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Posted on 11/25/2015 by Bruce M MacNicol |
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As you probably know, many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed in order to prevent future problems. Impaction is one of the most common issues that can occur if the teeth don't have enough room to erupt properly, and unfortunately, this can cause a variety of issues. By better understanding what it means for wisdom teeth to be impacted and the symptoms that may result, you can get the treatment that you need. What Causes an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?The wisdom teeth can become impacted when they don't have enough room to erupt or to develop normally. The wisdom teeth usually erupt in the late teen years through the mid-20s. While some people have teeth that are able to emerge without a problem, in many cases, the mouth is too crowded for the wisdom teeth to emerge normally. This can lead to the teeth becoming trapped.In some cases, even if a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can partially emerge. This leads to part of the crown being visible, or the crown may never actually break through the gums. This could cause the tooth to grow in at an angle, possibly causing the rest of the teeth to be pushed out of alignment. Signs of Impacted Wisdom TeethWhile your wisdom teeth won't always cause symptoms when they are impacted, if they develop an infection, damage the surrounding teeth, or cause dental problems, you may see some of these signs:
If you notice any of these symptoms within the area behind your final molar, they could be the sign of an impacted wisdom tooth. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Problems Associated with Impacted Wisdom TeethWhen the wisdom teeth are impacted, it can result in several problems within the mouth:
Removing Impacted Wisdom TeethIf your wisdom teeth are impacted and causing problems, they will likely need to be removed surgically. During your procedure, you'll likely receive general anesthesia, allowing you to sleep throughout the entire process. Your oral surgeon will cut an incision into the gums to remove any bone that could be blocking access to the tooth. The tooth will then be removed, and your oral surgeon will pack the empty socket with gauze and stitch the wound shut.Recovery is generally routine, although you may experience some pain and bleeding afterwards. Some people do develop dry sockets or infection, but your oral surgeon will provide thorough post-care instructions to help minimize the risk. If you have additional questions about impacted wisdom teeth, contact our office. |
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