Impacted wisdom teeth are a common dental issue that many people face. These third molars, located at the back of the mouth, often emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood. For some, they grow in without problems. For others, they may become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough space to emerge properly. This can lead to pain, infection, or even more serious oral health issues. So, the big question is: should I remove impacted wisdom teeth? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision about whether to keep or remove your impacted wisdom teeth.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth—one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth usually start to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
When wisdom teeth are impacted, it means they are unable to fully emerge through the gums due to lack of space, misalignment, or other reasons. The teeth may remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth are common and can occur in both the upper and lower jaw.
There are several types of impaction:
Soft tissue impaction: The tooth is partially emerged, but the gum tissue covers part of it.
Partial bony impaction: The tooth is partly covered by bone but may be partially visible.
Complete bony impaction: The tooth is fully trapped within the bone, making it unable to emerge.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
There are a few reasons why wisdom teeth may become impacted:
Lack of space: The most common reason for impaction is that there is not enough room in the mouth for the teeth to emerge properly.
Misalignment: Sometimes the teeth emerge at an angle, pushing against neighboring teeth, the jawbone, or even other teeth.
Genetics: The size and shape of your mouth and jaw may be inherited, which can impact how your wisdom teeth develop.
Age and development: Wisdom teeth often develop late, and by the time they start coming in, the jaw may have already finished growing and hardened, leaving little space.
Signs And Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
You may not always experience symptoms with impacted wisdom teeth, but when they do cause problems, it can lead to the following issues:
Pain: The most common symptom is pain in the back of the mouth, near the jaw.
Swelling and redness: The gums around the impacted tooth may become swollen, tender, and inflamed.
Infection: Impacted teeth can be more prone to infection, leading to abscesses and pus.
Difficulty opening the mouth: In some cases, the pain or swelling may make it difficult to fully open your mouth.
Bad breath: A persistent bad taste or foul odor in the mouth can indicate an infection.
Crowding: If the wisdom teeth are coming in at an angle, they may push against other teeth, causing misalignment or crowding.
Should I Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Deciding whether to remove impacted wisdom teeth is not always straightforward. Some people may not need them removed, while others may experience complications that require extraction. The decision depends on several factors, including symptoms, the positioning of the teeth, and the potential risks to your oral health.
Reasons to Consider Removal
Here are some reasons why your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend the removal of impacted wisdom teeth:
1. Pain and Discomfort
If your impacted wisdom teeth are causing constant pain or discomfort, removal may be the best option to eliminate the problem.
Persistent pain, swelling, or tenderness is often a clear sign that the teeth are causing issues.
2. Risk of Infection
Impacted teeth are more likely to develop infections, especially when they are partially erupted. Bacteria can easily collect in the gum tissue around the tooth, leading to infections that can spread to other parts of the mouth. If left untreated, infections may result in more serious complications.
3. Damage to Nearby Teeth
When impacted wisdom teeth push against adjacent teeth, they can cause damage, shifting them out of alignment. This can lead to crooked teeth or bite problems. Extraction can prevent further misalignment and protect your other teeth.
4. Cysts or Tumors
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors around the tooth. These growths can cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding structures, requiring the teeth to be removed for the sake of oral health.
5. Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they can be difficult to clean properly, making them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and you cannot clean them effectively, they may contribute to oral health issues.
Reasons to Keep Your Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Not all impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed. Here are some reasons why you may not need to undergo surgery:
1. No Symptoms or Pain
If your impacted wisdom teeth are not causing any pain or discomfort, you may not need to remove them. Many people live with impacted wisdom teeth without any major issues, so as long as they are not causing any problems, they can be left in place.
2. Good Oral Hygiene
If your impacted teeth are not infected, and you can keep the area clean and healthy, there may be no need for extraction. Your dentist may monitor the situation through regular check-ups and X-rays to ensure the teeth do not develop issues over time.
3. Proper Positioning
If the wisdom teeth are not causing any crowding or damage to nearby teeth and are positioned properly, it may be acceptable to leave them in place. In these cases, removal may not be necessary unless future problems arise.
The Procedure for Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you and your dentist or oral surgeon decide that removal is necessary, the procedure typically involves the following steps:
Consultation and Evaluation: Your dentist will take X-rays to assess the positioning of the impacted teeth and determine the best approach for removal.
Anesthesia: The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.
Extraction: The surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and, if necessary, remove a small portion of the bone blocking access to the tooth. The tooth will then be extracted, and the area will be cleaned.
Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll need some time to rest and heal.
Your dentist will provide instructions for managing pain, swelling, and keeping the surgical site clean.
Risks And Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal
While wisdom teeth extraction is generally a safe procedure, there are some risks to be aware of, including:
Infection: Like any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the site of the extraction.
Nerve Damage: There is a small risk of nerve damage that can cause numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin.
Dry Socket: This is a condition where the blood clot that forms in the socket after extraction becomes dislodged, leading to pain and a delayed healing process.
Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after extraction, but excessive bleeding may occur in rare cases.
Conclusion
The decision to remove impacted wisdom teeth is highly individual and depends on a variety of factors, including symptoms, risk of complications, and the overall health of your mouth. If you’re experiencing pain, infection, or damage to your other teeth, removal may be the best option to protect your oral health. However, if your impacted teeth are not causing any issues and are easy to maintain, you may be able to keep them in place under careful monitoring.
