Impacted Wisdom Teeth (Third Molar)

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. They often do not have enough space to break through the gums. This is the state of impactation and can often lead to discomfort, pain, and other dental issues. This article guides you through what impacted wisdom teeth are, their symptoms, and what to expect during and after wisdom tooth removal.

What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?

When wisdom teeth become impacted, this may lead to the following symptoms:

Pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth
Swollen, tender gums
Difficulty opening your mouth
Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Red or bleeding gums
Headaches or jaw pain

Schedule an appointment with a dentist or oral surgeon as soon as you experience any of these symptoms.

How are they diagnosed?

Because impacted wisdom teeth are still underneath the gums, they must be diagnosed through a dental examination and X-rays. Your dentist or oral surgeon will take account of the position of your set molars, and, with these examinations, they determine the position of your set of molars. They will know if the wisdom teeth are trapped beneath the gums or if they are positioned at an angle that could lead to future issues.

What are treatment options?

The best solution is wisdom tooth extraction. This procedure involves extraction of the impacted tooth to prevent future complications such as painful infections, gum disease, or damage to other teeth.

The few treatment options depend on the severity of the impaction:

Wisdom tooth removal is removed easily by a dentist
Surgical extraction, performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon by making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth

Sometimes, the wisdom teeth will not be removed, though you will be advised to monitor the pain and discomfort you may experience closely. Early extraction is always the best because it reduces the risk of future complications.

What are the risks and complications of removing wisdom teeth?

Wisdom tooth extraction always has some risks.

Common complications include:

Swelling and bruising around the extraction site
Infection at the extraction sites
Dry socket, occurring when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged
Prolonged bleeding
Temporary numbness in the lips or tongue

See your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon to provide specific care for your oral health needs.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

The healing process usually takes one to two weeks. However, it varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. The swelling and discomfort are heightened days after the procedure, but there is nothing to worry about because they can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.

You will be encouraged to eat soft foods, avoid strenuous activities, and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection after the procedure.

Pericoronitis is a condition that can occur when a partially impacted wisdom tooth becomes infected. Food particles and bacteria might instigate this when they become trapped in the gum flap that covers part of the tooth. This will naturally lead to inflammation and infection. The symptoms include pain, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth.

Left untreated, pericoronitis leads to more severe infections and other dental issues. Early wisdom tooth removal can help prevent this condition.

Can impacted wisdom teeth cause other dental problems?

Yes, which includes:

Painful infections in the gums or surrounding teeth
Damage to adjacent teeth due to pressure from the impacted tooth
Cycsts that can form around the impacted tooth, potentially damaging the jaw bone
Crowding or shifting of other teeth.

Get your wisdom teeth extracted early to avoid these issues.

What is the best age to remove wisdom teeth?

Because the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully developed, the ideal time to remove wisdom teeth is typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Extracting them during this time makes the process easier and recovery faster, reducing the risk of complications.

What are alternative treatments?

It is often a matter of time before wisdom teeth are extracted. Even if they are not immediately causing symptoms, you will still be required to monitor them by getting yearly X-rays and being aware of any oral discomfort.

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