Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Your wisdom teeth are the final teeth to grow in, usually appearing at the back of your mouth. These are your third molars, and most people have four of them – two on top and two on the bottom. Sometimes, wisdom teeth don't have enough space to come in properly. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth. Instead of growing straight up and out, they might get stuck beneath the gum line or grow at an awkward angle.

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a range of problems. It might be painful, push against other teeth, or even damage the surrounding jawbone. In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth doesn't cause any immediate problems, but it can still create issues later on. Since impacted wisdom teeth are often hard to clean thoroughly, they can be more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease than other teeth.

If an impacted wisdom tooth is causing pain, discomfort, or problems with other teeth, it's usually recommended to remove it. Even if an impacted wisdom tooth isn't causing problems now, some dentists and oral surgeons might still advise removing it to prevent potential future issues, like infection or damage to surrounding teeth or the jaw.

Wisdom teeth that are growing in incorrectly (impacted) sometimes don't cause any problems. However, if an impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected, or if it's pushing on other teeth or causing other dental issues, you might notice some signs.

These signs can include:

• Red or swollen gums: Inflammation in the gum tissue around the impacted tooth.
• Tender or bleeding gums: The gums might feel sore and even bleed easily.
• Jaw pain: Pain in the jaw area, which could be mild or severe. This pain might be felt near the impacted wisdom tooth or elsewhere in the jaw.
• Swelling around the jaw: A noticeable puffiness or swelling, often near the jawline or cheek, can indicate a problem.
• Bad breath (halitosis): A persistent unpleasant odor from the mouth could be a sign of infection.
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth: A bad or unusual taste, particularly near the back of the mouth, could indicate a problem with the impacted tooth.
• Difficulty opening your mouth: This could be due to swelling or inflammation in the area, making it harder to open your mouth normally.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious problems.

If you feel something unusual or painful behind your last molar, it could be a sign that a wisdom tooth is impacted. See your dentist to find out for sure. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that's growing in a way that's causing problems. Your dentist can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Wisdom teeth often run into trouble because there's not enough space in your mouth for them to grow in normally.

These "third molars," as dentists call them, usually start to appear between the ages of 17 and 26. Sometimes, they come in behind your second molars without causing any problems, fitting neatly into the row of your other teeth. But for many people, their mouths are too full. This crowding can prevent the wisdom teeth from developing properly, leading to a problem called "impaction."

An impacted wisdom tooth might only partially break through the gum line, showing a bit of the tooth. This is called a partially impacted wisdom tooth. If the tooth never pushes through at all, it's considered fully impacted.

Whether the wisdom tooth is partially or fully impacted, it might grow at an odd angle. Instead of growing straight up, like the other teeth, it can:

• Tilt towards the second molar: This means it's angled toward the tooth right in front of it.
• Tilt towards the back of the mouth: It might grow in a direction that pushes it behind the other teeth.
• Grow sideways: Imagine the tooth is lying down within your jawbone, at a right angle to the rest of your teeth.
• Grow straight up or down, but get stuck: Even though it's growing in a more or less straight line, the tooth gets trapped inside the jawbone.

Wisdom teeth can get stuck in the jawbone, a condition called impacted wisdom teeth. This happens when there isn't enough room in the mouth for them to grow straight out. Essentially, there's a blockage or crowding that prevents the teeth from coming through normally.

Problems with Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, the last molars to grow in, can sometimes cause trouble. They often grow in a way that makes them difficult to keep clean, increasing the risk of several oral health issues.

Cysts: Wisdom teeth develop inside small pockets in your jawbone. Sometimes, these pockets fill with fluid, creating a cyst. A cyst can damage the jawbone, nearby teeth, and even nerves. While rare, a cyst can sometimes develop into a growth called a tumor. Most of these tumors are not cancerous (benign), but they still might need to be removed to prevent further damage to the jawbone and surrounding tissue.

Cavities (Decay): Partially grown-in wisdom teeth are more likely to develop cavities than other teeth. This is because their position makes them hard to clean thoroughly. Food and bacteria can easily get trapped between the gum and the partially emerged tooth, leading to decay.

Gum Disease: Because impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth are hard to clean, they can lead to gum inflammation. This inflammation, called pericoronitis, can be painful. It's an infection of the gum tissue around the partially erupted tooth. This can lead to further problems if left untreated.

You can't prevent wisdom teeth from potentially becoming impacted. However, regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months are crucial. During these visits, your dentist can monitor how your wisdom teeth are growing and coming in. Regular X-rays can also help your dentist spot impacted wisdom teeth before you even notice any problems. This early detection is important because it allows for better treatment options.

Visiting your dentist or oral surgeon is a good first step if you're experiencing mouth or jaw pain. They can examine your teeth and mouth to see if impacted wisdom teeth or another problem is the cause. This check-up usually involves:

• Talking about your symptoms: Your dentist will ask questions about any pain, discomfort, or other problems you're having in your mouth or jaw. They'll also ask about your overall health.

• Checking your teeth and gums: Your dentist will look at the condition of your teeth and gums. They'll examine them for any signs of problems, like cavities, inflammation, or infection.

• Taking X-rays: X-rays are important tools. They provide a detailed view of the structures inside your mouth, including your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. X-rays can help reveal impacted wisdom teeth, damage to teeth, or problems with the bone in your jaw. This allows your dentist to accurately diagnose the issue.

Dealing with Wisdom Teeth: When to Remove Them and Why

Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars, often cause problems. Sometimes they don't grow in properly, a situation called "impaction." This can lead to various issues, ranging from mild discomfort to serious complications. Your dentist will determine the best course of action.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth cause no problems. These are called "asymptomatic" wisdom teeth. Doctors often recommend removing them in the late teens or early twenties. This is because removing them at this age usually has fewer risks and is easier for the patient to tolerate.

Some dentists and oral surgeons believe that even if wisdom teeth aren't causing trouble now, removing them can prevent future problems. They argue that:

• Potential for hidden problems: Impacted wisdom teeth might have decay or infections that aren't noticeable.
• Cleaning difficulties: If there isn't enough space, it's harder to properly clean around the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Lower risk in younger adults: Surgical complications are less common in younger adults.
• Increased risk with age: Removing wisdom teeth becomes more challenging and carries higher risks as you get older.

Other dental professionals take a more cautious approach. They point out that:

• Lack of evidence for future problems: There isn't strong evidence that asymptomatic wisdom teeth will always cause problems later in life.
• Unnecessary expense and risk: Removing healthy, pain-free wisdom teeth might be an unnecessary procedure, considering the potential risks and costs.

If you don't have any problems with your wisdom teeth, your dentist will likely monitor them for signs of decay or gum disease. They'll recommend removal only if problems develop.

When wisdom teeth do cause problems, they often need to be removed. Surgical removal, also called extraction, is usually necessary for:

• Infection: Infections or gum disease (periodontal disease) around the wisdom teeth.
• Decay: Cavities in partially grown-in wisdom teeth.
• Cysts or tumors: Growths affecting the wisdom teeth.
• Damage to other teeth: Wisdom teeth that damage surrounding teeth.
• Preventing future problems: To avoid potential complications.

Most wisdom tooth extractions are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. The process involves:

• Sedation or anesthesia: Options range from local anesthesia (numbing the area) to sedation (reducing awareness) or general anesthesia (putting you to sleep).
• Tooth removal: The dentist or oral surgeon will make a small cut in the gum, remove any bone blocking access to the wisdom tooth, and then extract the tooth. The wound is typically closed.

Rare complications include:

• Dry socket: A painful condition where the blood clot in the socket doesn't form or is lost.
• Infection: Bacterial infections in the socket.
• Damage to surrounding structures: Potential harm to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone, or sinuses.

Dealing with a tooth extraction can be a source of anxiety, but delaying care can lead to more serious problems. It's essential to discuss your concerns with your dentist. It's completely normal to feel nervous, and your dentist can help you manage any anxiety. They may suggest:

• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, imagery, music, or videos.
• Support: Having a friend or family member present.
• Medication: If your anxiety is severe, your dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon who can offer medications or sedation to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure.