Having wisdom teeth removed isn’t something most people look forward to. As a matter of fact, this procedure is one that many people dread, especially those who are already afraid of the dentist’s chair. Though wisdom teeth extractions can be uncomfortable, the truth of the matter is that avoiding this procedure has much greater consequences than most people realize. The best thing you can do is overcome your fear and have your wisdom teeth extracted before they become impacted and put you at risk of developing these common problems.
An impacted wisdom tooth has the tendency to affect its neighboring teeth, since it is not able to grow in normally and erupt through the gums like the surrounding teeth. When an impacted wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it can cause damage and infection. It can also cause root resorption, which is the breakdown of the root structure in the adjacent teeth. This can sometimes cause the loss of the tooth. An impacted wisdom tooth that grows in sideways also puts the alignment of all of your teeth at risk, and can cause crowding and subsequent issues which would require orthodontic attention.
Wisdom teeth grow within a sac in the jawbone, and when a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, problems can occur that cause the sac to be filled with fluid. This then forms a cyst surrounding the wisdom tooth, which can cause damage to the jawbone and nerves in the mouth, sometimes requiring removal of not only the wisdom tooth, but also tissue and bone.
When an impacted wisdom tooth is partially erupted on the surface of your gums, you are at risk of developing oral health problems. A common problem when it comes to partially erupted wisdom teeth is Pericoronitis, which is sometimes also known as operculitis. This refers to the inflammation of the gums and dental follicle surrounding the wisdom teeth, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. Since the areas surrounding the wisdom teeth are difficult to clean with your toothbrush, Pericoronitis is caused by the accumulation of bacteria, and the problem can be recurring and sometimes chronic.
For impacted wisdom teeth that are partially erupted, tooth decay is another common issue because wisdom teeth are so difficult to clean. Without daily cleaning, bacteria can accumulate and can easily lead to tooth decay, causing chronic bad breath. Cavities in impacted wisdom teeth are generally the cause for extractions, since partially erupted teeth will remain a constant source for bacteria buildup, which can lead to more serious infections.
With all of the science and medical knowledge we have today, we are all at an advantage. Knowing what kinds of problems can occur from neglect to our oral health, we are all able to prevent them before they happen. Hopefully being made aware of the serious issues that can occur from not removing your impacted wisdom teeth will help you to make the right decision, face the momentary fear, and have them removed before they cause more serious problems. For more information, you can always seek the assistance of one of the many specialists on impacted wisdom teeth Burke has to offer.
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