Wisdom Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options.

Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment

Overview

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to emerge in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth — two on the top and two on the bottom. However, when wisdom teeth become impacted, they can cause a range of problems, including pain, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth don't have enough room to emerge or develop in the usual way.
Erupted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth emerge normally and don't cause any problems.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth emerge partially but are still stuck in the gum tissue.

Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Insufficient jaw space: When the jaw is too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth.
Misaligned jaw: When the jaw is misaligned or crooked, which can prevent the wisdom teeth from emerging properly.
Genetic factors: Some people may be more prone to impacted wisdom teeth due to their genetic makeup.
Overcrowding: When other teeth in the mouth are crowded or overlapping, which can prevent the wisdom teeth from emerging properly.

Risk Factors of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Age: The risk of impacted wisdom teeth increases with age.
Genetics: People with a family history of impacted wisdom teeth may be more likely to experience the same problem.
Dental crowding: People with crowded or overlapping teeth may be more likely to experience impacted wisdom teeth.
Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene habits can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in impacted wisdom teeth.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

1. Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and surrounding area.

2. Swelling and redness: Swelling and redness around the affected area may occur due to infection or inflammation.

3. Bad Breath and Taste: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth due to bacterial buildup.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may occur due to infection or inflammation.

Preventions of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Preventing impacted wisdom teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral health. This can be achieved by:

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
Regularly visiting a dentist for check-ups and cleanings.
Avoiding sugary and processed foods.
Avoiding biting or chewing on hard objects.

Diagnosis of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A thorough dental examination will be conducted to diagnose impacted wisdom teeth. This will include:

Visual examination: A dentist will visually examine the mouth to assess for signs of impacted wisdom teeth.
X-rays: X-rays will be taken to assess for any bone damage or other underlying issues.
CT scans: CT scans may be taken to assess for any potential complications or cysts.

Treatment for Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth depend on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

Surgical removal: Surgical removal of the impacted wisdom tooth may be necessary to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Extraction: Extraction of the impacted wisdom tooth may be necessary if it is not causing any problems.
Prescription antibiotics: Prescription antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infection or abscesses.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you are experiencing any symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, it is essential to consult a dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and alleviate pain and discomfort.