Wisdom teeth are the last molars to appear in the mouths of adults, typically growing in four teeth at the back, two on the top and two on the bottom.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and damage to other teeth, leading to health problems. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not cause immediate problems, but due to difficulty in cleaning, they may be more prone to tooth decay or gum problems than other teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or problems for other teeth are usually extracted. It is also recommended to remove impacted wisdom teeth that do not show clear symptoms to prevent future problems and maintain oral health.
Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth may not always be permanent, but when infection occurs or causes damage to other teeth, some signs and symptoms indicating the need for medical attention may appear:
1. Gum redness and swelling: Impacted wisdom teeth may cause redness and swelling in the surrounding gums.
2. Gum tenderness or bleeding: The gums around impacted wisdom teeth may be irritated, with observed tenderness or bleeding.
3. Jaw pain: Pain may occur in the back of the jaw due to pressure from impacted wisdom teeth.
4. Swelling around the jaw: Swelling around the affected area may indicate inflammation or infection.
5. Foul breath and taste: This may be due to an infection in the area.
6. Difficulty opening the mouth: Difficulty in opening the mouth due to swelling or pain.
When to see a dentist:
It is advisable to visit a dentist if you experience any of these symptoms in the area behind the last tooth. These signs may indicate the presence of impacted wisdom teeth that require care and evaluation by a medical expert.
Impaction of wisdom teeth occurs when there is not enough space for them to grow and erupt naturally. Wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and although some individuals may have wisdom teeth that erupt naturally and align with other teeth, many face challenges in the growth of these teeth in a crowded oral environment.
Impacted wisdom teeth may partially erupt or remain completely trapped inside the bone. They may appear at an angle next to the second molar, behind the mouth, or even lying horizontally within the jawbone. These different positions of impacted wisdom teeth usually become apparent as they develop and grow.
Among the common problems that may occur due to impacted wisdom teeth:
1. Damage to other teeth: Pressure from wisdom teeth can lead to damage or an increased risk of infection in the second molar.
2. Cysts: Wisdom teeth may grow inside a cyst in the jawbone, potentially causing damage to bones and teeth.
3. Tooth decay: Partially impacted wisdom teeth expose parts of them to the risk of decay due to difficulty in cleaning.
4. Gum diseases: Impacted wisdom teeth increase the risk of inflammatory gum conditions.
To avoid these problems, it is recommended to regularly visit a dentist for examination and monitoring of wisdom teeth growth. Regular follow-up X-rays can be helpful in detecting impaction before any symptoms appear.
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