

2. Improved oral hygiene : The removal of impacted wisdom teeth can improve the ease to clean the area and prevent build up of food particles and bacteria.

3. Reduced risk of complications : The risks of developing lesions like cysts( fluid filled sacs) and tumors associated with impacted wisdom teeth are thus eliminated.

If you have experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above and have been advised by your dentist that you have a wisdom tooth. Don’t let an impacted wisdom tooth impact your quality of life and contact us today to schedule an appointment.