Jaw Droppers: Dealing with Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are mostly detected after the symptoms start to surface. Their delayed arrival often clashes with existing dental alignment, often resulting in an uncomfortable experience. This often leads to the removal of the wisdom tooth. During the procedure, dentists apply proper methods tailored to each case, depending on tooth position and the depth of the issue. This article will provide additional information about the impacted wisdom teeth removal and the reason why it is essential for oral health. 

What is impacted wisdom teeth?

Wisdom Teeth or third molars which lack sufficient space to emerge fully and are thus covered by either gums or bone are known as impacted wisdom teeth. They erupt during late adolescence or early adulthood. For many, these teeth come in without any issues. For others, they can grow at odd angles, erupt partially or not break through the gums at all.

Impacted wisdom teeth are more commonly found in the lower jaw. Understanding their characteristics will enable an easy identification of symptoms and prevent other complications. Dentists can help when it comes to dealing with an impacted wisdom tooth.

Types of impacted wisdom teeth 

Mesial Impaction

In this type of impaction, the wisdom tooth is angled towards the second molar, pressing against it. Mesial impaction is one of the most common types of wisdom tooth impaction. 

Vertical Impaction

Vertical impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth usually attempts to come out but is blocked by neighbouring teeth or bone.  

Horizontal Impaction

Horizontal impaction happens when the wisdom tooth is positioned horizontally. The tooth may seem like it's lying sideways. It is one of the most common types of impaction. 

Distal Impaction

In distal impaction, the wisdom tooth is tilted towards the back of the mouth.  

Partial Impaction

A partially impacted wisdom tooth has only erupted through the gums partially and may occur in different positions, such as mesial, vertical, horizontal, or distal. 

Full Impaction

The wisdom tooth is one hundred per cent covered by gum or bone and the tooth is unlikely to erupt in a natural way. 

What are the symptoms and complications of wisdom tooth impaction?

The saying “jaw-dropping” is simply used to describe the intensity of wisdom tooth pain because individuals will experience throbbing pain when chewing, and headaches. Some impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort that will need to be examined by dentists. If your jaw or mouth is swelling or is painful then an impacted wisdom tooth could be the cause. Problematic impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of symptoms, including:

• Pain and tenderness in the back of the mouth or jaw
• Swelling or redness of the gums
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• Bad breath
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Pain radiating to nearby areas like head and ear

In case you have any of these symptoms you should see a dentist to find out if your wisdom teeth are impacted. If not, it may result in complications such as crowding or shifting of nearby teeth.

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What are the treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth?

Dentists may use different methods to diagnose an impacted wisdom tooth such as clinical exams, dental X-rays, and evaluation of symptoms.

The right treatment is chosen based on how bad the clinical condition is and your overall health status. Typically, surgery to remove the impacted teeth may be recommended to alleviate pain and prevent future problems. Regular monitoring is often suggested for a partially impacted wisdom tooth with no symptoms.

The surgical procedure to remove impacted wisdom teeth is typically performed under local anaesthesia or sedation. Post-removal care involves following a soft diet and specific instructions to prevent complications such as infection or dry socket. This will help with steady healing.

What are the complications of untreated impacted wisdom teeth?

This may lead to several dental concerns like:

Infection

If a wisdom tooth fails to completely emerge from the gums, it leaves behind an opening for bacteria that could cause localised infections.

Swelling and Fever

Symptoms of swelling of the gums or face along with a slight fever could indicate an infection.

Cysts

In some cases, there is an occurrence of a liquid-filled bubble called a cyst developing around the wisdom tooth, causing damage to the bone tissue surrounding it and even neighbouring teeth.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to press against or make brushing the adjacent molar difficult, thereby resulting in tooth decay on that tooth.

Sinus Problems

Upper wisdom teeth located close to the sinus cavities may, when impacted, contribute to a feeling of pressure or mild discomfort in the sinus area.

It is crucial to address impacted wisdom teeth promptly to avoid these potential complications.

Tips for Prevention and Maintenance

There are times when removing impacted wisdom teeth is the only option. The steps below can help keep the complications at bay.

• Regular dental appointments with modern imaging methods can help identify issues related to wisdom teeth.
• Daily care of your teeth is important. This can help reduce the risk of infections when you have an impacted wisdom tooth.
• Spot the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth to get medical attention promptly.
• Prevent dental complications later with prompt diagnosis of wisdom teeth problems and suitable treatment.

Conclusion

Dealing with impacted wisdom teeth can be one of life's most "jaw-dropping" experiences. From the throbbing pain to the great relief after it's out of your system, the whole process is quite unforgettable.

Knowing how to cope with the situation and its symptoms can help you ease this fear that comes along. It is crucial to take proper advice from a dental professional to better deal with the wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth removal is not always necessary. The treatment will be determined based on the symptoms you have, the current state of your oral health and how soon you see your dentist.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. What is impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth refer to the wisdom tooth that does not have room to erupt and will either erupt beneath the gums or be angled towards other teeth causing pain or affecting your oral health.

2. Do impacted wisdom teeth always need to be removed?

Not necessarily. Some impacted wisdom teeth can pose no long-term issues for many years. If the tooth is painful, is influencing surrounding teeth, or you are experiencing symptoms like swelling then your dentist may recommend removing it.

3. Is the impacted wisdom teeth removal process painful?

The entire process of removing the wisdom teeth is conducted under local anaesthesia or sedation to prevent any pain in this regard. Some swelling is possible in the next several days; however, with sufficient rest, all the problems subside.

4. How soon can you recover from wisdom teeth removal surgery?

Normally, most people start to feel better within a couple of days after removing wisdom teeth. Although full recovery may take weeks. Besides, taking soft foods and drinking sufficient amounts of water help getting back to normalcy soon.

5. When to get my wisdom teeth checked?

Wisdom tooth generally begin to appear in mid to late teen years and up to early twenties. Regular dental visits can allow for monitoring and help to detect potential issues early.

References

1. Quek, S. L., Tay, C. K., Tay, K. H., Toh, S. L., & Lim, K. C. (2003). Pattern of third molar impaction in a Singapore Chinese population: a retrospective radiographic survey. International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 32(5), 548-552.

2. KalaiSelvan, S., Ganesh, S. K. N., Natesh, P., Moorthy, M. S., Niazi, T. M., & Babu, S. S. (2020). Prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molar: An institution-based retrospective study. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 12(Suppl 1), S462-S467.