The wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth that form in the mouth, and are usually developed by the time we are in our early twenties. Wisdom teeth are our third set of molars, and most commonly appear between 16 and 20 years of age. Some people keep their wisdom teeth for their whole lifetime without experiencing any discomfort, but for many people, they cause continuous pain as they erupt and disappear again below the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth are a common and painful problem.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
If your jaw is not large enough for the wisdom teeth to erupt, they may become stuck. This condition is known as impacted wisdom teeth. The teeth may remain under the gums, or they may be partially erupted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause an infection, decay or gum swelling, as they may trap plaque and food debris around the soft tissue. If the wisdom teeth are pushing against other back teeth, they may move them out of line. Some people experience headaches or pain in the neck and face as a result of impacted wisdom teeth.
Find out more from our Tooth Extraction video and article.
If teeth become severely impacted, a sac can form around the tooth, filling with fluid and enlarging to form a cyst. This can lead to permanent damage of the teeth, nerves and jaw bone, and surgical removal will be much more involved.
A dental professional can usually tell if wisdom teeth are going to be problematic, and the sooner impacted wisdom teeth are extracted by an oral surgeon, the more positive the outcome. Over time, the roots of the teeth attach themselves more firmly to the jawbone, increasing the chance of complications and making for a longer recovery time.
Dentists in Canada:
Alberta:
Calgary Laser Dental Centre, Calgary
Ambiance Dental, Calgary
Pinnacle Dental, Calgary
Ontario:
Dentistry in Motion, Toronto
Rosedale Dental Centre, Toronto
Dr. Lily Lo and Associates, Oakville
Quebec:
Carrefour Dentaire de Montreal, Montreal
Dr. Lenny Slepchik, Montreal
Seaforth Oral Surgery, Montreal
Saskatchewan:
Creekside Dental Clinic, Saskatoon
Midtown Dental Clinic, Saskatoon
Saskatoon Dental Group, Saskatoon