When wisdom teeth are misaligned, they may position themselves horizontally, be angled toward or away from the second molars, or be angled inward or outward. Poor alignment of wisdom teeth can crowd or damage adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or nerves. Wisdom teeth also can be impacted — they are enclosed within the soft tissue or the jawbone or only partially break through or erupt through the gum.
What are “impacted wisdom teeth?”
In dental terminology an “impacted” tooth refers to a tooth that has failed to emerge fully into its expected position. This failure to erupt properly might occur because there is not enough room in the person’s jaw to accommodate the tooth, or because the angulation of the tooth is improper.
When to see a dentist ?
In dental terminology, an “impacted” tooth refers to a tooth that has failed to emerge fully into its expected position. This failure to erupt properly might occur because there is not enough room in the person’s jaw to accommodate the tooth, or because the angulation of the tooth is improper.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Your wisdom teeth don’t usually need to be removed if they’re impacted but aren’t causing any problems. This is because there’s no proven benefit of doing this and it carries the risk of complications. Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have become impacted or haven’t fully broken through the surface of the gum can cause dental problems. Food and bacteria can get trapped around the edge of the wisdom teeth, causing a build-up of plaque, which can lead to:
tooth decay (dental caries) – this develops when plaque begins to break down the surface of your tooth. When tooth decay becomes more advanced, it leaves holes (cavities) in the tooth, which can affect the surrounding teeth.
gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease) – this occurs when plaque releases toxins that irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and painful. Gum disease can also affect the surrounding teeth and the bone around the wisdom teeth.
pericoronitis – when plaque produces an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds the tooth.
cellulitis – a bacterial infection in the jowl, tongue, or throat. abscess – when fluid collects in your wisdom teeth or the surrounding tissue due to a bacterial infection.
cysts and benign growths – very infrequently, a wisdom tooth that hasn’t cut through the gum develops a cyst (a fluid-filled swelling). Many of these problems can be treated with treatment such as antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwash, so removing your wisdom teeth is only recommended when another treatment hasn’t worked.