The arrival of wisdom teeth can produce uncomfortable symptoms. Their presence also contributes to a number of oral health concerns including increased risks for tooth decay and gum disease. If you notice symptoms such as orofacial pain or frequent headaches, you might have impacted wisdom teeth.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
It’s important to know that impacted wisdom teeth may not produce noticeable symptoms among some patients. However, the following are common side effects of wisdom tooth impaction:
- Reduced oral function – including difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Jaw pain
- Facial swelling along the jaws
- Tender, red, or bleeding gums
- Unwanted tooth movement – specifically crowding or overlapping of teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in one’s mouth
How Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted
Wisdom teeth are a set of third molars that arrive in adulthood. Most people have four wisdom teeth while some might have less than four and even none at all. Since these teeth rarely emerge upright, X-rays are needed to determine their status.
Before access to modern oral healthcare was widespread, people often lost their first and second sets of molars to disease before wisdom teeth arrived. Now that people retain most of their biological teeth far longer, there is no room for wisdom teeth to emerge. A lack of room causes wisdom teeth to come in sideways, often becoming stuck in the gums and/or jaw.
Treating Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Determining the status of your wisdom teeth involves consulting with a dentist. If diagnostic images reveal that your wisdom teeth are impacted, you will likely be referred to an oral surgeon for their extraction. Wisdom teeth are removed because they are not necessary to oral function. Removing wisdom teeth can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk for oral health conditions.
Our practice provides wisdom tooth extraction. We utilize the latest technology and surgical techniques to minimize invasiveness and maintain comfort. If your dentist has recommended that your third molars be removed, call the office of Dr. Robert Peak to reserve a consultation with our experienced oral surgeon.
