An impacted tooth is a tooth that does not break through the gums. It remains embedded in the bone, whether partially or fully. The wisdom tooth, or the third molars, is the most commonly impacted tooth.
The wisdom tooth often becomes impacted because it does not have enough space in the mouth. It is the last tooth to come out, usually in the early 20s. All other teeth would have occupied the jawbone, leaving no room for the wisdom tooth to emerge. Because of this, the tooth may become twisted or tilted as they surface.
An impacted wisdom tooth can be very problematic. It can cause dental problems such as decay, bad breath, and infections. The best solution is to have it removed so it will not cause issues in the long run.
But how do you know if you have an impacted wisdom tooth? Read along to learn about some of the warning signs you should look out for.
Warning Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The first thing you should do to check if you have your wisdom tooth in is to count your molars. These are the large teeth at the very back of your mouth. In your early 20s, there should be 3 molars on either side of the upper and lower teeth, counting your wisdom tooth.
If there are only 2 on each side, the wisdom tooth is likely impacted. A full mouth x-ray is needed to identify its position. Other common signs and symptoms that come with an impacted wisdom tooth include:
Pain and Discomfort
One of the most common symptoms associated with an impacted wisdom tooth is pain. If the wisdom tooth is slanted against the adjacent second molar, pain may be from the bumping of these two teeth.
Tooth decay may also be the cause of discomfort or sensitivity. Decay and cavities are common for impacted wisdom teeth because they can be difficult to reach and clean with your toothbrush. Plaque can build up to rot the teeth.An impacted wisdom tooth is also prone to decay if it is at an angle against the tooth next to it. Decay may occur where the two teeth meet to cause varying pain levels depending on the size of the affected area.
Swelling and Inflammation
A partially impacted wisdom tooth commonly has a gum flap covering it. This is called an operculum. Repeated trauma on and accumulation of food particles and debris under the gum tissue may cause swelling and severe pain.
Swelling and inflammation may also occur if there is already the presence of a dental infection. This happens with a larger cavity or advanced gum disease.
Unpleasant Taste and Bad Breath
An infected impacted wisdom tooth can cause pus to ooze out of the gums. This leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Another warning sign is a foul odour in the mouth, possibly due to several reasons associated with an impacted wisdom tooth. Aside from infection, bad breath may be because of food debris and bacteria trapped under the gum tissue covering the impacted wisdom tooth.
Difficulty in Eating and Speaking
In some severe cases, an impacted wisdom tooth may be so painful that you may find it difficult to eat and speak. The wisdom tooth may press against the nerves on the jaw joints, making it hard for you to open and close your mouth. For some, swelling from infection may be so severe that the pain radiates up to the ear and temple.
An impacted wisdom tooth can be tricky to manage because it can significantly affect a large part of the face. Whether it is slanted or embedded deep into the bone, it can compress the nerves around the area. These nerves are connected to the rest of your face. So, not only will it be painful, but it can also affect normal functions such as chewing, eating, and speaking.
Shifting Teeth and Crowding
As an impacted wisdom tooth tries to come out into the mouth, it may mess up the position of the other teeth to cause shifting and crowding. The wisdom tooth will continuously exert pressure on the tooth next to it, pushing your teeth out of the dentition. This is mostly visible on the front teeth.
Crowded teeth are more prone to plaque build-up, so extra care is needed to prevent tooth decay. They may also cause improper bite and strain to your jaw joints.
When Should You See a Dentist?
As soon as you experience any of these warning signs of an impacted wisdom tooth, contact your dentist immediately so they can assess where the problem lies. The earlier the treatment, the better for your oral health and smile.
Preventive Wisdom Tooth Removal
Getting your wisdom tooth checked for preventive intervention can be done during your routine check-ups. With X-rays and oral examinations, your dentist can determine if your wisdom tooth is angled correctly and will come out properly. If not, early wisdom tooth removal can be considered.
Early removal prevents possible complications that come with an impacted wisdom tooth. This is usually recommended between 18 to early 20s, sometimes even earlier. At this stage, the wisdom tooth is not yet fully formed, making it less challenging for your dentist to take it out.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth – Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, not all wisdom teeth have to be removed. But if they are impacted, a series of problems may arise. Keeping them will be more of a headache for you. After all, they do not serve a function in the mouth, so it is best to have them checked by a professional and get them removed before they cause complications.
At Arbutus Station Dental in Kitsilano Vancouver, our team of expert dentists and friendly staff are dedicated to providing you with a safe and comfortable wisdom tooth extraction experience. If you have a problematic wisdom tooth, call us today to book your appointment for a consultation!