The Dangers of Impacted Wisdom Tooth

By Ivy Guingab: Impacted wisdom teeth, or the third molars that fail to break the gum line or do so only partially, have the potential to cause a host of problems. In general, this specific case arises when the third molars don’t have enough space left behind the second molars (crowding), and so they often become impacted.

Other cases of impacted teeth are due to misalignment, which happens when the tooth is rotated out of position. Conflicting position is another reason wherein another tooth breaks over the position of the third molar.

As complicated as it sounds, impacted wisdom teeth can cause several problems and therefore needs careful attention. To help you become more aware, read on and help yourself understand the risks or the dangers of impacted wisdom teeth:

Tooth decay is one of the most troublesome results of impacted wisdom tooth. Since they are by and large not easy to clean and because food and bacteria are often trapped between the gum and the partially grown tooth, they appear to be more susceptible to tooth decay.

Along with tooth decay comes gum disease, where the gum tissue become a favourable host for bacteria and happens to be infected and inflamed. The so-called “pericoronitis” is the more technical term for the condition, wherein the gum tissue surrounding the partially erupted tooth becomes infected, which results in a swollen, inflamed tissue mass. In misalignment cases, the impacted wisdom tooth has the tendency to push against the second molar, which can cause damage and yet another chain of vulnerability to infection.

In worst yet rare cases, cysts and tumors develop around impacted third molars. This happens when the surrounding follicular sac becomes infected and can lead to destruction of the surrounding jawbone and even to neighboring teeth. This complication may require more intricate and extensive treatment.

Many dentists recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth to do away with these dangers and to improve overall oral health. But take note that removal of wisdom teeth may not be necessary if the teeth are fully grown, positioned correctly, and are healthy in general.

Depending on the condition, impacted wisdom tooth may require surgical removal. Surgical treatment options depend on several factors like the severity of the impacted tooth, the position of the impacted tooth, and your age. Most dentists also recommend removal of the wisdom teeth before they grow too large and cause future complications. It is better to consult your dentist and have a careful examination of your teeth in order to settle on the right treatment for you.

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