The Impacted Truth: Dealing with Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Through the use of3D panoramic X-rays in Indianapolis, IN, dentists can see when a wisdom tooth is impacted. This is an important step if you suspect your wisdom teeth do not have room to grow and need to be extracted. However, many patients have questions about why wisdom teeth become impacted and what can happen as a result of the problem. Take a look at a few important things to know about dealing with impacted wisdom teeth below.

Why Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Impaction

Wisdom teeth cause impaction because there is not enough space in the jawline for the teeth to grow upright or aligned. The teeth may be twisted, growing at an angle, or otherwise, which can put pressure on the surrounding teeth.

The Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

Wisdom tooth impaction can have almost undetectable symptoms in the early stages. For example, an individual may have periodic jaw pain without a viable explanation. Or, an individual may have gum soreness or inflammation around the teeth surrounding the wisdom tooth. As the issue progresses, other symptoms can emerge, such as:

• Toothaches without signs of decay
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Consistent jaw pain

Potential Complications of Wisdom Tooth Impaction

Impacted wisdom teeth can be prone to decay, but they can also generate issues for the rest of the teeth. For example, if the wisdom tooth is allowed to grow in an awkward position, this can cause the rest of the teeth to crowd together, change the shape of the smile, and even heighten the risks of decay in the rest of the mouth.

Discuss Wisdom Teeth Issues with a Qualified Indianapolis Dentist 

While issues with wisdom teeth are easy to overlook for a while, impaction can become a serious threat to your overall oral health. Therefore, be sure to reach out to anIndianapolis dentist as soon as possible for advice. Contact the team at Indiana Emergency Dental to set up a consultation.