The third molars, sometimes known as the teeth of wisdom,” are situated in the extreme corners of the mouth and are frequently impacted. These teeth often start to show as a standard component of dental growth in the late adolescent or early twenties. Lack of appropriate space in the jaw is a common obstacle that prevents them from achieving optimal alignment and functioning. Wisdom teeth get impacted when they do not have enough space to develop and emerge correctly.
We will discuss specifics of impacted wisdom tooth in this post, highlighting the causes of impaction, the typical warning signs and symptoms to look out for, and the many treatment options. Knowing more about this dental issue can enable us to make wise choices regarding our oral health and, if required, seek prompt treatment. if required, teeth of wisdom treatment from a dentist in South Kolkata.
What are wisdom teeth?
The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the final pair of molars that erupt in the rear of the mouth. Four wisdom teeth are typically present, one in each corner of the mouth. Generally speaking, these teeth erupt in the late adolescent or early twenties. However, individual circumstances may dictate a different time frame. They may occasionally never fully emerge, lodged in the jawbone or gum tissue.
When our predecessors had wider jaws and ate a more complex diet, wisdom teeth played a role in our evolutionary past. Nowadays, due to dietary changes and smaller jaws brought about by evolution, there is sometimes insufficient room for wisdom teeth to emerge and perform their functions fully.
What are impacted wisdom teeth
Based on their placement and orientation, impacted wisdom tooth fall into one of four categories:
- Soft tissue implication: The most typical kind of impacted wisdom teeth is mesial. In order to face the front of the mouth, the tooth is tilted forward.
- Vertical Impaction: The tooth cannot fully erupt through the gum line and is locked upright. The tooth is tilted backward, towards the rear of the mouth, and this causes distal impaction.
- Horizontal Impaction: The tooth is positioned parallel to the next teeth when lying on its side. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in some dental difficulty.
- Pain & Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort at the back of the mouth, including pain, sensitivity, and swelling.
An infection known as pericoronitis can result from partially erupted wisdom teeth because they can provide a flap of gum tissue as an entrance site for germs.
- Wisdom teeth that have impacted may push other teeth out of place, resulting in crowding and misalignment.
- Rarely, impacted wisdom teeth may grow cysts or tumors, which might endanger the adjacent teeth and the bones.
- Cavities and gum disease are more likely to develop in impacted wisdom teeth because it might be challenging to clean them adequately.
Major complications for the wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth that are impacted can cause several serious issues, so dentists frequently advise removing them. It creates several problems in the mouth and forms some complications, as discussed below.
Damage to other teeth
The second molar may become damaged or become more susceptible to infection if the wisdom teeth press up on it. Additionally, this pressure may result in additional teeth crowding or necessitate orthodontic treatment to realign them.
Dcay
Wisdom teeth that are partially impacted seem more susceptible to tooth decay than other teeth. This mostly likely happens because wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean, and food and germ can quickly become wedged between the gum and a tooth that has not fully erupted.
Gum disease
Wisdom tooth that are partially impacted seem more susceptible to tooth decay (caries) than other teeth. This most likely happens because wisdom teeth are more difficult to clean and because food and germs can quickly become wedged between the gum and a tooth that has not fully erupted.
Conclusion
Untreated wisdom teeth can result in several dental problems. Regular dental exams and X-rays can help spot possible issues before they become serious, allowing for prompt management and consequences. In order to preserve dental health and avoid any issues in the future, it is typically advisable to heed your dentist’s advice and get your wisdom teeth removed.