Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of potential issues that can be detrimental to a patient’s oral health and general wellness. For example, an impacted wisdom tooth can be more susceptible to infection or an abscess, especially if it is partially erupted. It’s tremendously difficult to keep the rear portion of the mouth clean, so bacteria can easily build up in this area.
In some cases, an infection that begins in the mouth can access the bloodstream and spread throughout the rest of the body, creating the potential for very serious health issues.
Generally, oral surgery is needed to extract an impacted wisdom tooth because excess bone may need to be removed in order for the oral surgeon to access the impacted tooth. [pullquote]Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of potential issues that can be detrimental to a patient’s oral health and general wellness.[/pullquote]
The oral surgery performed in wisdom tooth extraction is typically done in an outpatient setting, and many patients are able to resume their normal routines within a matter of days.
In addition to an increased risk of infection, impacted wisdom teeth can cause other problems for patients. Impacted teeth are more prone to developing cysts or tumors. They can also cause discomfort for patients or damage adjacent teeth as they continue to attempt to push through the gums.
Keep in mind that these issues can arise at any time, even if your wisdom teeth have been asymptomatic for many years. However, a thorough examination, including x-rays, can help a specialist to determine the likelihood that you’ll experience an issue in the future.
Even if your wisdom teeth haven’t caused you trouble, if they haven’t emerged properly by your late teens, you should be evaluated to determine whether they are impacted. Having this information will give you the opportunity to make an informed decision on whether to have them extracted and you may gain health benefits from doing so. Schedule a consultation with one of the expert practitioners at Great River Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for assistance in making this decision.