Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Should Be Checked Even Without Pain | Dogok-dong Dentist

Hello.

This is Ox Dental.

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow

at the very back of the mouth, usually

beginning to emerge in the late teens or

early twenties.

However, not all wisdom teeth

grow normally.

They often grow partially through the gums

or remain completely buried beneath them.

This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth.

Today, Dogok-dong Dentist will explain

what impacted wisdom teeth are,

why they can cause problems, and

the extraction process and aftercare.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that

has not erupted normally and remains

partially or completely buried in the gums

or jawbone.

Because wisdom teeth are the last teeth

to grow, there is often not enough space

for them.

As a result, they may grow at an angle

or emerge while pressing against the

adjacent teeth.

Impaction can take various forms.

A tooth that is completely buried in the gums

A tooth that has emerged through only part of the gums

A tooth lying toward the adjacent tooth

A tooth positioned deep inside the bone

In particular, lower wisdom teeth are often

located close to nerves, making an accurate

diagnosis important.

Why Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

It is easy to think of an impacted wisdom tooth

as simply “a tooth that has not emerged,”

but it can cause various problems.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

A wisdom tooth that grows at an angle

may continuously press against the molar

in front of it.

This can damage the roots of adjacent teeth

or lead to cavities.

In particular, the space between the wisdom

tooth and molar is difficult for a toothbrush

to reach, making it easy for bacteria and

food debris to accumulate.

Recurring Gum Inflammation

When only part of a wisdom tooth has erupted,

bacteria can enter through the gap in the gums

and cause repeated inflammation.

The gums may swell and become painful, or

it may become difficult to open the mouth.

In severe cases, this can even lead to facial swelling.

Increased Risk of Cavities

Because impacted wisdom teeth are difficult

to clean, cavities often develop not only in

the wisdom tooth itself but also in the adjacent tooth.

Cavities in the back molars are often detected

late, so extra caution is needed.

Possible Effects on Tooth Alignment

Many people feel that as a wisdom tooth grows,

it pushes against the front teeth and may affect

their alignment.

Although this varies from person to person,

pressure may occur when there is insufficient space.

What Symptoms Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Impacted wisdom teeth often cause

no symptoms.

However, if the following symptoms

recur, an examination may be needed.

The gums swell frequently.

A throbbing sensation occurs at the very back of the mouth.

Pain is felt when chewing food.

Bad breath becomes worse.

It is uncomfortable to open the mouth.

The area around the jaw becomes swollen.

It is especially important not to leave the condition

untreated if inflammation occurs repeatedly.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

Extracting an impacted wisdom tooth may require

a more precise procedure than a regular extraction.

Detailed Examination

X-rays and CT scans are used to check

the position of the wisdom tooth and the nerves.

For lower wisdom teeth in particular, it is very

important to check the distance from the nerves.

Local Anesthesia

The extraction is performed after sufficient

anesthesia is administered to reduce pain.

Gum Incision and Tooth Separation

Depending on the degree of impaction, the gums

may be incised, or the tooth may be divided

and removed.

Suturing and Recovery Care

If necessary, the site is sutured after extraction,

and the recovery process is monitored.

Precautions After Extraction

After an impacted wisdom tooth is extracted,

proper recovery care is very important.

Avoid irritating the extraction site

Avoid using straws

Do not spit excessively

Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol

Avoid hard and hot foods

Take prescribed medication as directed

In particular, the blood clot that forms after

extraction plays an important role in recovery,

so it is best to avoid excessive irritation.

In Closing...

Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the common

oral health problems, but the outcome can vary

greatly depending on whether they are left untreated.

Because wisdom teeth vary widely in position

and shape, it is important to check their current

condition based on an accurate diagnosis.

Even without pain, regular checkups can help

monitor the condition of the wisdom teeth, and

receiving treatment at the appropriate time when

necessary may help protect the health of the

surrounding teeth.

Healthy teeth begin with small acts of care.

If you would like to know the current condition

of your wisdom teeth, we recommend having

them accurately examined through a detailed checkup.