Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that can’t fully emerge or develop normally. They get stuck below the surface of your gum or grow at an angle, sometimes pushing against the tooth next to them. This happens because there’s not enough room in your mouth for these teeth to come in properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can be entirely hidden within the gums, partially break through, or grow in a direction that isn’t straight. Since they’re tucked away at the back of your mouth, these impacted teeth can lead to problems like pain, infection, and damage to other teeth if not monitored or treated. It’s important to keep up with dental check-ups so your Perth dentist can spot any issues early on and help keep your mouth healthy.
Different Types of Impactions Explained
When we talk about wisdom teeth not having enough room to grow properly, we usually find they’re impacted in different ways. Let’s break down the types of impactions so you can understand what might be happening in your mouth or someone else’s.
Soft Tissue Impaction
Soft tissue impaction happens when a wisdom tooth has made its way through the bone but can’t fully emerge through the gum. Imagine the tooth has pushed through the ground but is covered by a thick blanket of gum tissue. This makes it hard to clean around the tooth, leading to possible gum pain and infections.
Partial Bony Impaction
In this case, part of the wisdom tooth has managed to poke through the gum, but a portion of it is still stuck in the jawbone. It’s like the tooth is partially trapped, making cleaning difficult and potentially causing discomfort and swelling.
Complete Bony Impaction
Complete bony impaction is when the wisdom tooth is entirely encased within the jawbone. Since it hasn’t broken through the gum at all, it’s completely stuck. This type might not cause immediate pain but can lead to problems down the line, including the potential for cysts or damage to nearby teeth.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you’re wondering whether your wisdom teeth might be impacted, there are some clear signs to watch out for. These symptoms can vary from person to person, but here’s a list of the most common ones:
Swollen, Tender Gums: The area around your wisdom teeth may become red, swollen, and tender to the touch.
Jaw Pain: A dull, throbbing pain in the jaw can be a telltale sign, especially near the back where wisdom teeth grow.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: If it feels tough to open your mouth wide, your wisdom teeth could be to blame.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Impacted teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Headaches: Sometimes, the pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can even lead to headaches.
When to Seek Professional Advice:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your South Perth dentist. They can take a closer look to confirm whether your wisdom teeth are impacted.
Even without symptoms, regular dental check-ups are crucial. Your dentist can spot potential problems with wisdom teeth before they start causing discomfort.
Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Early advice can prevent more serious issues and help keep your mouth healthy.
Remember, everyone’s experience with wisdom teeth is different, so staying informed and in touch with your dentist is key.
Problems Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth if Not Removed
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in or grow properly, they can become impacted. While it might seem like a small issue at first, leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to many problems that affect your mouth and overall well-being.
Let’s look at some of the potential risks and complications that can arise:
Pain and Discomfort: One of the first signs of trouble may be pain in the back of your mouth. As the wisdom teeth try to push through, they can cause aching and discomfort, especially if there’s insufficient space for them.
Infection and Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets between the teeth where bacteria can gather, leading to infection or gum disease. This can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain, making it hard to clean those areas properly.
Damage to Other Teeth: If there’s not enough room for the wisdom teeth, they can push against the neighbouring teeth. This can lead to crowding, misalignment, or damage to adjacent teeth, possibly necessitating treatments like braces or even leading to tooth loss.
Cysts and Tumours: In more severe cases, the sac that surrounds the impacted tooth can fill with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Rarely, a tumour (usually benign) may develop, requiring the removal of tissue and bone.
Difficulty Eating: Impacted wisdom teeth can make it painful to chew and eat, leading to nutritional deficiencies if you avoid certain foods because of discomfort.
Oral Hygiene Problems: Impacted teeth that have partially emerged create hard-to-reach places that can harbour bacteria and food particles, increasing the risk of decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
If you notice any signs of impacted wisdom teeth, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, it’s important to seek professional advice from a dentist. They can assess your situation with an X-ray and recommend the best course of action, including removing wisdom teeth to prevent further problems and maintain good oral health.
Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are mainly caused by a lack of space in your mouth. As the last teeth to come in, wisdom teeth often have no room to grow properly. This can be due to our smaller jaw sizes compared to our ancestors, who had larger jaws with more room for these extra molars. Genetics also play a role; if your family members had impacted wisdom teeth, you might be more likely to have them. Another factor is the angle at which these teeth grow; they can sometimes come in at an angle that doesn’t align with the rest of your teeth, leading to impaction.
Diagnosing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When it comes to figuring out if you have impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist is like a detective looking for clues. The first step is a simple chat about any symptoms you might be experiencing, like pain at the back of your mouth or difficulty biting. Then comes the examination, where your dentist checks the back of your mouth for signs of wisdom teeth struggling to break through the gum.
But the real game-changer in diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth is using X-rays or other imaging techniques. These powerful tools let your dentist see what’s happening beneath your gums. X-rays can show teeth that are hidden away and can’t be seen just by looking in your mouth, revealing if they’re impacted and how they’re positioned. This inside look helps your dentist understand the best way to manage or treat your wisdom teeth, ensuring your mouth stays healthy and happy.
Detailed Process of Removing an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Removing an impacted wisdom tooth might sound daunting, but with today’s dental practices, it’s a straightforward procedure designed to keep you comfortable and prevent future problems.
Here’s what happens step by step:
Consultation and Planning: First, you’ll chat with your dentist or oral surgeon. They’ll explain the process, answer your questions, and discuss the X-ray findings. This is to ensure you’re fully informed and comfortable moving forward.
Anaesthesia and Sedation: On the removal day, the focus is on ensuring you don’t feel pain. Depending on the complexity of the impaction and your comfort level, your dentist might use local anaesthesia to numb the area, sedation to relax you, or, in some cases, general anaesthesia so you’ll sleep through the procedure.
The Removal Process: Once the anaesthesia or sedation takes effect, the dentist or oral surgeon will carefully expose the tooth and bone by making a small incision in your gum. If necessary, they might remove a bit of the surrounding bone or cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. Although it sounds intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain during this, maybe just some pressure.
Cleaning and Closure: After the tooth is out, they’ll clean the area to ensure no debris is left behind. A few stitches might be placed to help your gum heal if needed. These are often the kinds that dissolve on their own, so you won’t need to have them removed later.
Recovery and Aftercare: Once the procedure is done, you’ll be given instructions on how to care for the extraction site to ensure a smooth recovery. This might include advice on pain management, what foods to eat or avoid, and how to clean the area without disturbing it.
Recovery and Aftercare
After having an impacted wisdom tooth removed, the road to recovery begins. It’s all about keeping comfortable, avoiding complications, and returning to your normal self as quickly as possible. Here’s what you need to know to make your recovery smooth and speedy:
Post-operative Care Instructions
Rest: Take it easy for the first 24 hours. Avoid any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise that could increase bleeding or swelling.
Pain Management: You may have some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Use the pain relief medication as advised by your dentist or surgeon. Over-the-counter pain relievers are sometimes enough, but follow what’s recommended for you.
Ice Packs: Swelling is normal. Applying ice packs to your cheek in the first 24 hours can help reduce this. Try 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off.
Eating: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods. Think soups, yogurts, and smoothies. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you feel comfortable.
Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is crucial. You may be advised to gently rinse with salt water after meals to keep the area free of food particles. Avoid brushing directly on the extraction site for a few days, but continue brushing your other teeth as normal.
What to Expect During Recovery
The first few days after surgery are typically when you’ll experience swelling and possibly some bruising. This is normal and will start to improve after a few days.
You might notice a bit of bleeding in the first 24 hours. If bleeding persists, a gentle bite on a clean gauze or tea bag can help control it.
Some people feel a little tired or dizzy if they’ve had sedation or general anaesthesia. This should pass within a day or so.
Tips for a Speedy Recovery
Follow Instructions: Stick closely to the care plan your dental team provides.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid using a straw, as the suction can disturb the healing site.
No Smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Try to avoid it during the recovery period.
Rest and Relax: Give your body the time it needs to heal. Don’t rush back into your normal activities if you’re not feeling up to it.
Remember, everyone’s recovery is a bit different, and it’s okay to contact your dentist or oral surgeon with any questions or concerns you might have. They’re there to help ensure your recovery is as comfortable and quick as possible.
FAQs
Does every impacted wisdom tooth need to be removed? Not always. If an impacted wisdom tooth isn’t causing pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth, and there’s no sign of potential problems, your dentist might suggest leaving it alone. However, regular check-ups are important to monitor any changes.
How long is the recovery after wisdom tooth removal? Recovery typically takes a few days to a week. Most people start feeling much better after 3 days, but avoiding strenuous activity for a week or so is important to help the healing process.
Are there any alternatives to removal? In some cases, if removal isn’t possible or preferred, managing symptoms and regular monitoring might be an alternative. This includes good oral hygiene practices and possibly medication to manage pain or infections.
How do you manage pain and swelling after surgery? Your dentist might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe medication to manage pain. For swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in 15-minute intervals for the first 24 hours. Also, resting and keeping your head elevated helps reduce swelling. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions closely for a smoother recovery.
Explore our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth for further insights about wisdom teeth.
Ready to Smile Brighter? Visit Us at Acts Dental
Ready to smile brighter? Let’s make it happen together at Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic. If wisdom teeth are causing you concern, we’re here to offer expert care and advice. With a focus on comfort and clarity, our team is dedicated to guiding you through your options for managing or removing impacted wisdom teeth. Booking your consultation is a simple step towards a healthier, happier smile. At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, we’re committed to providing personalized care that meets your needs and eases your worries. Furthermore, we are proud to be a HBF preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, NIB preferred provider, Bupa preferred provider, and Medibank preferred provider dentist in Perth.
Get in touch today (08) 9474 5083 and let’s take that step towards a brighter, more confident you.
