Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms to Watch Out For
Most of us are born with four wisdom teeth, which get their name because, as the last set of molars, they emerge when we are young adults and are theoretically wiser. However, your jaw and other teeth do not always have room to accommodate these arrivals. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that have become trapped in the jaw or against other teeth. If not treated, these impacted teeth can cause a range of symptoms.
What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are found at the back of your mouth behind your other teeth. Because they do not appear until your other teeth are already well-established, they may not have room when they start to emerge from your jaw. As a result, they can become impacted, which means they are trapped or forced at an incorrect angle. This can affect other teeth, cause pain, and have other effects.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms to Watch Out For
Many people never experience wisdom teeth symptoms because a dentist or oral surgeon identifies the potential problem on X-rays and schedules a wisdom teeth removal. However, if you still have your wisdom teeth, be aware of symptoms such as:
- Irritated or painful gums
- Jaw pain
- Pressure on other teeth
- Bad breath
- Difficult brushing or flossing
- Gum disease
- Cysts
These symptoms can develop over time as the wisdom tooth emerges but can also become worse suddenly if you develop an infection. Some people will have symptoms from all four wisdom teeth, while others may only have one that causes problems.
Even people who do not have pain from an impacted wisdom tooth should be aware that it can affect dental hygiene. It can make it difficult to keep the area clean and lead to gum disease and sometimes serious infections. Regular dental visits will keep you aware of these problems if they develop.
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How are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Dr. Sonneveld’s strategy for removing impacted teeth depends on how the tooth is situated in the jaw, whether it can be extracted in one piece, and how it affects the surrounding teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth is usually removed in sections. You will receive one of several medication options to keep you from feeling discomfort during this process.
What is Recovery Like After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Removal of impacted wisdom teeth is often performed on young adults, even if they have not developed symptoms. Because the wisdom teeth have less established roots at this age, most people recover quickly with minor swelling and soreness. Removal for older adults is more complex and may require a longer recovery time.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about impacted wisdom teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.