Wisdom Teeth Impaction

Wisdom Teeth Impaction | Dentist Thornton

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are large teeth located at the back of your mouth that come through your gums last. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25; however, they can also break through much later or not at all.

There are many reasons why a wisdom tooth must be removed. It could be due to crowding, trauma, severe decay, or infection. The tooth can be trapped below the gum tissue by other teeth or bone. This is then referred to as an “impacted wisdom tooth”. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in swelling and tenderness. If the wisdom tooth causes pain or other issues, extraction may be recommended.

Four Types of Impaction

Mesioangular – this is the most common form of impaction as it happens 44% of the time. A tooth has developed at an angle, which pushes the rest of the teeth forward.

Vertical – this occurs when the third molars can’t break through the gum line

Distoangular – the impaction is recognised as distoangular impaction if the tooth is angled backwards.

Horizontal – if horizontal impaction occurs, this means that the wisdom tooth has grown at a 90 degrees angle, which approaches the roots of the second molars.

Problems Caused By Impacted Wisdom Teeth

  • Swelling or sore gums
  • Tender gums
  • Intense tooth pain
  • Pus from the gum
  • Fever
  • Difficulties in opening the mouth
  • Complications in chewing food and swallowing

The Importance of Wisdom Tooth Removal

In most cases, third molars are extracted if they are impacted. Infection can develop if impacted wisdom teeth are not removed. In addition, you are likely to experience pain, discomforts, swelling, stiffness in the jaw, and general ill-feeling. Impacted wisdom teeth are also hard to clean because of their location inside the mouth.

Teeth that are partly covered and have issues with eruption are at risk of debris building up and the danger of possible infection. Symptoms such as redness, pain, foul mouth odour, complication in opening the jaw, and other illness related to your wisdom teeth may cause serious infection if you disregard treatment.

Smoking and Wisdom Tooth Complications

Smoking following your wisdom teeth removal procedure can highly affect your recovery and directly delay your healing process.

In the news

Smoking and Wisdom Tooth Complications | Dentist Thornton

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), smoking can also affect your sense of taste and smell and delay your recovery after a tooth extraction or other dental procedure.

In addition, the tar from cigarette smoke stains your teeth, causes bad breath and can discolour your tongue. The only way to remove these stains is with a professional cleaning in the dentist’s office.

Wisdom Teeth Solution at Thornton Dental

If you have problems with your wisdom teeth or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable you visit a dental professional as soon as possible. Thornton Dental doctors have extensive experience dealing with impacted wisdom teeth. We have handled a vast range of simple and complex dental procedures over the years. We also offer pain-free dental service to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the treatment.

Guaranteed same day dental emergency appointment!

Call us on (02) 4966 2996 or book your appointment online today!

Pin It on Pinterest