Wisdom teeth are the very last molars appearing in the early or late 20s. For some people, wisdom teeth erupt without any issues. However, some instances can make the wisdom teeth fail to emerge or erupt crookedly, a condition known as impacted wisdom teeth. For instance, the gum tissues or bone can block their path, making the teeth not erupt fully. In addition, when you have a small jawbone, the teeth may not have enough room to erupt. This makes them emerge partially and can cause various dental issues such as:
Damage to the Neighboring Teeth
Some wisdom teeth grow straight, while others grow at different angles. Some can grow sideways, damaging the neighboring teeth. When the teeth grow in the wrong direction, they push the roots of the adjacent teeth, causing misalignment. Teeth misalignment can affect chewing, breathing, and speaking. It can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Hence, it is vital to consider extraction of the impacted wisdom teeth to avoid these complications.
Increased Risk of Infection
Impacted wisdom teeth are hard-to-reach and clean with a toothbrush. Flossing is also difficult, especially for partially erupted teeth. In addition, wisdom teeth cause crowding, increasing the risk of bacteria and debris buildup. If left untreated, you may be at risk of two types of infection. Pericoronitis, swelling of gums around the wisdom teeth, can result from the buildup of bacteria between the teeth and the gums. In advanced stages, pericoronitis can cause difficulty biting and chewing. It can also cause bad breath and loss of appetite.
Another type of infection associated with impacted wisdom teeth is periodontitis. In most cases, it forms when bacteria build up between the gums and teeth. If left untreated, you may experience tooth loss, and the infection can spread to other body parts. If this happens, serious medical complications may arise. Contact our office today to learn more about our wisdom tooth extraction procedures.
Our Blog | Water’s Edge Dental | Boise, ID dentist Water's Edge Dental has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Water's Edge Dental, 6657 N. Glenwood Street, Boise, ID 83714-1925 | (208) 391-8554 | watersedgedentalboise.com | 1/9/2025 | Related Terms: dentist Boise ID |
Wisdom teeth are the very last molars appearing in the early or late 20s. For some people, wisdom teeth erupt without any issues. However, some instances can make the wisdom teeth fail to emerge or erupt crookedly, a condition known as impacted wisdom teeth. For instance, the gum tissues or bone can block their path, making the teeth not erupt fully. In addition, when you have a small jawbone, the teeth may not have enough room to erupt. This makes them emerge partially and can cause various dental issues such as: