Is My Tooth Impacted?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the four molars that typically erupt in the back of your mouth between the ages of 17 and 25. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, or they may not erupt at all. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.
There are many reasons why wisdom teeth may become impacted. Some common reasons include:
- Lack of space: If there is not enough space in your jaw for all four wisdom teeth to erupt, they may become impacted.
- Crowding: If your teeth are crowded, it may be difficult for wisdom teeth to erupt normally.
- Misaligned jaw: If your jaw is misaligned, it may also make it difficult for wisdom teeth to erupt normally.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, including:
- Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, especially when chewing or biting down.
- Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can become infected, which can cause fever, chills, and other symptoms.
- Damage to surrounding teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against or damage surrounding teeth.
- Development of cysts or tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumors, which can be serious health problems.
If you think you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, it is important to see a dentist right away to have it evaluated. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and take X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, the dentist may recommend removing them. The removal of an impacted wisdom tooth is a surgical procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia. The dentist will make an incision in the gums to access the impacted tooth. The tooth will then be carefully removed from the socket. The dentist may also clean out the socket and remove any bone fragments.
The recovery from tooth removal can take several days to several weeks. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding after the procedure. The dentist will prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain. You should also avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth for a few days.
How to Tell if Your Wisdom Tooth is Impacted
There are a few signs and symptoms that can indicate that your wisdom tooth is impacted. These include:
- Pain: Pain in the back of your mouth, especially when chewing or biting down.
- Swelling: Swelling in the gums around the wisdom tooth.
- Infection: Fever, chills, or other signs of infection.
- Dry socket: A painful condition that can occur after wisdom tooth removal.
- Damage to surrounding teeth: If the impacted wisdom tooth is pushing against or damaging surrounding teeth, you may experience pain or discomfort when chewing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist right away to have your wisdom teeth evaluated.
Make an Appointment Right Away
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of problems, and they may require removal. The removal of an impacted wisdom tooth is a surgical procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia. The recovery from wisdom tooth removal can take several days to several weeks.
If you think you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, it is important to see a dentist right away to discuss your options.