Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Many people believe that wisdom teeth should be removed. The truth is that there is nothing bad about the third molars, or wisdom teeth. They can be a valuable part of your dentition like any other teeth.
Another question is whether your impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed. The answer may be a surprise, all impacted wisdom teeth do not need to be removed. If the impacted wisdom tooth is indeed causing problems, then it should be removed.
An impacted wisdom tooth happens when they grow at an awkward angle, or if there is not enough room for them to erupt. When a tooth is evaluated, the normal tooth eruption process is considered. A common period for third molars to come in is between the ages of 16 and 25 years. For some in this age group, it is debatable whether the term impacted can be applied during this time. The teeth might still be in the process of erupting and just may not have reached their final position.
Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Issues
Your impacted wisdom teeth may not be causing any symptoms, and the only way your dentist can identify the impaction is with x-rays. Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth can cause the following symptoms:
- Swelling, especially around the gums or the jaw.
- You are having jaw pain.
- Your gums begin bleeding.
- You have bad breath.
- You have difficulty opening your mouth.
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Treatments for Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your impacted wisdom teeth are indicative of these symptoms, you should have them removed. Here are six diverse ways that your wisdom teeth can be impacted. These are:
- Mesial impaction- This is the most common type of impaction when the tooth is angled too far.
- Vertical impaction- With this impaction the teeth come in straight, but there is not enough room in the arch to accommodate them.
- Horizontal impaction- This impaction is caused by teeth that are horizontally impacted, lying on their side.
- Distal impaction- Distally impacted teeth are tilted towards the back of your mouth.
- Soft tissue impaction- This happens when the tooth has actually erupted through the gum.
- Bony impaction- This is when the tooth is still within the jawbone but has emerged through the gum.
There are many issues that can be caused by impacted wisdom teeth. Some issues include damage to your other teeth, gum infections, pain, extensive tooth decay, and cysts. If your wisdom teeth are still impacted and you have any of these symptoms, then you should get them removed. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not causing any issues, then you may not need to get them removed.
Your dentist is professionally trained in the removal of problematic impacted wisdom teeth. With an oral examination and x-rays, your dentist can evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and can predict if they should be removed.
In the case where your impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed, your dentist will explain the entire process with you before the procedure begins. You will be treated for your personal requirements, and the treatment is completed with minimal discomfort.