Wisdom teeth are the third molars, typically the last to erupt. Most people see them appear in their late teens or early twenties. Often, your mouth does not have enough room for these extra teeth. This leads to them becoming impacted, which means they are stuck under the gums or grow at the wrong angle.
Even if you do not feel pain right away, leaving these teeth alone can cause serious health problems later on.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth happen when there is not enough space for the teeth to move into the right spot. They might stay hidden under the gum or push against your other teeth.
Because they are in the wrong position, it is very easy for germs to gather around them.
Higher Risk of Infection
Infection is a very common problem with wisdom teeth. If a tooth partially erupts or remains impacted, food and bacteria can get trapped around it. This causes the gums to swell and hurt.
It can also make it hard to open your mouth. If the infection gets worse, it can spread and require a trip to the dentist. In many cases, a wisdom teeth extraction is the best way to stop these infections from coming back.
Damage to Other Teeth
When wisdom teeth do not have enough room, they often push against the teeth next to them. This pressure can make your teeth crooked or crowded.
It can even ruin the results of past braces. Sometimes, the constant pressure causes the healthy teeth nearby to decay or crack.
The Formation of Cysts
In some cases, a sac of fluid called a cyst can form around an impacted tooth. These cysts can be dangerous because they can damage your jawbone and the nerves in your face.
If they are not found early, they can grow quite large and require a complicated surgery to fix.
Constant Pain and Stiffness
Impacted teeth often cause a dull ache in the back of the mouth. You might also feel stiffness in your jaw or get frequent headaches.
While this pain might start off small, it can eventually make it hard to eat, talk, or go about your day.
Decay and Gum Disease
It is almost impossible to clean an impacted wisdom tooth properly. Because you cannot reach them with a brush or floss, they are very likely to rot.
The gums around them can also become red and sore. This can contribute to gum disease in surrounding areas and affect overall oral health.
Why Early Treatment is Best
Removing these teeth before they cause trouble is a smart move. Getting them taken out early prevents pain and stops damage to your jaw and other teeth.
Recovery is also usually much easier for younger patients. A dentist can take a look and tell you if your wisdom teeth need to be extracted.
Take Care of Your Smile
Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can lead to many dental problems that could have been avoided. Taking action now helps you keep a healthy mouth and avoid big surgeries in the future.
If you are worried about your wisdom teeth, our team at Cinco Ranch Family Dentistry is here to help. Call us at (281) 407-5442 today to set up a visit. We will evaluate your teeth and help you decide the best way to protect your smile.