Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. When these teeth don’t have enough space to fully erupt, they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be angled incorrectly or trapped under the gum, causing pain and other complications.
Impaction occurs when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for the tooth to emerge, or when the tooth partially erupts at an improper angle. Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth may include:
- Pain or swelling in the jaw, behind the second molar tooth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Headaches or jaw stiffness
In severe cases, impacted teeth can cause infections or damage to neighboring teeth as well.
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist can diagnose it through full-mouth X-rays, which show the position, angulation of the tooth and any potential complications.
Treatment Options
- Monitoring: If there are no symptoms, the tooth may simply be monitored over time.
- Surgical Extraction: For symptomatic or partially erupted teeth, removal is usually recommended. The procedure is done under anesthesia and involves removing the tooth through an incision in the gum. If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Impacted wisdom teeth are common and can cause discomfort or complications such as recurring infections and damage to adjacent teeth, if not addressed. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent further issues and help maintain good oral health. Call us at 770-493-9992 and schedule a consultation today with us at Lavista Park Family Dentistry for the right guidance.