Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe problems with the rest of the mouth if left untreated. It may seem benign at first, but it could lead to other problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Those suffering from impacted wisdom teeth should reach out to an oral surgeon who can help treat the problem.
What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth reside in the back of the mouth; two on top and two on the bottom on either side. When they become impacted, they lack the room to fully grow, and failing to address this problem could lead to certain issues. Given the location of these teeth, it makes it difficult to thoroughly brush them. Jaw pain is one of the more common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, but other symptoms include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Swelling around the jaw
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth
What Problems Can Arise?
Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a wide assortment of problems. Those who are suffering should seek help immediately from an experienced oral surgeon. Problems that can arise include:
- Damage to other teeth: Left untreated, the impacted wisdom tooth can push into the second molar, which could lead to an infection or crowding among the other teeth.
- Cysts: A wisdom tooth can form a sac that fills with fluid, eventually becoming a cyst. This cyst can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves in the mouth.
- Sinus issues: These problems can arise more with teeth that grow in the upper jaw. When they grow, they can develop roots that will push and rub against the sinuses, putting pressure on them. It is not a common problem but could cause sinus pressure and headaches.
- Gum disease: Since impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, they become neglected. When that happens, there is an increased risk of developing inflamed gums or gum disease.
- Decay: The structure of the impacted wisdom tooth can also suffer if a person fails to adequately clean them. The result could be either tooth decay or the formation of cavities in the neglected teeth.
What is the Treatment?
The primary treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is removal or extraction by an oral surgeon with the use of local anesthesia. If a person’s wisdom teeth have broken fully through the gums, extraction is easy with little to no complications. Extracting teeth that remain below the gumline is more complicated. To execute that procedure, an oral surgeon will create an incision in the gums above the tooth.
If bone is covering the tooth, it will have to be removed first before addressing the tooth. Once the bone is clear, the surgeon can then remove the tooth. In some cases, the surgeon may need to remove the tooth in pieces. This prevents damaging any of the nerves within the tooth. While it is a common procedure, it should only be performed if a person is having trouble with a particular tooth.
Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Effectively Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth in Mullica Hill
If you are suffering from impacted wisdom teeth and need treatment immediately, Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help. Our knowledgeable surgeons can walk you through the entire procedure. Contact us online or call 856-582-4222 to schedule an appointment today. Located in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, we serve patients throughout South Jersey.