The third molars, or “wisdom teeth,” typically erupt between 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that typically appear at the back of the mouth; most people have a pair on each side. Due to the pressure from the other teeth in the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth sometimes fail to erupt or develop properly, becoming impacted.
Because of their prominence, impacted wisdom teeth are a common source of discomfort, tooth decay, and other dental problems. The inability to properly clean around an impacted wisdom tooth can also lead to an increase in the likelihood of gum disease, dental decay, and infection. However, there are situations where impacted wisdom teeth don’t seem to be an issue right away.
In most cases, wisdom teeth that are impacted and causing discomfort or other dental issues will be extracted. Though some dentists at NE Philadelphia dental office don’t see the need to remove asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth, others do so to head off potential problems in the future.
What Signs Should I Look for?
It’s not always obvious when a wisdom tooth has become impacted. However, if the problem progresses and spreads to neighboring teeth, it can cause many apparent signs and symptoms.
- Impacted tooth or temporomandibular joint discomfort that is either throbbing or radiating in nature (TMJ)
- Gums that are red, sore, swollen, or bleed
- Discomfort or swelling in the jaw
- Headaches
- causes such as cysts, tumors, and infections
- Constant bouts of foul breath (halitosis)
- Disappointing taste on one’s tongue
- Decay of teeth
- Broken teeth and/or teeth next to them
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impaction Victims?
When there isn’t enough room in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to emerge and develop normally, they become impacted. They might feel some effect or maybe all of it. When only a portion of the tooth’s crown bursts through the gum, this condition is known as partial impaction. When a tooth doesn’t erupt through the gums and becomes entirely impacted, the condition is known as “full impaction.”
Many distinct types of impacted wisdom teeth exist, both partially and totally. Each variety corresponds to a specific affected tooth location:
- Impaction of the wisdom teeth’s distal third occurs when the tooth emerges at an angle toward the back of the mouth.
- If the wisdom teeth are angled toward the second molar, a condition known as mesial impaction might develop.
- When a wisdom tooth becomes totally impacted and moves to a horizontal position below the gums, this condition is known as horizontal impaction.
- When a wisdom tooth is in the correct position to erupt (growing straight up) but remains stuck within the jawbone, this condition is known as vertical impaction.
