Wisdom teeth can be a pain... literally. From the moment they arrive around the ages of 17 and upwards they can become a bit of a nuisance. Many people are now taking the preventative measure of getting wisdom teeth early to avoid potential pain, discomfort and potential diseases.
There are a few ways in which wisdom teeth can cause problems. The main reason that people experience pain from wisdom teeth is by the teeth becoming impacted.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth also know as impacted third molars, is a tooth or teeth which have not been able to fully erupt in the mouth and are “stuck” within the gum. This can be caused by another tooth pressing against the side of the tooth, or not having enough room to fully come through. This affects up to 72% of the population and leads to many people having them removed, sometimes through emergency surgery.
What problems come from having an impacted wisdom tooth or teeth?
The impacted tooth can cause a number of issues including:
- Pain
- Headaches
- Infection of soft tissue
- Cysts (fluid sacs)
- Tumors
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Jaw ache
None of the above are pleasant and some can lead to other more serious mouth diseases, such as pericoronitis, the inflammation of the gum around the impacted tooth in which bacteria and debre can get trapped within the gum and cause further infections. The best way to prevent this or any of the above symptoms happening is by removing the wisdom teeth as early as possible. This ensures that the roots haven’t fully formed and some young adults have them removed before they have become rooted into the jaw.
The removal of the teeth helps to stop any repeat bouts of pericoronitis, keeping the patient happy and healthy.
If you feel that familiar toothache coming on and are concerned about the pain and potential infection it is best to seek professional advice from your oral surgeon. Wisdom Dental can provide you with professionalism, knowledge and expertise in both Melbourne and Sydney. To make an appointment call 1800 WISDOM or head to: https://www.wisdomdentalemergency.com.au
