4 Problems That Can Arise Due to Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth typically grow in during the transition period to adulthood, between the ages of 16 and 24. While some people may have all four of their wisdom teeth, others may have three, two, one, or even none, and the risk that they pose to your oral health will determine whether or not they need to be removed. For those whose wisdom teeth are impacted below the gumline, these risks can include developing pain, cysts, and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Read on to learn how these complications can manifest and how removing them will benefit your health.

Pain

One of the most common signs that your wisdom teeth are growing in is oral pain. This can occur tenfold if they’re trapped below the gumline because they’ll be pressing against surrounding teeth and unable to break through the tissue. Some people can even experience pain as deep as their jaw, and the discomfort can range from a dull throbbing feeling to a sharper pain that comes and goes.

Cysts

Your teeth will develop in sacs that are located within the jawbone. If they’re impacted and only partially emerge from their sacs, it’s possible for them to fill up with fluid and develop into cysts or even (usually noncancerous) tumors. As the cysts grow, it can place pressure on the roots of your surrounding teeth, and in cases where they burst, it could lead to jaw and nerve damage.

Cavities

If your wisdom teeth are partially emerged, it can be incredibly difficult to properly brush them, leaving plaque behind to form into tartar within 72 hours. This can cause bacteria accumulation, leading to cavities forming not long after. If these hard-to-reach areas aren’t properly cleaned regularly, it can cause decay to spread to surrounding teeth as well.

Gum Disease

Similar to cavities, an increase in oral bacteria can also increase your risk of gum disease, which is an infection of the soft oral tissues. At first, this condition can cause symptoms like chronic bad breath and bleeding gums while brushing or flossing, but when not treated, it can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss.

Having Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extracted

Impacted wisdom teeth typically need to be surgically removed, and while this may sound daunting, the process is pain-less with sedation. Your dentist will create a door in your gums to access the impacted teeth, and if necessary, they’ll separate them into smaller pieces so they can be easily removed. Once they’re extracted, your gums will be sutured together so they can properly heal.

Although it may seem daunting to have to undergo an oral surgery, it can prevent the development of a variety of serious oral health problems down the road, from the ones listed above to many more. Plus, the procedure and healing process don’t take long at all, making it well worth it to preserve your smile.

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, our team consists of six talented dentists with collective decades of experience and a wide range of specialty training. This allows them to provide high-quality, comprehensive dentistry, from routine checkups and cleanings to impacted wisdom teeth extractions. They strive to make every patient’s experience a positive one, and always take their time to address patients’ questions and concerns. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 631-581-8600.