About 75% of the population is affected by impacted wisdom teeth – in other words, wisdom teeth that have been unable to break through the gums and erupt into proper position. While it’s a misconception that wisdom teeth have to be removed no matter what, an extraction will definitely be necessary if they become impacted. This is because wisdom teeth that fail to erupt can pose a danger to your overall oral health. The following post outlines 3 reasons why a wisdom tooth extraction in Marietta may be necessary to keep the rest of your smile safe.
1. Infection Around the Tooth
One of the most common problems caused by partially impacted wisdom teeth is a localized gum infection called pericoronitis. When the tooth is unable to completely erupt, bacteria can very easily breed in the small space provided. It can be difficult to clean this area effectively due to its location, and as a result the gums in the area can become infected and severely irritated as a result. Pericoronitis can be very painful, and it can even interfere with your ability to chew or swallow. Removing the wisdom teeth can prevent such infections from happening in the first place, or it can make it easier to treat symptoms that have already occurred.
2. Formation of a Cyst
A cyst is a sac filled with fluid that can develop on any tissues in your body due to abnormal circumstances. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts to form inside your jawbone, and while they aren’t necessarily infectious, they can still cause significant damage. A cyst that starts growing in the wrong place can injure your other teeth and cause adjacent jawbone to break down. In the worst-case scenario, cysts can even be associated with the formation of tumors. It is possible to treat a cyst, but it is much more difficult to do so if the wisdom teeth are not removed as soon as possible.
3. Direct Damage to the Adjacent Teeth
When the wisdom teeth are unable to break through the gums, they can start growing at an angle. If this happens, they can come into contact with the roots of adjacent teeth and seriously damage them. You may also be at a higher risk for gum disease, bone loss, and tooth decay in that area. If you want to keep the rest of your smile safe, then problematic wisdom teeth should be removed as early as possible.
As soon as you find out that you have impacted wisdom teeth, you should get in touch with an oral surgeon in Marietta who can extract them. Doing so will help prevent further damage and make it easier to address any issues that have already occurred.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee completed his four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Ohio State University Medical Center. He is currently a part-time faculty member in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. At Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery in Marietta, he performs many different advanced procedures, including wisdom tooth removal. To schedule a consultation or ask a question about wisdom teeth, visit his website or call (740) 236-9392.