Impacted Wisdom Teeth and What to Do About Them

Learn how to correct problems caused by impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth.

In the past, it was common for just about everyone to have their wisdom teeth extracted as a preventative measure, just to make sure these hard-to-clean teeth did not cause any future problems. However, today more and more dentists are recommending close monitoring of wisdom teeth rather than automatic extraction. By waiting until one or more of the wisdom teeth actually causes a problem before performing an extraction, patients are saved from unnecessary surgery.

One common problem that is encountered with wisdom teeth is impaction. An impacted tooth is one that has not emerged from beneath the gums in a timely manner, or has emerged only partially. This may occur because the jaw is too crowded to accommodate the new tooth or because the tooth is growing in crooked or twisted.

What Problems Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause or contribute to a variety of problems. The first problem patients may notice is a sensation of pressure or pain as the teeth strain to find a way to erupt out of the gums. They may even cause pain in other teeth as they force these teeth to move out of position to make room for the wisdom teeth. Of course, a side effect of this process could be the development of a crooked smile, as a chain reaction of shifting teeth will make front teeth move out of alignment as well.

When wisdom teeth are partially impacted, there is the potential for infection. Bacteria can easily become trapped in the gum pocket around the hard-to-brush, partially erupted tooth, and they may eventually make their way down into the root of the tooth. From there the bacteria may also spread to the roots of adjacent teeth. If oral bacteria find a way into the bloodstream, they could even contribute to increased risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or dementia.

Do All Impacted Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

No. Although an estimated 9 out of 10 individuals will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, few actually experience any serious problems. Partially impacted teeth are the greater concern, due to the risk of infection.

Most patients have fully erupted wisdom teeth by age 25. If the teeth have not erupted by this time and are impacted or partially impacted, it will be very important to visit the dentist regularly for close monitoring of the teeth using x-rays and dental exams. This way, problems may be detected and corrected promptly.

Trust California Dental Group with Your Extraction

The best treatment for an impacted wisdom tooth that is causing problems is extraction. Since this is a significant dental procedure, it is very important to choose a dentist you know and trust. California Dental Group makes an excellent choice. Our wisdom tooth extraction specialists will be happy to answer all your questions, make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure, and provide superior follow-up care afterwards.

For an evaluation of your wisdom teeth or to learn more about extractions, please contact one of our clinic locations today.