So, you’ve been told that your wisdom teeth are impacted and need extraction. You’re panicked. It’s completely normal. In fact, you’re probably wondering what wisdom teeth are, why they’re impacted, and if they need to be extracted? Good that you’ve come to the right place. A dentist is the right person to assess your situation and provide the right treatment course of action. However, this blog will help you gain insights into the basics of wisdom teeth, why impaction occurs, and what you should do to improve your oral health. Keep reading.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, a period often referred to as the “age of wisdom,” hence their name. They are located at the very back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth were helpful for our ancient ancestors, who needed extra teeth as they followed a diet that included raw meat and vegetables. When they lost a tooth, wisdom teeth were really helpful.
Over time, as humans evolved, our jaw size became smaller due to various reasons, including cooked diets and lifestyle changes. Moreover, we also have advanced dental treatment intended to save teeth. This resulted in fewer spaces to accommodate these late bloomers.
While some people don’t experience any problems with wisdom teeth, others tend to experience pain, discomfort, and other dental issues that require Wisdom teeth removal Sydney.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Impaction?
Despite their name, wisdom teeth don’t provide wisdom. Instead, they tend to be problematic, causing several dental problems. So, why are they problematic? As we said earlier, spacing is the major reason for them to be problematic. Since there’s not enough room for these wisdom teeth to emerge or develop properly, they become impacted. Instead of growing straight or aligned properly in the jawline, wisdom teeth get trapped under the gums, either partially or fully. This condition is called impaction.
When they are stuck under the gums, they might erupt in the wrong direction, causing several dental problems, including crowding, teeth misalignment, pain, tooth decay swelling, and discomfort.
How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the gums or jaw at the back.
- Difficulty opening your mouth due to jaw stiffness.
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste due to trapped food and bacteria.
- Swollen lymph nodes or recurring infections in the area.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth impaction can be silent, exhibiting no symptoms until a complication requires extraction. That’s why regular dental check-ups are necessary.
What Are the Different Types of Wisdom Teeth Impaction?
Understanding the different types of impaction is crucial to plan the treatment. In fact, the type of impact determines whether you need extraction or not and it also influences the Wisdom teeth removal cost Sydney. Generally, wisdom teeth are categorised into four different types, such as:
- Mesial Impaction
Among all four, it is the most common type of impaction, where the wisdom tooth tilts forward, leaning toward the second molar. In most cases, mesial impactions resolve naturally and don’t cause any trouble. For some, however, they can lead to pressure on adjacent teeth, causing pain or alignment issues that require wisdom tooth removal Sydney.
- Vertical Impaction
In vertical impaction, the tooth remains upright, attempting to emerge through the gums but getting stuck due to the limited space. That said, in most cases, vertical impactions are less likely to cause trouble if the tooth is aligned properly. However, they need regular monitoring to determine whether they have to be extracted.
- Horizontal Impaction
It’s one of the most complicated types of impaction, causing dental problems. A horizontally impacted wisdom tooth lies completely sideways, pressing into the roots of the adjacent teeth. When this occurs, it can lead to pain, swelling, teeth crowding, alignment issues, and even damage nearby teeth, often necessitating wisdom teeth extraction Sydney
- Distal Impaction
Distal Impaction is the least common and less likely to occur. In this case, the tooth tilts backward, angling toward the jawbone. However, the angle can pose risks if it prevents the tooth from erupting properly or leads to gum irritation.
What Can Happen If Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are Left Untreated?
If an impacted wisdom tooth is not treated, it can lead to several dental problems, including:
- Persistent Pain and Discomfort
Since an impacted wisdom tooth presses against neighbouring teeth, it can cause constant pain in the jaw, gum, and surrounding areas. Both pain and discomfort can worsen over time, affecting day-to-day activities like brushing, flossing, chewing, drinking, etc. This affects not only the impacted wisdom teeth but also other healthy teeth.
- Pericoronitis (Gum Infection)
Gum infection can occur when a partially impacted wisdom tooth creates a flap of gum tissue where food particles get trapped. This condition is called pericoronitis. Since partially emerged teeth cannot be brushed or flossed properly, they become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infection and decay. It can cause swelling, bleeding, difficulty opening the mouth, and bad breath. If you experience any of the symptoms, please visit your dentist right away.
- Tooth Decay
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Sydney is harder to clean and maintain due to their location and misalignment. Over time, bacteria and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities to impacted wisdom teeth and healthy adjacent teeth.
- Cyst Formation
Impacted and untreated wisdom teeth can develop a cyst. This fluid-filled sac surrounds the impacted wisdom teeth and can damage nearby teeth, nerves, and jawbones.
- Damage to Nearby Teeth
An untreated, impacted wisdom tooth can cause crowding and misalignment, which can undo the previous orthodontic work.
- Abscess Formation
If an impacted tooth becomes infected, it can form an abscess, a pocket of pus that may spread to other areas of the face or neck. This condition is painful and requires immediate medical attention.
What Is the Treatment Option for Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
In most cases, extraction is the right course of treatment. However, if the wisdom teeth have enough space in the jawline to develop properly, you can have them after monitoring their growth. The extraction and recovery procedures are quick.
When to Seek Treatment?
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are impacted as you’re experiencing these signs or you’ve been told so, please consult your dentist immediately. Early intervention can prevent these complications and save healthy teeth. Wisdom teeth extraction is a very common procedure and completely safe. Delaying the treatment can lead to several issues. So, follow your dentist’s guidelines and keep dental problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth at bay. If you’re concerned about the cost, look for clinics that offer affordable wisdom teeth removal in Sydney.
Common FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Impaction
1. What Are the Signs of Wisdom Teeth Impaction?
Common signs include jaw pain, swelling, difficulty chewing, or gum infections near the affected area.
2. How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Recovery typically takes 3–5 days, with full healing in 1–2 weeks for more complex cases.
3. What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Stick to soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes; avoid crunchy or spicy foods until fully healed.
4. Will I Need All Four Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not always—removal depends on the health and alignment of each individual tooth.
5. Are There Risks Involved with Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Minor risks like swelling or dry socket exist but are rare with proper aftercare.
