Everything You Need to Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth, there’s a good chance that impacted wisdom teeth might be the culprit. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt. They typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood, but for some people, the teeth can become impacted, causing a host of problems.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that fails to emerge properly through the gum line. This can happen if there isn’t enough room for the tooth to come in or if the tooth is coming in at an angle. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
Common signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have impacted wisdom teeth:
- Pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Foul breath that won’t go away
Treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth
If you’re experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend one of several treatment options, including:
- Watchful waiting: If your impacted wisdom teeth aren’t causing any problems, your dentist may simply monitor them to make sure they don’t become infected or cause other dental issues.
- Extraction: If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or other problems, they may need to be extracted. This is usually done under local anesthesia, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
- Surgical removal: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may need to be surgically removed. This is usually done under general anesthesia and may require a longer recovery period.
Prevention of impacted wisdom teeth
There’s no foolproof way to prevent impacted wisdom teeth, but you can take some steps to reduce your chances of developing this problem. Here are a few tips:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly to keep your mouth healthy.
- Schedule regular dental visits: Your dentist can monitor your oral health and catch problems early.
- Consider early extraction: Some dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they have a chance to become impacted.
Conclusion
Impacted wisdom teeth can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but with the help of a qualified dentist, you can manage the symptoms and get back to your normal routine. If you suspect that you may have impacted wisdom teeth, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to dental health.
