What Health Issues Come From Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth at 76210, Texas, bring severe oral health issues that a dentist or oral surgeon must check. One of the available treatments is wisdom tooth extraction, which dentists only recommend after a visual check and X-rays.

When Do You Experience Wisdom Tooth Growth

The third molars typically arrive when you are between 17 and 25 years old. Because of this late emergence, this set of teeth is called “wisdom teeth.” These molars come out at the innermost corners of the jaws – one in the left and right upper jaw and the corresponding locations in the lower mouth.  

Why Do You Develop Impacted Third Molars?

Space is the primary reason why people develop impacted wisdom teeth. Because they grow later than other teeth, the mouth and the jaw are already crowded when they erupt. Hence, they emerge from the gums at an odd angle. The crown may grow and rest against the second molar, causing pressure and pain.  

In other cases, third molar growth does not entail any problems for some people. However, the dentist may continually require X-rays to monitor the tooth’s growth and determine when oral surgery is needed.  

Complications That Make Wisdom Tooth Extraction Necessary

Several reasons make wisdom tooth extraction a necessity. These include:

Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the tissues that, in turn, results from uncontrolled plaque. Plaque comes from food residue that remains trapped between our teeth and on the tissue connecting the teeth to the gums. When the latter becomes infected, it causes inflammation and bleeding.

The third molar grows at a different angle, creating space where debris can accumulate and become difficult to clean. If the dentist sees a risk for gum disease, they may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction.  

Cavities

Aside from the gums, plaque can accumulate in the enamel of the tooth’s outer shell. If it’s not removed within 72 hours, they’ll form a hard surface called tartar, making removal difficult. Protected by the tartar, the plaque’s bacteria burrow into the enamel and create holes called cavities.  

Cavities can be prevented through proper oral hygiene. However, if the wisdom tooth makes brushing and flossing difficult, the dentist may want to remove it.

Damage That Spreads to Neighboring Teeth

Gum infection and cavities can spread to the second molar if left unchecked. Gingivitis could progress to periodontal disease, which is non-reversible except through surgery. Periodontitis can also lead to tooth loss and damage to the bone structure supporting the teeth.  

On the other hand, bacteria can transfer to the nearest tooth’s enamel, where they can create additional cavities. Cavities could also spread bacteria to the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves are located. Pulpitis is a painful infection that may or may not be reversed.  

These conditions can threaten neighboring teeth if the wisdom tooth is not extracted.

Cysts and Tumors

Sometimes, fluid can accumulate between the top of the wisdom tooth and the enamel’s outer layer. Fully erupted third molars don’t develop this issue. However, partially erupted or embedded teeth will manifest first as a fluid-filled sac.  

Dental experts refer to these as dentigerous cysts, which manifest no symptoms. They usually burst when the molar has come out. However, since the impact prevents normal growth, the overstaying cyst can make the tooth’s surface difficult by expanding the dental follicle.  

The cyst also exerts pressure on other teeth, nerves, and jawbones. They could be pushed out of their alignment the longer the third molar remains misaligned.  

Symptoms That You Have Impacted Molars

Most people are unaware that they are impacted wisdom teeth because there are no symptoms. However, if the molar begins affecting neighboring teeth and gums, you may experience any of these signs:

• Swollen gums, which could mean gingival infection
• Tenderness in the gums
• Gum bleeding
• Pain in the jaws, especially when you try to move them
• Persistent foul breath despite frequent brushing and flossing
• Restricted jaw movements
• Ear pain

First Aid to Alleviate These Symptoms

First aid only works on the pain that the impacted third molar brings. There are many remedies for pain relief that you can find at home. These include:

Saltwater Rinse

Saltwater rinse clears the mouth of bacteria, which may thrive beneath the emerging wisdom tooth. It also prevents gum infection. Mix a glass of warm water and salt, gargle the solution, and spit after a few seconds.

Peppermint Extract

Massage a cotton ball soaked with a peppermint solution to either your gums or teeth. The solution contains menthol, which leaves behind a cool and soothing sensation that should alleviate pain.  

Cold Compress

This is the universal home remedy against pain and inflammation. Fill up an ice pack and press against the mouth. If you don’t have an ice pack, you can wrap a towel around the ice.  

However, these measures provide only temporary relief. You cannot relieve symptoms such as gum bleeding and prolonged bad breath. These symptoms can only worsen over time unless the problematic wisdom tooth is removed.  

Visit a Dentist if You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth in 72610

An impacted tooth requires surgery that only a trained oral surgeon can perform. Find out if you need surgery and how to prepare for it. Contact us now and book your appointment.