Know the Facts on Impaction

Wisdom teeth impaction is less common with a ready removal of up to 85% of wisdom teeth, but it is still a risk that you should be aware of.

The Low-Down on Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth is the third set of molars, they are considered vestigial structures, as we no longer need them. It is possible that in the past they were used to chew on more coarse food, but now they are not necessary. Wisdom teeth arrive between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause crowding of the mouth.

What is an Impacted Tooth

Impaction – the key word of today’s article. A wisdom tooth becomes impacted when it cannot erupt because it becomes blocked by another tooth. This most commonly happens when the tooth is turned sideways, at an angle, or pointing anywhere but up. If there is little space left in the jaw, your wisdom teeth will almost surely become impacted.

A Description of Impaction

When an impacted tooth erupts, it can cause gum swelling and pain that you may or may not notice in your jaw, teeth, gums, or even an ear on the side of your head. This can become extremely uncomfortable and need attention from your dentist as soon as possible.

Impaction Symptoms

Be on the lookout for:

• Pain or difficulty moving the jaw
• Swelling
• Halitosis
• An unpleasant taste
• Pain with biting, chewing, or opening mouth.

If you or your teenager are in need of a wisdom tooth extraction, we would be more than happy to help. At Charm Dental in Spring and Richmond, TX, we are more than equipped to help our patients get the exact treatment they need, and we are eager to meet you and your family! Give us a call or visit our office to see the difference in our practice, where we truly treat you like family!