Evolution has made wisdom teeth largely obsolete, and as a result, many people eventually need to have them removed. When a wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, fails to erupt properly, it is considered impacted. Oral surgery may be recommended to extract impacted wisdom teeth if you experience any of the following problems:
- Mouth pain and bite issues due to damage to surrounding teeth caused by overcrowding from the extra molars.
- Jaw and nerve damage caused by cysts that form around the impacted wisdom teeth.
- Sinus pain, pressure, and congestion resulting from wisdom teeth complications.
- Inflamed and infected gum tissue because it’s difficult to clean around impacted wisdom teeth properly.
- Cavities resulting from infected gums that create pockets where bacteria can grow.
- Alignment problems that affect braces, bridges, crowns, or partial dentures due to crowding caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
To diagnose impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist will check for signs of infection or swollen gums and ask about your oral hygiene routine. Dental x-rays can confirm the diagnosis, and also show any damage to adjacent teeth or the jawbone.
When discussing wisdom tooth extraction with your dentist, consider your age. Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 16 and 25. Younger patients tend to experience fewer complications from wisdom tooth extraction compared to older adults.
If your dentist recommends removal due to impacted wisdom teeth, ask for a referral to a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the best chance of a successful and complication-free surgery.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Reynoldsburg dental office to schedule your consultation!
