Wisdom Teeth Pain
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Wisdom teeth, often referred to as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically surfacing in late adolescence or early adulthood. While they can affect oral health, many individuals experience complications due to impacted wisdom teeth.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when these molars fail to fully emerge through the gums, often due to a lack of space in the mouth or an irregular angle of eruption. This can lead to several issues, including pain, swelling, and infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can be classified into different types based on their position:
- Soft Tissue Impacted: The tooth is partially covered by the gum tissue.
- Partial Bony Impacted: The tooth has partially erupted but is still partially embedded in the jawbone.
- Full Bony Impacted: The tooth is completely encased in the jawbone and has not erupted.
What are the Typical Problems Associated with Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can lead to a range of dental issues, such as:
- Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth often cause significant pain.
- Infection: The gum tissue surrounding an impacted tooth can become inflamed and infected, leading to further complications.
- Crowding of Other Teeth: As wisdom teeth push against adjacent teeth, they can cause misalignment and crowding.
- Cysts and Tumours: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumours in the jaw, which may require surgical intervention.
The Importance of Dental Care
If you suspect that you have impacted wisdom teeth, it’s crucial to consult with a dental professional. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and identify potential issues early on. Your dentist may recommend X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether extraction is necessary.
What are the Treatment Options?
- Monitoring: If the impacted teeth are not causing any immediate problems, your dentist may choose to monitor their development.
- Extraction: When pain, infection, or other complications occur, extraction of the impacted wisdom teeth may be the best course of action. This is often performed under local anaesthesia or sedation to ensure comfort.
