Having wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can lead to various issues, especially if they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, pain, and dental problems, making it necessary to consider wisdom teeth removal. Here, we explore the different types of impaction in wisdom teeth and the associated dental concerns.
What Causes Impaction in Wisdom Teeth?
Before delving into the types of impaction, it's essential to understand the cause. Wisdom teeth may become impacted due to a lack of space in the jaw, leading to them being unable to fully erupt through the gums. The angle at which the teeth are growing and their position relative to the surrounding teeth also contribute to impaction.
Types of Impaction
There are several types of impaction based on the position and orientation of the wisdom teeth:
- Vertical Impaction: In this type of impaction, the tooth is angled vertically against the second molar. It may remain embedded in the jawbone or attempt to erupt but be unable to do so fully, causing pain and discomfort.
- Horizontal Impaction: When a wisdom tooth is positioned horizontally, it extends parallel to the jawbone. This orientation can lead to pressure on the adjacent teeth, causing pain and possible damage to the roots of the neighboring teeth.
- Mesial Impaction: Here, the tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth, pressing against the adjacent molar. This can result in the development of cysts or infections as the tooth attempts to erupt but is blocked by the neighboring tooth.
- Distal Impaction: In this type of impaction, the wisdom tooth is angled towards the rear of the mouth, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the neighboring teeth or the surrounding bone structure.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: When the wisdom tooth is partially erupted through the gum, but its crown is still covered by the surrounding tissue, it is referred to as soft tissue impaction. This can result in pain, swelling, and an increased risk of infection due to the difficulty in cleaning the affected area.
Recognizing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Individuals with impacted wisdom teeth often experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, tender gums, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth due to the presence of bacteria around the impacted teeth. These symptoms may prompt individuals to seek wisdom teeth removal to alleviate the discomfort and prevent potential dental complications.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
When impacted wisdom teeth cause persistent discomfort or pose a risk to oral health, the extraction of the affected teeth is typically recommended. The process involves an evaluation of the impaction type and the position of the teeth through dental imaging, such as X-rays. Local or general anesthesia is then administered during the extraction procedure to ensure the patient's comfort.
The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth and may need to remove a portion of the surrounding bone to facilitate the extraction. Following the removal, sutures may be placed to aid in the healing process. Proper post-operative care, including pain management, and maintaining oral hygiene, is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of impaction in wisdom teeth and their associated symptoms can help individuals recognize when they may need to seek wisdom teeth removal. It's important to address impacted wisdom teeth to prevent further dental complications and maintain oral health. If you experience symptoms of impaction, consult a dental professional for an assessment and appropriate treatment.