Don't Ignore These 3 Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

 

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, for many people, these teeth can cause problems as they may not have enough room to emerge properly, resulting in impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a host of dental problems, so it's important to be aware of the warning signs and seek treatment as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's crucial that you schedule an appointment with a dental clinic in Aylesbury as soon as possible:

1.       Pain and Swelling in the Back of the Mouth: One of the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is pain and swelling in the back of the mouth, particularly around the jaw. This can be caused by pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums, as well as infection in the tissue surrounding the impacted tooth.

2.       Difficulty Opening the Mouth: If you're having trouble opening your mouth or experiencing pain when you do, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacting. This is caused by pressure on the jaw joint and can lead to a condition called trismus, which is characterized by limited jaw movement.

3.       Recurrent Dental Infections Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to recurrent dental infections, such as pericoronitis, which is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding the crown of the tooth. This can cause inflammation, pain, and even fever.

It's important to note that impacted wisdom teeth do not always cause symptoms, but that does not mean they are not causing problems. Regular check-ups with a dentist can help detect any issues with your wisdom teeth before they become more serious.

Treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth depend on the position of the tooth, the degree of impaction, and the extent of damage to the surrounding tissue. In some cases, a simple dental cleaning and regular monitoring may be sufficient. However, if the tooth is causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth, it may need to be removed. This procedure is usually performed by an oral surgeon.

To further understand the importance of addressing impacted wisdom teeth and how it can affect your overall oral health, it's helpful to understand the different types of impaction and their associated risks.

-Soft Tissue Impaction: Soft tissue impactions occur when the wisdom tooth only partially emerges through the gums. This can leave a flap of tissue, called an operculum, covering the tooth, which can trap food and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection. This type of impaction can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

-Partial Bony Impaction: Partial bony impactions occur when the wisdom tooth is partially covered by the jawbone but still visible in the mouth. In this case, the tooth can still cause problems, but it is more likely to emerge further, causing damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.

-Complete Bony Impaction: Complete bony impactions occur when the wisdom tooth is entirely covered by the jawbone. This is the most severe form of impaction and is typically associated with the most severe symptoms. It is also the most difficult to treat and may require surgical intervention.

Early detection and treatment of impacted wisdom teeth is important to prevent long-term oral health issues. A qualified dentist will be able to diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

In summary,

·    Impacted wisdom teeth can have varying level of impaction and thus have different associated risks

·  Soft Tissue Impaction: Wisdom tooth partially emerges through the gums and can trap food and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection.

·  Partial Bony Impaction: Wisdom tooth is partially covered by the jawbone but still visible in the mouth.

·   Complete Bony Impaction: Wisdom tooth is entirely covered by the jawbone. this is the most severe form of impaction and is typically associated with the most severe symptoms.

·   Early detection and treatment of impacted wisdom teeth is important to prevent long-term oral health issues.