Occasionally, wisdom teeth become trapped and fail to fully erupt. This may be caused by lack of space, misalignment or the density of your jawbone. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth cause no discomfort or symptoms and do not need to be removed. However, a dentist can recommend oral surgery to prevent complications in the future.
Causes
Impacted wisdom teeth can develop because of a lack of space in the jawbone or gums, crowding of other teeth, and crooked or twisted teeth that grow sideways. Infection can also develop because food gets stuck between partially erupted wisdom teeth, leading to gum inflammation called pericoronitis.
Pain or stiffness in the jaw can be caused by impacted wisdom teeth, especially when they shift as they come in and disrupt nerve endings that run throughout the area. This can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is responsible for jaw movement.
It may become difficult to open or close the mouth due to the impacted tooth, which can be a sign of serious problems. If the impacted tooth is causing infection, you might experience swelling in the jaw, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, and a foul taste in the mouth. If you have these symptoms, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment. Your dentist might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, and warm salt water to rinse the area.
Symptoms
Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include pain and swelling, difficulty chewing, bad breath, or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If the tooth is causing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used.
When a partially-erupted wisdom tooth becomes trapped in the gum tissue or jawbone, a localized infection called pericoronitis may develop. Symptoms of this condition include painful gums, a bad taste in the mouth, and swollen jaws.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also crowd the other teeth in your mouth, changing their position and shifting the way your bite fits together. This can lead to accelerated tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Depending on the extent of your symptoms, some dentists recommend removal of all impacted wisdom teeth, even those that have not yet erupted. Others recommend monitoring your impacted wisdom teeth with regular dental visits and avoiding any foods that could irritate the area. This allows them to be screened for problems before they progress.
Treatment
Surgical removal is the most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth. This procedure is usually performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under anesthesia.
This involves making an incision in the gums and removing bone that blocks access to the tooth. In some cases the dentist may divide the impacted tooth into sections for easier removal. Following surgery patients should follow strict post-surgery care instructions.
It is important to monitor wisdom teeth through regular dental checkups. This can help avoid more serious complications such as damage to the molar in front of it, gum disease, or cyst formation.
Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and can lead to a variety of problems in the back of the mouth. These can range from simple pain to jaw problems that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Some of these problems can also cause headaches. This is because impacted wisdom teeth can change how you bite and chew.
Prevention
Many dentists and oral surgeons recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or other problems. However, some doctors may recommend keeping an eye on impacted wisdom teeth that don’t cause symptoms. If this is the case, regular dental check-ups will help monitor the condition and prevent future problems.
Crowded wisdom teeth can alter the growth pattern of other nearby teeth, leading to changes in the bite and even jaw bone damage. They can also trap food and debris in the gum tissue, which can lead to a localized infection called pericoronitis.
Some symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include pain in the back of the mouth, bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth, swollen gums, and difficulty opening the mouth. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage any discomfort.