Impacted Wisdom Teeth - Asheville, NC
Relieving the Pain Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you know someone who has never had the pleasure of having their wisdom teeth removed, you may be wishing you were them, especially if you have impacted wisdom teeth. Dr. John White is all too familiar with this common procedure, performing it time and time again on mostly teenagers and young adults. When teeth become impacted, various complications can arise, causing immense pain and potential problems with your oral health. If you think you might need the help of a qualified oral surgeon, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: The Basics
When you were a baby, you went through a process known as “teething,” which probably left you feeling uncomfortable at times because your teeth were erupting through your gums. Now that you’re an adult and your permanent teeth are in place, the pain you experience now is typically that of a toothache. But what about that immense pain in the back of your mouth?
The Dangers of Impaction
When these teeth remain impacted and go untreated, not only are you suffering from pain and soreness in your mouth, but the following complications can occur:
- Damage to nearby teeth: If your impacted wisdom teeth are growing at an angle, they can push and shift your other teeth out of alignment. This can result in not only wisdom teeth extractions but the need for orthodontic work.
- Tumor development: Before you panic about the word “tumor,” this or a cyst is typically benign, but they can develop around the tooth and cause damage to nearby nerves, your jawbone, and even other teeth.
- Gum disease or tooth decay: When your wisdom teeth partially erupt, you’ll find it to be more difficult to keep them clean. You will be unable to floss effectively, making you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you have impacted wisdom teeth and feel no pain or tenderness, you are one of the lucky ones. However, just because you don’t notice any symptoms doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have them removed. It’s also important that whether you notice any problems, you should continue to see your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Some of the symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth include:
If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms developing, make sure to contact your oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to be Removed?
Surprisingly, no, wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. Although seldom, there are a few reasons why an oral surgeon will not remove them:
- Your wisdom teeth fully erupt with no problems
- They are not impacting your nearby teeth
- Your oral health is in good shape after they erupt
Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to evaluate your individual case and determine if it’s necessary to remove your wisdom teeth. Sometimes, it is best to extract them simply because they’re unnecessary and can pose future problems. As you age, the process of removing wisdom teeth becomes more difficult, so it is best if this procedure is done early on.