Wisdom teeth, the third molars, usually start to come through between 17 and 25. Sometimes, there’s not enough room for them in the jaw. This makes them ‘impacted’. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain in the jaw, make gums swell, and make it hard to open the mouth. If you don’t deal with impacted wisdom teeth, you might face cysts, problems with sinuses, and your dental health can get worse.
It’s crucial to know the signs of impacted wisdom teeth. Look out for jaw pain, gums that are red, swollen, or tender, and gums that bleed easily. Distorted facial swelling, bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, and trouble opening fully might also indicate a problem. If you ignore these signs, your teeth could get damaged, you might develop cysts, sinus problems, gum disease, and even tooth decay.
The main way to manage impacted wisdom teeth is to have them taken out by an oral surgeon. How they’re removed depends on whether they’ve fully come through or are still below the surface. After surgery, you’re looking at a few days’ recovery time, which might be a little uncomfortable.
It’s good to remember that impacted wisdom teeth have a silver lining. They can give us stem cells that may be used in the future for regenerative medicine. These stem cells can be gathered when the teeth are taken out, then stored for later.
Key Takeaways:
- Impacted wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain, swollen gums, and difficulty opening the mouth.
- Neglecting impacted wisdom teeth can lead to complications such as cysts, sinus problems, and a decline in overall dental health.
- Common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include jaw pain, swollen gums, bad breath, and difficulty opening the mouth.
- The primary treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is their removal by an oral surgeon.
- Recovery from impacted wisdom tooth extraction usually takes a few days.
Complications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain and discomfort. They bring about several issues, which include:
- Damage to other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth push on nearby teeth. This can lead to misalignment, infection, or crowding. It’s crucial to deal with this promptly to avoid more oral health problems.
- Formation of cysts: These teeth can lead to cyst development. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can harm the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Often, surgery is needed to take them out and soothe the pain.
- Pressure on the sinuses: Impacted wisdom teeth roots can press on the sinuses. This can cause sinus issues, such as pain and discomfort, even headaches. Though not always happening, it can occur with upper jaw wisdom teeth.
- Increased risk of gum disease and inflammation: Left untreated, these teeth can gather bacteria, upping gum disease risk and causing inflammation. Regularly brush and floss to keep your mouth healthy and prevent these issues.
- Tooth decay and cavities: If not cleaned well, the state of these teeth worsens, leading to decay and cavities. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial to avoid these problems.
To prevent oral health issues, it’s vital to handle impacted wisdom teeth problems quickly. Seeking advice from an oral surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment is wise.
Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The main treatment for impacted wisdom teeth involves removal by an oral surgeon. This is usually done with a local anesthesia. If wisdom teeth have fully emerged, they can be pulled out with simple tools. The extraction is fast and not very painful, making the recovery quick.
But, if the wisdom teeth are still under the gum, a different surgery is needed. The surgeon might need to cut the gums, take out bone, or break the tooth into smaller parts.
After the surgery, recovery takes just a few days. The surgeon will advise on care, such as using ice to ease swelling and rinsing with saltwater. They may also prescribe painkillers.
If you’re worried about your wisdom teeth, it’s wise to talk with an experienced oral surgeon.