Impacted wisdom teeth: causes and treatments

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear in the mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are called “wisdom teeth” because they erupt later in life, when we are supposedly wiser.

In many cases, Impacted wisdom teeth or not erupt completely, which can cause discomfort and health problems. As a dental clinic in Mijas, we are going to explain in detail why problems with impacted wisdom teeth occur and how to solve them.

Why do wisdom teeth become impacted?

There are several reasons why wisdom teeth can become impacted. The main reason is the lack of space in the jaw for these teeth to erupt properly.

The human jaw has evolved over time, and is now smaller compared to human ancestors. As a result, wisdom teeth may not have enough space to emerge properly, causing pain and problems for the other teeth.

For this type of problem, there is no prevention. The most that can be done is to visit a dentist at the age of 17 to assess the situation of our wisdom teeth and evaluate

Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth

Normally, people with impacted wisdom teeth suffer from severe pain that leads them to visit their dentist.

However, this is not the only symptom that manifests itself, some of the symptoms that also appear are the following:

• Bleeding gums, which are also more sensitive.
• Pain and swelling in the jaw.
• Halitosis.
• Problems when opening the mouth.

If you begin to suffer from this type of problem, our recommendation is that you get into the hands of a specialist as soon as possible so as not to aggravate the problem and to find a solution as soon as possible.

Dental problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth

Although impacted wisdom teeth are relatively simple problems to solve, if they are not detected in time, they can lead to serious dental health problems such as the displacement of other teeth.

Another problem is that impacted wisdom teeth can lead to cysts that can damage the jaw, teeth or nerves. Similarly, we can suffer from caries as a result of this problem because they are more difficult to clean and manage to retain more bacteria and plaque.

Treatment for impacted wisdom teeth

Treatment for impacted wisdom teeth can vary depending on the individual case. In some cases, if the wisdom teeth are not causing problems and there is no risk of future complications, the approach may be regular monitoring and symptom management.

However, in most cases, removal of impacted wisdom teeth is recommended to prevent future problems. Removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a common surgical procedure.

It is performed under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s preferences. During extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the gums and may need to select or remove part of the bone to access the impacted wisdom tooth.

After the extraction, a gauze dressing is placed over the area to control bleeding and promote healing.

Post-extraction care

After the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the dentist.

This may include using prescription pain relievers for pain, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, avoiding hard or hot foods, gentle rinses with salt water and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Treat your wisdom teeth in our dental clinic

In conclusion, impacted wisdom teeth can be a common problem that affects many people. If you experience pain, swelling, or other symptoms related to impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to seek quality dental care.

A reliable and experienced dental clinic, such as Clínica Gallardo Jiménez, can provide you with the professional care you need.

We have a team of highly trained dentists who specialise in the treatment of impacted wisdom teeth. With their personalised approach and advanced technology, they will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment options suited to your individual needs.

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