Wisdom tooth impaction, dental problems that should not be underestimated

Get to know wisdom teeth

The molars are part of the teeth that play an important role in smoothing food and aligning the shape of the gums. Normally, each person has four molars. Two pairs above and below the right back side of the mouth and two more pairs over and under the back left side of the mouth.

Wisdom teeth are the third most recently grown molars. Usually, these teeth will start to grow around the age of 17 to 25 years. Wisdom teeth should grow straight up, and in line with the other teeth.

However, the position of this tooth may point to the wrong side as long as it is stuck in the gum and so it hits the other tooth (see image above). Well, this condition is known as wisdom tooth impaction.

Wisdom teeth can grow in different directions, such as:

Leads to the next molar (molar).
Towards the back of the mouth.
It grows horizontally, as if the tooth is lying on the gum.
It grows normally straight up, but trapped in the gums. Thus, wisdom teeth do not surface like other teeth.

Wisdom tooth impaction is a common dentition problem that anyone, especially adults, can experience. However, that doesn't mean you can underestimate it.

Causes of impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth grow sideways can be caused by many things. However, one of the most common contributing factors is a jaw shape that is not ideal.

Some people experience impactions because their jaw size is too small while their wisdom teeth are quite large. The narrow jaw makes it impossible for the tooth to penetrate the outside of the gum, so it becomes trapped and causes pain.

There are also those who experience it because there is no more empty space above the surface of the gums to accommodate new teeth. So, wisdom teeth force it to grow together with the other teeth that are already there.

Family history also plays a role in molar growth problems. If close family members (such as grandparents, parents, and siblings) experience this problem, you are at risk of experiencing it too.

Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth

The abnormal growth of wisdom teeth usually causes typical symptoms such as:

The gums where the wisdom teeth grew out were painful and painful when touched with the tongue or when brushing the teeth
Problem gums appear swollen and reddish in color
In the part and around the tooth that is problematic feels chewy
The area around the back of the jaw hurts
Swollen gums cause the cheeks to appear enlarged or make the face look asymmetrical
The joint in front of the ear is painful and can even spread to the head
An abscess appears in the problematic area of the tooth
Not feeling comfortable when chewing food
Difficulty opening your mouth
Gums often bleed
Bad breath

Most cases of impacted teeth can be excruciating because the pain lasts a long time. Because of the pain, you may become lazy to eat and just talk.

There may be many other symptoms that have not been mentioned above. Therefore, if you experience any of the symptoms that have been mentioned, do not hesitate to see a dentist.

The sooner your disease is diagnosed, the easier the treatment will be.

Complications of impacted wisdom teeth

In addition to causing pain, a tooth that hits the next tooth can cause nerve damage and dislocation of the jawbone. If you have this, you will experience more frequent toothaches and swollen gums.

Tooth impaction may cause other problems with your mouth, such as:

1. Damage to other teeth

If the wisdom tooth grows up to push against the adjacent molars, the pressure can push the teeth in front of it again. As a result, there was a domino effect that made the teeth lined up in a mess.

This pressure can also lead to infection in the affected tooth area directly.

2. Dental caries

People with problematic wisdom teeth are more at risk of developing caries, aka cavities.

This condition generally occurs when the wisdom teeth grow only in half. The position of the molars that are hard to reach makes it difficult for you to brush and flossing teeth until completely clean.

As a result, plaque forms on wisdom teeth very easily. If plaque is allowed to continue to accumulate, it will cause various dental problems such as dental caries.

3. Pericoronitis

Incorrect wisdom tooth growth will also irritate the surrounding gum tissue. Pressure from impacted teeth can potentially cause the gum tissue around wisdom teeth to swell and become infected. In the medical world this condition is called pericoronitis.

Pericoronitis is a different condition from gum disease (periodontitis). Pericoronitis specific to the area around the growing tooth.

4. Cysts

Wisdom teeth form a fluid-filled pocket in the jawbone. The cysts that form will damage the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Non-cancerous tumors can also grow.

How to diagnose impacted wisdom teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can only be diagnosed by a doctor through a direct examination.

While examining the oral cavity, the doctor will usually ask about your oral health history and the pain you have experienced. For example, when did the pain begin, how intense the pain was, and where is the exact location.

Dental examinations with X-rays or X-rays are often needed. X-rays are useful to show if there are problems with your jaw, teeth, gums, and other areas in the structure of your teeth.

Preparation before dental x-rays

In general, dental x-rays do not require special preparation. You can be photographed right away when you arrive at the doctor's office. The procedure is fairly short, which is about 10-15 minutes.

However, for optimal X-rays, you can fast from eating and drinking (except water) for a while. If necessary, it's a good idea to brush your teeth thoroughly before X-rays. Clean teeth will make it easier to take photos.

Tell your doctor if you have an amalgam filling or wear dentures. This is because metals can block X-rays from penetrating into the body.

Dental X-rays

You will be asked by the doctor to stand up straight in front of the X-ray machine. After that, the nurse will ask you to wear a lead apron to protect your body from radiation rays. The nurse will also cover your neck with an apron collar (thyroid shield) to protect the thyroid gland from radiation.

Then you will be asked by the nurse to bite into pieces of cardboard or plastic in which there is an X-ray. The doctor will usually ask you to bite this cut several times so that the resulting image can be more optimal.

X-rays will usually come out as soon as the procedure is complete.

After a dental X-ray

After the x-rays come out, the doctor will then invite you to discuss. If the growth of your wisdom teeth is not a problem, you can immediately resume your normal daily activities.

However, it would be a different story if the doctor encountered problems with impacted wisdom teeth. Your doctor can recommend a number of treatments that are appropriate for your condition. If needed, the doctor may also be able to carry out further tests to confirm the diagnosis.