If you are in your late teens or early twenties, it is probably time for you to address your wisdom teeth. In many cases, this could mean having them removed. Why is this the case? Well, wisdom teeth do not always grow in perfectly aligned with your other teeth. In fact, they often become impacted, or trapped in the gums. If you’re in this age group, here are a few things you’ll need to know about impacted wisdom teeth.
1. There are multiple reasons you could be suffering from impacted wisdom teeth.
While some patients between the ages of 17 and 25 have no problems with their wisdom teeth, this is unfortunately not always the case. Overcrowding can often cause your wisdom teeth, or third molars, to become trapped in the gums—also known as impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can take many forms. Sometimes your teeth can partially erupt from the gums, and sometimes they never even break through. They may grow in at an angle toward your adjacent tooth or toward the back of your mouth. Sometimes they can even remain trapped in the jawbone. However your wisdom teeth become impacted, it is important to have them promptly removed.
2. Impacted teeth are still susceptible to oral health issues, even beneath the gums.
Think that teeth hidden beneath the gums are safe from oral health issues? Think again! Impacted teeth are susceptible to a whole spectrum of problems. Firstly, partially impacted teeth are at higher risk of tooth decay than your other teeth. They can also lead to gum disease because they are so difficult to clean and can cause inflammation of the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause abscesses, cysts, and damage to other teeth. Therefore, removing these teeth as a preventative measure can actually be quite beneficial to your health.
3. Impacted wisdom teeth can be quite common.
You may be surprised to learn that wisdom teeth actually become impacted about 44 percent of the time! Many scientists believe that this is the fault of evolution. Our jawbones used to be much bigger because of our plant-based diets. Over time, though, our jawbones began to shrink, causing overcrowding that can cause the wisdom teeth to become impacted. In theory, this is why so many people must have their wisdom teeth removed today!
4. There are a few symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth you can look out for.
In many cases, impacted wisdom teeth exhibit no noticeable symptoms. However, when impacted wisdom teeth cause problems within your gums, it is possible you could experience discomfort. You might notice your gums tend to bleed, or become red and swollen. You may also experience jaw pain and swelling, or even difficulty opening your mouth. Ultimately, if you are having any of these symptoms, you should visit your dentist straight away.
5. Visiting your dentist often can help you to avoid problems with impacted wisdom teeth.
By visiting your dentist every six months, they will be able to monitor your wisdom teeth with x-rays. This will allow them to track the growth of your wisdom teeth and, if necessary, remove them before they can cause any issues.
To have a dentist examine your wisdom teeth, call Caputo Dental in Naperville today!