Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Have you noticed pain, swelling, or pressure at the back of your mouth? It might be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, a common dental issue that happens when there isn’t enough space for your final molars to come through properly. While some people never have problems with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain, infection, or crowding.
Common Problems
What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth can’t fully break through the gum or grow into the correct position. This often happens when there’s not enough room in the jaw, causing the tooth to push against surrounding teeth or grow at an angle.
Some impacted teeth stay completely beneath the surface, while others only partially emerge. Either way, they can trap bacteria, irritate the gums, and lead to pain, swelling, or infection.
Even if the pain comes and goes, it’s worth having it checked early to prevent more serious issues later on.
Causes of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Wisdom tooth impaction usually happens when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for the tooth to come through properly. Several factors can increase the likelihood of this:
- Jaw size: Many people simply don’t have enough room at the back of their mouth.
- Tooth angle: If the tooth grows sideways or on an angle, it can become trapped.
- Genetics: If impacted wisdom teeth run in your family, you may be more likely to experience them.
- Delayed eruption: Wisdom teeth that erupt later than usual can run out of space.
You can’t always prevent impaction, but regular dental check-ups help catch it early, often before it causes any discomfort.
Symptoms of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause immediate problems, but when symptoms do appear, they’re usually hard to ignore. Common signs include:
- Pain or pressure at the back of the mouth or jaw
- Swollen, red, or tender gums around the affected area
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing comfortably
- Swelling in the face or jaw
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to get things checked before they get worse.
Our top tips to prevent tooth decay
Brush and floss your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
When You Should See Your Dentist
Impacted wisdom teeth won’t fix themselves, and waiting too long can lead to more pain or complications. It’s a good idea to book an appointment if you notice:
- Ongoing pain or pressure at the back of your mouth
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums
- Trouble opening your mouth or chewing
- Discomfort that doesn’t go away after a few days
Starting to treat the problem early can mean a simpler process, less pain, and a much easier recovery.
How We Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth at Knight Street Dentists
Treatment depends on the tooth’s position, symptoms, and any complications. We start with a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the situation.
- Monitoring: If the tooth isn’t causing issues, we may recommend regular check-ups to monitor its status.
- Surgical removal: For problematic teeth, we perform a minor procedure to access and remove the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal.
We’ll discuss all options with you, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Worried About an Impacted Wisdom Tooth? Let Us Help
If something doesn’t feel right at the back of your mouth, it’s worth getting it checked. Impacted wisdom teeth are common, and the sooner we assess the situation, the easier it is to manage. At Knight Street Dentists, we’re here to help with expert advice, clear treatment options, and a team that makes your comfort the priority.
Contact us today or call 03 5821 6997 to book an appointment. Let’s get you back to feeling good again, one impacted wisdom tooth at a time.
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