Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, which may include:

1. Pain: Mild to severe pain in the gum tissue surrounding the impacted tooth or in the jawbone.
2. Swelling: Swelling in the gum tissue and surrounding area.
3. Redness: Redness and inflammation of the gum tissue and surrounding area.
4. Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw may be present due to the infection.
5. Difficulty chewing or biting: Impacted wisdom teeth can make it difficult to chew or bite food comfortably.
6. Toothache: Pain in the tooth itself, which can be sharp, dull, or aching.
7. Infection: Infection of the gum tissue (pericoronitis) or the surrounding bone (osteomyelitis) can occur.
8. Abscess: A pus-filled pocket (abscess) can develop on top of the impacted tooth.
9. Bad breath: Bad breath (halitosis) due to poor oral hygiene and infection.
10. Swollen face: In severe cases, swelling may extend to the face and neck, causing facial swelling.
11. Difficulty swallowing: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause difficulty swallowing due to swelling and pressure on the surrounding tissues.
12. Sinus pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain and pressure due to inflammation and infection.
13. Headaches: Headaches and migraines may occur due to referred pain from the impacted tooth.
14. Ear pain: Referred pain from the impacted tooth can radiate to the ear, causing earache-like symptoms.

It’s essential to seek dental care if you experience any of these symptoms, as impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more severe complications if left untreated.

What are the causes of impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth can occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here are some of the common causes of impacted wisdom teeth:

1. Crowding: When the jaw is too small or the teeth are too large, there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly, leading to impaction.
2. Orientation: Wisdom teeth can be oriented in such a way that they don’t have enough room to come in properly, leading to impaction.
3. Gum disease: Poor oral hygiene and gum disease can lead to inflammation and swelling in the gum tissue, making it difficult for the wisdom teeth to erupt.
4. Bone structure: A jawbone that is too small or irregularly shaped can cause impaction.
5. Genetic factors: Some people may be more prone to impacted wisdom teeth due to their genetic makeup.
6. Age: Wisdom teeth may not have enough space to erupt properly if they come in too late or too early, leading to impaction.
7. Jaw alignment: A misaligned jaw can cause the wisdom teeth to become impacted.
8. Other teeth crowding: If other teeth are crowded or overlapping, it can push the wisdom teeth out of alignment and cause impaction.
9. Gum recession: Gum recession can expose the roots of the wisdom teeth and make them more susceptible to impaction.
10. Developmental abnormalities: Certain developmental abnormalities, such as a cleft palate or a congenital anomaly, can increase the risk of impacted wisdom teeth.

In many cases, impacted wisdom teeth are caused by a combination of these factors. Early diagnosis and treatment by a dentist or an oral surgeon can help prevent complications and alleviate symptoms.

How is the diagnosis of impacted wisdom teeth made?

The diagnosis of impacted wisdom teeth is typically made through a combination of a physical examination, radiographs (X-rays), and other imaging modalities. Here are the steps involved in diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth:

1. Physical Examination: The dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination of the mouth, including the gum tissue, surrounding bone, and surrounding teeth. They will look for signs of impaction, such as swelling, redness, and pain.
2. Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays are taken to visualize the impacted tooth and surrounding bone. This helps to identify the position of the tooth, its relationship to surrounding structures, and the extent of impaction.
3. Panoramic Radiograph: A panoramic radiograph (also known as a panoramic X-ray) is a type of X-ray that provides a two-dimensional image of the upper and lower jawbones, including the teeth and surrounding structures.
4. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan may be ordered if more detailed information is needed about the impacted tooth’s position and relationship to surrounding structures.
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI may be ordered if there is concern about the impact of the impaction on surrounding tissues, such as nerves or sinuses.
6. 3D Imaging: Advanced imaging modalities like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or 3D X-ray may be used to provide detailed, three-dimensional images of the impacted tooth and surrounding structures.
7. Clinical Examination: The dentist or oral surgeon will also perform a clinical examination to assess the patient’s overall health, medical history, and risk factors for developing complications from impacted wisdom teeth.

The diagnosis of impacted wisdom teeth can be classified into several types based on the degree of impaction:

• Partially impacted wisdom teeth: The tooth has partially erupted through the gum tissue but is still impacted by surrounding structures.
• Fully impacted wisdom teeth: The tooth has not erupted through the gum tissue at all.
• Deeply impacted wisdom teeth: The tooth is deeply embedded in the bone and requires more complex surgical procedures for removal.

After diagnosis, the dentist or oral surgeon will discuss treatment options with the patient, which may include extraction, observation, or referral to an oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

What is the treatment for impacted wisdom teeth?

The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth typically depends on the severity of the impaction, the patient’s overall health, and the location of the tooth. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Extraction: The most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is extraction. This can be done under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s comfort level.
2. Surgical Extraction: Surgical extraction is often necessary for impacted wisdom teeth that are deeply embedded in the bone or have a curved or abnormal shape. This requires a surgical incision in the gum tissue and may involve bone removal or repositioning.
3. Surgical Removal with Bone Grafting: In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to replace missing bone tissue after extraction. This can help restore natural contours to the jawbone and improve oral function.
4. Observation: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may not require immediate treatment. The dentist or oral surgeon may recommend observation to monitor the tooth’s progress and potential complications.
5. Apicoectomy: If an abscess or infection has developed around an impacted wisdom tooth, apicoectomy may be necessary to remove infected tissue and prevent further complications.
6. Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct misalignment issues caused by impacted wisdom teeth.

Preparation for Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

Before undergoing wisdom teeth extraction, patients should:

• Follow a pre-operative instructions from their dentist or oral surgeon
• Avoid eating or drinking for a specified period before the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure
• Take medication as prescribed by their dentist or oral surgeon

After Wisdom Teeth Extraction:

• Follow post-operative instructions from their dentist or oral surgeon
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
• Eat soft foods for a few days after the procedure
• Avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure
• Attend follow-up appointments with their dentist or oral surgeon to monitor healing and potential complications.

It’s essential to follow the recommended treatment plan and post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery from wisdom teeth extraction.