Uncomfortable Oral Health Issues Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Most people end up having to get their wisdom teeth extracted, so odds are you’re somewhat familiar with the process. But do you know why it’s often better to have these third molars removed?

If you don’t have enough space in your mouth to accommodate your wisdom teeth, they can become impacted – meaning they get trapped below the gumline. This can cause several uncomfortable oral health issues, and if you’d like to learn more about them, just keep reading!

Oral Discomfort

Wisdom teeth generally don’t like being stuck underneath the gums. They’ll grow in any which way they can, including sideways! Needless to say, the awkward position and continuous pressure on your jawbone can cause discomfort. Oral pain is often the symptom that prompts patients to seek treatment for their third molars.

Shifting Teeth

As your impacted wisdom teeth struggle to grow, they can butt up against your other pearly whites in the process. This can cause dental damage or even shift the alignment of the affected teeth. Developing third molars can turn a perfectly straight smile into a crooked grin.

Dentigerous Cysts

A dentigerous cyst is a fluid-filled sack that can form near the crown of a partially-embedded or fully impacted wisdom tooth. If the molar manages to grow past the gumline, the sack will likely burst, eliminating the issue. However, if the cyst is too close to the jawbone, it can develop into a tumor that will have to be removed. Oftentimes, the surrounding bone or tissue needs to be removed along with it.  

Gum Disease

Bacteria build up can lead to gum disease on any given day, but impacted wisdom teeth greatly increase your risk of contracting this condition. Since these molars struggle to grow properly, pockets of air can form in nearby gum tissue. If the pockets fill with fluid, you get a cyst – if they fill with bacteria, however, you could develop a particularly dangerous type of gum disease called pericoronitis. When left untreated, pericoronitis can even spread to the rest of your body via the bloodstream.

Avoiding Wisdom Tooth Complications

Obviously, none of these potential complications are fun! To avoid them, it’s recommended that you maintain a very thorough oral hygiene routine. Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, but failing to do so can contribute to bacteria build up.

Your dentist can also help prevent these issues by closely monitoring your third molars. If they notice signs of impaction, they’ll report their findings to you and discuss your options. Remember to schedule regular checkups so they can check in on your dental health, and trust your dentist to take good care of you!

About the Author

Dr. Xinxing Liu had to have extensive dental work done as a child, so she knows how important it is to feel comfortable during your appointments. With the latest dental technology and the option for dental sedation, Dr. Liu will make sure you’re confident in your treatment plan and that your wisdom teeth are handled with care. To contact her office, call 469-210-7223.