Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop. These large molars may show up in the late teen or early adult years, but are formed below the gums much earlier. It is common for wisdom teeth to be impacted, or stuck below the gums. In this case it is in the best interest of your oral health to have them removed.
What happens if you don’t have impacted wisdom teeth removed? How long can the procedure wait? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to wisdom teeth removal for yourself or your child.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
The term “impacted” refers to wisdom teeth that do not erupt through the gums. Wisdom teeth often become stuck in the jaw under the gums due to their large size and positioning. If there is not enough room for them in the jaw, they may not be able to reach the surface.
Do You Need Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are not necessary for effective chewing in the modern world. They were crucial to survival for early humans who ate raw, tough food, but not for the evolved humans of today. More often than not, wisdom teeth are problematic for people, becoming not coming in properly and trapping food and bacteria.
Risks of Leaving Impacted Wisdom Teeth Untreated
- Pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful, and the only way to find permanent relief is to have them removed.
- Damage to neighboring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth, trapping bacteria and causing damage that can be irreparable.
- Infection. An infection can develop in the gum tissue where the teeth are stuck.
- Cysts or tumors. A cyst or tumor can develop around an impacted wisdom tooth that could become severe.
- Increased risk of gum disease. You are at an increased risk of gum disease when there are one or more impacted wisdom teeth in your mouth.
Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Pain. If you have pain concentrated to the back of your jaw, it may be due to impacted wisdom teeth.
- Swelling. If a bump forms on your gums at the back of your mouth behind your last molars, it could indicate an infected wisdom tooth or abscess.
- Trapped food. If you notice that food is becoming trapped more easily around your back teeth, it could be due to crowding or bone loss from impacted wisdom teeth.
Get a Professional Opinion
If you think you may have impacted wisdom teeth, schedule an evaluation with a qualified oral surgeon. Impacted wisdom teeth require minor surgery to remove because they have not erupted through the gum tissue. Dental x-rays can identify impacted wisdom teeth and provide insight to their size and position in the mouth.
Don’t wait until you are in severe pain or your teeth have become severely damaged or misaligned before seeking treatment. The sooner your impacted wisdom teeth are removed, the higher the chances that you can avoid negative oral health implications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Why are impacted wisdom teeth so common?
Wisdom teeth are often too large to come in properly. When there is not enough room in the jaw, these molars simply don’t have the space they need to erupt. You are more likely to have impacted wisdom teeth than for them to come in properly.
What is the best age for wisdom teeth removal?
While wisdom teeth often erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, most oral surgeons recommend having them removed on the younger end of that range. They are easier to remove before the roots fully develop.
Manchester Oral Surgery provides wisdom teeth removal as well as a variety of other oral surgery services. Dr. Abel and his team of qualified professionals prioritize your comfort in a modern and relaxing environment. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.