The wisdom teeth also referred to as the third molars, are the last of the adult teeth to develop. While the rest of your adult teeth come in by the age of 13, the wisdom teeth do not begin to make an appearance until your late teen years or early 20s. The last to erupt, they are also the most common teeth to cause issues, often becoming impacted. ImplantWide can help to restore your oral health, and quality of life, with wisdom tooth extraction.
What Causes Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that cannot properly erupt through your gums. They may only partially erupt, or they may not be able to erupt at all. Impacted wisdom teeth can be the result of many different issues. Common causes of impacted wisdom teeth include:
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Insufficient space in your jaw.
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The teeth may be blocked by bone or soft tissue.
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Your wisdom teeth may be growing at an angle. |
Effects of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause several different issues.
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Your mouth can become overcrowded. If there is not enough room in your mouth, your erupting wisdom teeth can push the adjacent teeth out of alignment. This can continue as your other teeth continue to push against one another.
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Your adjacent teeth may become damaged. If your wisdom teeth are growing at an angle, they can make contact with the adjacent teeth. This can lead to damage to the teeth below the gum line.
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You may develop an infection. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean. This can lead to infections at the back of the mouth.
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Cysts can form. Cysts often form as a result of an infection. They are fluid-filled sacs that form under the gums. The longer a cyst goes without treatment, the larger it becomes. It can even destroy bone in your jaw, which can lead to the need for a bone graft. |
How are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing pain at the back of your jaw, this could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. An appointment is needed right away. Diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth involves a thorough oral exam. We both visually inspect your mouth as well as take X-rays. We check your mouth for signs of overcrowding, partially erupted teeth, and infections. X-rays allow us to see the exact positioning of your wisdom teeth, any cysts, and bone damage, as well as any damage to the adjacent teeth. After making a diagnosis, we are then able to formulate a treatment plan.
Extracting Your Wisdom Teeth
The best way to treat impacted wisdom teeth is to extract or remove them. There are two ways in which teeth can be extracted. Simple extractions involve gripping the tooth and moving it back and forth until the socket is wide enough to lift it out. Impacted wisdom teeth are generally treated with a surgical extraction. A surgical extraction is a more involved process. We first make incisions in the gums to expose the impacted teeth, their roots, and the surrounding bone. Removing your wisdom teeth may involve removing bone blocking them or cutting the teeth into pieces and removing them in sections. Once the teeth have been extracted, the areas are cleaned out, and the gums are sutured closed. Wisdom teeth do not need to be replaced.
If you are experiencing pain at the back of your jaw, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. It is important that you seek dental treatment right away. Call ImplantWide at (630) 394-9787 today to schedule your appointment.
