The Truth About Vertical Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What You Need to Know
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in our mouths, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, however, these teeth grow in at an angle, causing them to become impacted. This can lead to a variety of problems, which is why it’s important to understand the truth about vertical impacted wisdom teeth.
What is a vertical impacted wisdom tooth?
When a wisdom tooth grows in vertically, it is considered to be in a normal position. However, if the tooth is blocked by another tooth, bone, or gum tissue, it can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and even damage to surrounding teeth and gums.
Symptoms of a vertical impacted wisdom tooth
If you have a vertical impacted wisdom tooth, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
– Pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth
– Swelling and redness around the affected area
– Difficulty opening your mouth
– Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
– Headaches or earaches
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment for vertical impacted wisdom teeth
If your dentist determines that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, they will typically refer you to an oral surgeon. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your preference and the complexity of the extraction.
After the extraction, you’ll be given instructions for caring for the extraction site to prevent infection and promote healing. You may also be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics, if necessary.
The importance of removing impacted wisdom teeth
While not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, impacted wisdom teeth can cause serious problems if left untreated. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to abscesses, cysts, and even tumors in rare cases.
Removing impacted wisdom teeth can improve your oral health and prevent future complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you determine if extraction is necessary for your specific situation.
Conclusion
In summary, vertical impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of symptoms and complications, and it’s important to seek treatment if you experience any discomfort or swelling in the back of your mouth. A dentist or oral surgeon can determine if extraction is necessary and guide you through the process of caring for your extraction site to promote healing and prevent infection.
