Lose Weight & Keep It -What Causes Impacted Wisdom Teeth? | uxa2.com

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually appear in the late teens or twenties – the last adult teeth. For some people, they break out smoothly without any problems. However, for others, there is not enough room in the mouth for these teeth to come through properly. When this happens, they can become impacted, meaning they grow crooked or become trapped under the gum or bone. This can lead to pain, swelling and even infection if left untreated. Many people who experience this discomfort also wonder how long the wisdom tooth pain lasts?

Understanding impact

An impact occurs when the wisdom tooth cannot fully erupt from the gums. This can be due to a lack of jaw space, the angle of the tooth or interference with adjacent teeth. Since wisdom teeth are the last to emerge, the surrounding teeth are often already firmly in place, leaving little room for new arrivals.

As a result, the impacted wisdom tooth can press against the adjacent teeth, cause gum irritation or be partially covered by tissue, creating pockets where bacteria can collect. These conditions make proper cleaning more difficult and increase the risk of decay and infection.

Types of effects

Not all effects are the same. Dentists typically classify impacted wisdom teeth into three main types based on how much of the tooth is visible and its location in the bone and gum.

Soft tissue effect

In soft tissue damage, the wisdom tooth has broken through the bone, but has not completely emerged through the gum. A flap of gum tissue still covers part of the tooth, which can trap food particles and bacteria. This often leads to inflammation, tenderness and infection in the surrounding area known as pericoronitis.

Partial bone effect

Partial bone attachment occurs when part of the wisdom tooth remains attached to the jawbone, while the other part has erupted. Because it is only partially visible, it can be challenging to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, the uneven pressure caused by this partial eruption can cause discomfort and jaw stiffness.

Complete Bony Impaction

The most severe form, complete bony attachment, means that the wisdom tooth is completely encased in the jawbone and does not break through the gum line at all. This type of impact can cause significant pressure, pain, or even cyst formation around the tooth if not treated properly. In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary to prevent long-term complications.

Why do wisdom teeth affect?

The primary reason for wisdom teeth impacting is insufficient space in the mouth. Over time, human jaws have evolved to become smaller, but our teeth continue to evolve in the same way as our ancestors, who needed larger jaws for a rough diet. Other influencing factors include:

• The angle of the teeth: Wisdom teeth often grow at an awkward angle – sideways, crooked or even backwards – preventing them from erupting properly.
• Genetics: If one or both parents have affected wisdom teeth, there is a higher probability that their children will experience the same problem.
• Delayed discharge: As wisdom teeth take longer to emerge, the surrounding bone and gums can harden, making it harder for them to erupt.
• Occlusion from other teeth: Adjacent molars can physically block the eruption path and force the wisdom tooth to become trapped.

When to the dentist

It is not uncommon for damaged wisdom teeth to go unnoticed for years as some people experience little or no discomfort. However, symptoms such as persistent pain, jaw stiffness, swollen gums or difficulty chewing are often a sign of an underlying problem that requires professional help. Regular dental x-rays can help identify infections early, allowing your dentist to monitor their progress and recommend treatment before more serious complications develop.

Final thoughts

Wisdom teeth are a common dental condition often caused by limited jaw space, unfavorable tooth angles or genetic factors. While some cases are asymptomatic, others can lead to significant pain and infection if left untreated. Understanding the different ways of infection and their causes can help you recognize when it’s time to seek dental advice and take proactive steps to protect your oral health.

Isreal olabanji is a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience assisting dentists with all kinds of dental problems.

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