Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars at the back of the mouth that do not have enough space to emerge properly or grow at the correct angle. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are common in teenagers and young adults and are often detected during routine dental exams or X-rays.

Symptoms

• Pain or discomfort at the back of the jaw

• Swelling or tenderness around the gums

• Red or inflamed gums

• Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth

• Headaches or jaw ache in some cases

• Crowding or shifting of other teeth

Causes

Impaction occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly. Causes include:

• Genetic factors affecting jaw size and tooth alignment

• Late eruption of wisdom teeth, which can lead to obstruction by other teeth

• Abnormal growth angle of the teeth

• Overcrowding in the mouth

Risk factors

• Age: Typically appears in late teens to mid-20s

• Genetics: Family history of dental crowding or impacted teeth

• Poor oral hygiene, which increases risk of infection around partially erupted teeth

• History of dental problems or misaligned teeth

Complications

• Pain and chronic discomfort

• Infection of the gums (pericoronitis)

• Tooth decay in partially erupted teeth

• Damage to adjacent teeth or bone

• Formation of cysts or, rarely, tumors around the impacted tooth

• Gum disease due to difficulty cleaning the area

Prevention

While not all impactions can be prevented, certain measures can reduce complications:

• Regular dental check-ups and X-rays to monitor wisdom tooth development

• Maintaining good oral hygiene, especially around the back molars

• Early evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon if pain or swelling occurs

• Timely removal of impacted wisdom teeth if recommended to prevent infection or crowding

Treatment usually involves monitoring asymptomatic impacted teeth or surgical extraction if there are symptoms or risk of complications. Early intervention can minimize pain and prevent long-term dental problems.