Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to erupt into the mouth, for most people, wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. In some people, they occur without causing any issues and line up with the other teeth behind the second molars. However, in most cases, the mouth is too crowded for the third molars to develop normally, and will typically result in a wisdom tooth extraction.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that may only partially emerge so that some of it is visible (partially impacted), or it may never break through the gums (fully impacted). Your dentist in Ashwood will be able to give you X-Rays and let you know if your wisdom tooth is impacted, and whether you may need a wisdom tooth extraction.
Complications
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause several problems in the mouth, resulting in wisdom teeth removal, some of these include:
– Damage to your other teeth: If the wisdom tooth pushes against the molar, it can possibly damage the teeth surrounding it. It can also increase the risk of infection in that area.
– Decay: Partially impacted wisdom teeth are at a higher risk of tooth decay than the other teeth. This probably occurs because the wisdom teeth are harder to clean, which means that food and bacteria get trapped between the gum and a partially erupted tooth.
– Gum Disease: Due to impacted wisdom teeth being harder to clean, there is an increased risk of developing a painful, inflammatory gum disease called pericoronitis in that area.
Preventing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Although there is no way to stop a wisdom tooth from becoming impacted, having regular dental appointments every six months with your dentist in Ashburton for a check-up and clean will allow them to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom tooth. Having regular dental X-Rays may also be able to indicate impacted wisdom teeth, before any symptoms develop.
Why Ashwood Dental?
At Ashwood Dental, we provide dental care beyond your expectations, making us a trusted dental clinic to the local community.
From general check-ups, to wisdom tooth extraction in Ashwood, book an appointment to find out why we’re the local communities favourite dental clinic. To book an appointment with our dentists in Ashwood, call us at (03) 98885 2712, or book online.
