Impacted wisdom teeth are a common dental issue that affects millions of people every year. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically begin to develop in the teenage years and emerge into the mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. However, in some cases, wisdom teeth may not have enough room to emerge properly, leading to impacted wisdom teeth. If you’re experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, it’s essential to seek professional care from qualified dentists offering Powell, TN dental services.

Our team of experienced dentists provides comprehensive dental services, including wisdom teeth extractions, to help you achieve optimal oral health and alleviate the discomfort and complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth.

What is Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the human mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are located in the back of the mouth, one on each side of the upper and lower jaws, and are designed to provide additional chewing surfaces and support the surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth are called “wisdom” teeth because they typically emerge when an individual is older and wiser. 

Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough room in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to emerge properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Overcrowding: If the jaw is too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth, they may become impacted.
• Genetics: Some people may be more prone to impacted wisdom teeth due to their genetic makeup.
• Jaw shape and size: The shape and size of the jaw can affect the development and emergence of wisdom teeth.
• Dental work: Dental work, such as orthodontic treatment, can sometimes cause wisdom teeth to become impacted.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, discomfort, and tenderness in the jaw, gums, and teeth.
• Swelling: The gum tissue around the impacted wisdom tooth may become swollen and inflamed.
• Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, leading to abscesses, cysts, and other complications.
• Damage to adjacent teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing them to become damaged or displaced.
• Bad breath: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause bad breath, as bacteria and food particles can accumulate in the impacted tooth.

Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Treatment for impacted wisdom teeth depends on the severity of the impaction and the symptoms experienced. The following treatment options are available:

• Extraction: In most cases, impacted wisdom teeth need to be extracted to prevent further complications.
• Surgery: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may need to be surgically removed.
• Coronectomy: A coronectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the crown of the impacted wisdom tooth while leaving the roots intact.
• Monitoring: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not need to be extracted immediately. Instead, they can be monitored with regular dental check-ups to ensure that they do not cause any further complications.

Prevention

While impacted wisdom teeth cannot be completely prevented, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of complications:

• Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help identify impacted wisdom teeth early on, reducing the risk of complications.
• Good oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, can help prevent infections and other complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
• Orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic treatment can sometimes help prevent impacted wisdom teeth by creating more space in the jaw.

If you suspect that you have impacted wisdom teeth, consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best course of treatment.