The 5 Most Common Issues Caused by Wisdom Teeth Impaction
Third molars, often known as wisdom teeth, are prone to becoming impacted in modern people. These huge teeth usually don’t have enough room in the jaw to emerge correctly into the grin.
Unfortunately, impacted wisdom teeth can be quite problematic for individuals, creating a slew of complications. To avoid such problems, many individuals choose to have their wisdom teeth extracted by an oral surgeon before they become symptomatic.
Wisdom teeth that have become impacted might cause a variety of problems.
Patients with impacted wisdom teeth may have a range of issues. Some are potentially fatal, while others have a negative impact on one’s quality of life. The following are some of the issues that come with wisdom teeth that are impacted:
- Patients may experience discomfort as a result of impacted wisdom teeth.
- Misaligned teeth: Because impacted wisdom teeth will continue to try to erupt, they may knock other teeth out of position, erasing years of orthodontic therapy.
- Abscesses: Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the jaw, keeping them clean can be difficult. As a result, infections and abscesses in the area of impacted wisdom teeth are possible.
- Increased vulnerability to oral diseases: Oral bacteria that gather around impacted wisdom teeth can cause infection as well as tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cysts/Tumors: Cysts and tumors can form around wisdom teeth that are impacted.
This is only a small list of the problems that wisdom teeth might cause. Other issues may arise as a result of this.
Preventing Oral Health Issues with Wisdom Tooth Extraction
While the problems listed above are quite likely to arise when a patient’s wisdom teeth are impacted, it’s nearly impossible to anticipate when they will.
As a result, many individuals will opt to have their wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon as a preventative step.
If you decide to go this route, you should schedule your wisdom teeth extraction before you reach the age of 25. The removal of wisdom teeth becomes more difficult as you approach your late twenties, and the treatment has a lengthier recovery period.
Patients who are considering a prophylactic wisdom teeth extraction should arrange a consultation with our experts at Jackson Oral Surgery to see if this is the appropriate therapy for them. If left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth could also lead to the development of a dental cyst which can be extremely painful. Dental cysts put you at an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health issues.
Contact a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon
If you think your wisdom teeth are beginning to impact the rest of your mouth, it’s time to get them taken out. You’re never too old to get your wisdom teeth removed! To learn more about our process or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (469) 264-8921!
