Everything You Need To Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Thousands of years ago, wisdom teeth used to benefit our ancestors who had larger jaws and heavier plant-based diets. Over time, as diets changed and jaws evolved to be smaller, wisdom teeth gradually became redundant. Even so, they have yet to disappear from human anatomy and are a common cause for numerous dental issues. When they develop and start to emerge, wisdom teeth have a tendency to affect or be affected by neighbouring teeth. The lack of room can prevent them from erupting, causing them to become lodged in the jawbone. This condition is known as ‘impacted wisdom teeth’ and it is often a particularly painful experience.

What Are the Warning Signs?

It’s important to recognise the warning signs of impacted wisdom teeth so that appropriate action can be taken to avoid further issues. Even if you aren’t displaying symptoms, it’s recommended to get wisdom teeth checked every few years. Only an expert team of dentists like ours can determine whether or not it’s necessary to remove your wisdom teeth.

The most common warning signs include:

• Pain – While many dental issues cause varying levels of discomfort, the pain from impacted wisdom teeth can be particularly severe and can even result in terrible headaches. The pain is usually localised around the area of the affected wisdom teeth.
• Swelling – Swelling of the entire jaw area indicates an especially severe and dangerous infection. Swelling is one easy way to determine the presence of impacted wisdom teeth.
• Bleeding Gums – Bleeding of the gums for no noticeable reason, as well as tenderness and soreness in the back of the mouth, is another clear sign of impacted wisdom teeth.
• Bad Tastes and Smells – Bacteria can grow and become trapped at the back of the mouth where it is more difficult to clean. This can lead to infections, cysts and decay. A major sign that this has occurred is a lingering bad taste or bad breath.

Complications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Aside from the obvious issue of pain, wisdom teeth can cause crowding in the mouth and damage to neighbouring teeth.

Treatment and Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Letting your wisdom teeth go unchecked and ignoring the warning signs of an impaction can harm your overall health. It’s therefore important to make regular appointments with a dentist to get your teeth looked at even if you aren’t displaying any symptoms.

If you are suffering from impacted wisdom teeth, our dental practice in Wheelers Hill can provide expert wisdom teeth removal services and the best dental care advice. Call us now on (03) 9560 2702 or fill out our online contact form to find out how we can help you.