Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in and the ones least needed for good oral health. The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are called such because they develop when most individuals become adults (about 17 years of age). These large grinding teeth, also known as the third molars, sometimes never develop in certain people, while in others, up to 4 teeth are seen.
Because our jaws are smaller than our ancestors, our wisdom teeth may not have enough room to fit in our mouths properly. Therfore, problems may result if these additional teeth attempt to fit in our mouths properly. Therefore, problems may result if these additional teeth attempt to emerge. These are known as impacted wisdom teeth. Though they cause no problems in most people, some people are vulnerable to serious problems and hence need them to be extracted.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Though wisdom teeth generally do not cause problems, sometimes they may not come through the gums properly when there is not enough space for them at the back of the mouth. As a result, they do not grow in a straight line and instead emerge at an angle to fill the available space. Based on the manner in which the wisdom tooth grows through there are four types of impacted teeth.
- Mesial Impaction : The most common type seen, where by the teeth grow at an angle facing towards the front of the mouth.
- Vertical impaction : Teeth grow straight down but get stuck against the neighboring teeth.
- Horizontal Impaction : The teeth grow horizontally and push against the neighboring teeth.
- Distal Impaction : The wisdom tooth turns away from the tooth next to it and becomes lodged in that position.
Reasons
A wisdom tooth may be an impacted one if there is.
- Lack of space for the new teeth to come in.
- Crowding of teeth if there are the other teeth in the way of the emerging wisdom teeth.
Symptoms
Swollen gums around the wisdom tooth leading to stiffness and soreness of jaw.
- Lack of space for the new teeth to com in.
- Crowding of teeth if there are other teeth in the way of the emerging wisdom teeth.
- Bad breath and a bad taste as a result of infection at the back of the mouth.
- Pain, swelling, infection, a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease in other teeth.
Need for Treatment
In most cases, impacted wisdom teeth are harmless and do not require treatment. Whether wisdom teeth cause your mouth harm depends on several factors, including the size of your jaw and how your wisdom teeth grow in. You may have no symptoms at all but the other teeth in your mouth could be at risk for damage.
Potential Problems
Since impacted wisdom teeth as well as wisdom teeth that have emerged only partially through the gum are difficult to clean, they are highly susceptible to dental problems such as:
Pericoronitis:
The infection of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth due to accumulation of plaque between the gums and top of the impacted tooth.
Misalignment of Teeth: An impacted or erupting wisdom tooth can push on adjacent teeth, causing them to become crooked or even damaging them structurally.
Cavities: Since impacted teeth are difficult to clean, it can cause plaque accumulation on the surface of the tooth, which results in the formation of holes or cavities in the teeth. Overtime, this can also spread and affect the neighboring second molars.
Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease: Occurs as a result of plaque accumulated that cannot be cleaned through normal brushing and flossing, causing infection and swelling of gums. Over time, this can spread and affect the first and second molars and the bone surrounding the tooth.
Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, the tissue surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth can become infected, increasing the risk of a cyst or tumor development.
Treatment Options
As per NICE guidelines for wisdom teeth extraction.
Surgical Removal or Extraction: Most common treatment, especially when dental problems such as infection, cysts, tooth decay or gum diseases occur around the wisdom tooth.
Cutting back the surrounding gum tissue: If pain is caused as a result of the impacted teeth pressing into the surrounding gum, and surgery to cut back the gum is sufficient.
Customer Reviews
We were here for wisdom tooth extraction and root canal, the whole staff and doctor were very good and service was great. It went on smooth specially liked the quality of service and their time sense was on spot. We would definitely recommend Ajay Krishna who has good experience and that was exhibited well through the whole procedure of treatment.
Samara Simha
My prior experience with other dental clinics was bad and had fear of having the same here. But it was different. I visited this clinic with severe tooth pain and the way they treated was awesome. I had to get my wisdom tooth extracted. Dr Ajay gives you good suggestions and treatment. The recovery time was also less. Thanks to FOCUS dental care. I would definitely recommend this to all my friends.
Rajesh Kumar
I had my best experience while wisdom tooth extraction. The doc properly followed the procedure without hurrying. Have anaesthesia and waited for enough time and then started pulling. I didn't feel any pain or pulling effort during the procedure which was not the case when I visited another place for another tooth. So happy that I chose this place!!
Asha RV
I have been taking teeth treatment services from Focus Dental Care since 3 years and I have been completely satisfied with their team every time. I have done RCT, wisdom teeth extraction, scaling and fillings. Would recommend this clinic to all.
Jyotsna Hansda
I have done my extraction here. Dr Ajay sir has patiently removed my wisdom tooth with a minimal pain. I really recommend this clinic. Thanks focus Team and Dr Ajay.