Apgujeong-dong Dental Clinic: Knowing Impacted Wisdom Teeth Properly Is the Key to Safe Care

Apgujeong-dong dental clinic: knowing impacted wisdom teeth properly is the key to safe care.

Hello.

This is OX Dental.

Wisdom teeth are the teeth that usually emerge

from the late teens to the early twenties,

growing behind the last molars.

However, if there is not enough space in the jawbone

or they develop in the wrong direction, they may not

erupt into the proper position and often grow

at an angle or in a lying position.

These wisdom teeth are called

impacted wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth are not simply

a problem involving one tooth. They can cause

significant damage to the health of the surrounding

teeth and gums, making proper examination

and treatment important.

Today, Apgujeong Dental Clinic will explain

why impacted wisdom teeth can be a problem,

what symptoms may occur,

and how treatment is carried out.

Why do impacted wisdom teeth develop?

As humans evolved, food became

softer, and the size of the jaw needed

for chewing gradually became smaller.

However, the number of teeth did not decrease,

so there is often not enough room for

the wisdom teeth at the back to erupt.

As a result, wisdom teeth may grow

in the following incorrect directions:

They may grow lying on their side, grow at an angle

while pushing against the front teeth, or remain

completely trapped inside the jawbone.

When teeth cannot settle into their normal position

in this way, they are likely to cause various problems.

Problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth

If impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated,

the following discomfort and risks may occur.

Gum inflammation (periodontitis)

Food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate

around the wisdom tooth, causing the gums to swell

and hurt and potentially leading to recurring

inflammation.

Cavities

Especially when the wisdom tooth comes into contact

with the molar in front of it—the second molar—

cavities may develop simultaneously in areas that

cannot be seen, making treatment more complicated.

Pain and headaches

If the tooth puts pressure inside the jawbone

or irritates a nerve, the pain may spread

to the jaw, ear, and head.

Formation of a gum abscess

If the inflammation becomes severe, a periodontal

abscess may develop, and in serious cases,

facial swelling may occur.

Tooth displacement and malocclusion

Pushing against the front teeth can cause

the alignment of the teeth to shift,

which may also negatively affect orthodontic treatment.

Cyst formation

A space may form inside the jawbone,

resulting in a cyst and potentially damaging the bone.

Even when they cannot be seen, impacted wisdom teeth

may be silently damaging the surrounding structures.

If you have these symptoms, a wisdom tooth examination is needed.

Because it is difficult to check wisdom teeth

on your own, seek an examination promptly

if you have any of the following symptoms.

You feel pain when opening your mouth.

The back of your mouth hurts when chewing food.

Your gums are swollen, and your teeth feel sensitive

when they come into contact with something hot.

Your bad breath has worsened.

You have recurring headaches.

Blood or pus comes from the area

around the wisdom tooth.

In particular, recurring pain is a sign

that the scope of the problem may be expanding.

Do impacted wisdom teeth always need to be removed?

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.

However, extraction should be actively considered

if even one of the following applies:

An angled or horizontally positioned wisdom tooth,

one that pushes against the front molar or

causes cavities,

one that frequently causes inflammation,

one that does not participate in chewing,

planning to undergo orthodontic treatment,

or a cyst identified on a radiographic examination.

In other words, if a problem exists or one is expected

to develop in the future, early extraction may be beneficial.

Because recovery is generally faster at a younger age,

extraction is commonly recommended

in the early twenties.

How is impacted wisdom tooth extraction performed?

Detailed examination and treatment planning

Extraction under local anesthesia

Dividing and removing the tooth when necessary

Cleaning and suturing after extraction

Post-extraction care and recovery monitoring

The procedure does not take long,

although the duration varies depending on

the symptoms and the shape of the roots.

Post-extraction care is important.

To help ensure a speedy recovery,

be sure to follow these instructions.

Do not rinse your mouth on the day of extraction

(as this can interfere with blood clot formation).

Avoid using straws and spitting.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Take your prescribed medication as directed.

Apply a cold compress for swelling,

and a warm compress after two days.

Proper care can help minimize infection

and pain.

In closing…

Impacted wisdom teeth will not resolve

simply with the passage of time.

By the time a problem becomes apparent,

the inflammation is often already deep

and the surrounding teeth may have been damaged.

“I'm not in pain right now.

Do I really need to have it removed?”

However, damage that progresses silently

can be even more concerning.

If you currently have discomfort related

to your wisdom teeth or are concerned about them,

please consult an Apgujeong-dong dental clinic.