Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the human mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While many people experience a straightforward eruption process, others may encounter complications such as impacted wisdom teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth fails to emerge through the gum line fully or may not erupt at all, posing potential risks to oral health.
Anatomy and Eruption Challenges
Impaction occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for the wisdom tooth to grow normally. The human jaw may not always accommodate the additional teeth, leading to various types of impaction:
- Mesial Impaction: The tooth angles towards the front of the mouth.
- Vertical Impaction: The tooth grows straight down but fails to erupt fully.
- Horizontal Impaction: The tooth grows sideways and remains embedded in the jawbone.
- Distal Impaction: The tooth angles towards the back of the mouth.
Each type of impaction presents unique challenges and potential complications, which require evaluation and treatment by a dental professional.
Common Causes of Impaction
Several factors contribute to the likelihood of wisdom teeth becoming impacted:
- Insufficient Space: The most common reason for impaction is a lack of adequate space in the jaw to accommodate the eruption of wisdom teeth.
- Obstruction: If other teeth or bone structures block the path of the wisdom tooth, it may become trapped and unable to emerge properly.
- Abnormal Growth Patterns: Sometimes, the position or orientation of the developing wisdom tooth may predispose it to impaction.
- Late Development: Wisdom teeth develop later than other teeth, increasing the chances of encountering obstacles in their path to eruption.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Recognizing the signs of impacted wisdom teeth can help prompt timely intervention:
- Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or tenderness in the back of the mouth or jaw.
- Swelling: Inflammation and swelling of the gums in the affected area.
- Difficulty Opening Mouth: Limited jaw movement or stiffness.
- Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Due to bacteria accumulating around the impacted tooth.
- Headaches: Radiating pain from the jaw to the head.
Regular dental check-ups enable dentists to monitor the development of wisdom teeth and identify potential issues before symptoms arise.
Complications and Risks
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to various oral health complications:
- Tooth Decay: Impacted teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Infection: Bacteria can build up around the impacted tooth, causing infections and abscesses.
- Damage to Nearby Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth may push against adjacent teeth, causing damage or misalignment.
- Cysts or Tumors: Rarely, fluid-filled cysts or tumours may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, requiring surgical intervention.
Treatment Options
Treatment for impacted wisdom teeth depends on the severity of the impaction and the individual’s oral health:
- Monitoring: Your dentist may recommend regular monitoring in some cases, especially if the impacted tooth is not causing immediate problems.
- Extraction: Surgical removal of the impacted wisdom tooth is often necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications. Extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring comfort during the procedure.
Seek Necessary Dental Care with Collingwood Family Dental
Depending on the complexity of the impacted tooth, our dentists at Collingwood Family Dental can take a look and recommend a personalized treatment option for your dental needs. Schedule your consultation today to learn further.