Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge. They are made up of the third set of molars at the rear of the mouth. You may have heard the term "impacted" when dentists or oral surgeons are referring to them, but you may be unaware of what this means. A wisdom tooth becomes impacted when it doesn't have enough room to grow in and develop normally. This issue primarily affects teens and young adults, as these molars typically start erupting between ages 17 and 21. Use this guide to learn about the causes and symptoms of impaction and how wisdom tooth extraction can help.

Causes

There are a variety of factors that prevent wisdom teeth from having enough space to erupt and grow healthily. This often occurs when the jaw simply doesn't have room to accommodate all the teeth that need to grow in. As a result, the wisdom teeth are suppressed and remain trapped in the jawbone. This condition is also common when a wisdom tooth starts to emerge at an angle. It often hits the tooth in front of it or grows toward the back of the mouth.

Symptoms

Impacted wisdom teeth don't always produce distressing symptoms. However, if they become infected or affect the position or growth of surrounding teeth, they will give off some noticeable signs. If your teen is experiencing red, tender, or bleeding gums, jaw pain or swelling, or increasing difficulty opening their mouth, an impacted wisdom tooth could be to blame.

Treatment

If your teen notices any symptoms, make them an appointment with their dentist. Ignoring an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to more serious issues, like damage to other teeth, worsening decay or gum disease, or jawbone cysts. If your child has asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth, their dentist will likely detect them through routine exams and X-rays.

The most common treatment is wisdom tooth extraction, which helps guarantee that already-emerged teeth have the room they need to grow optimally. Even in asymptomatic cases, your dentist might suggest tooth extraction to prevent future issues. During this outpatient procedure, the surgeon removes the bone blocking the tooth, then the tooth itself, before closing the opening with stitches. The patient has the option of receiving sedation medication for the procedure, and their mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic throughout the operation so they won't feel any discomfort.

If your teen is at the age where wisdom teeth grow in, schedule an exam with Brian W. Charles, DMD, in McCall, ID. For more than 30 years, Dr. Charles has been serving patients of all ages throughout Valley and Adams counties. He offers comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services, from oral exams to dental implants and teeth whitening. He and his staff are dedicated to creating a calm environment, and he's also licensed to perform Botox® and Juvederm® treatments. Call (208) 634-7653 to schedule an oral exam or tooth extraction, or visit the website to explore his services in more detail.