|
In humans, teeth consist of incisors, canines, pre-molars, and molars. The incisors are the first to erupt. The last to erupt are the four third molars. The third molars normally erupt in the age bracket 16 years to 24 years. The third molars are known as wisdom teeth. In some people, the third molar eruption process may be painful and delayed, especially in them whose jaws are comparatively smaller. In some people, wisdom teeth may not erupt at all.
As it is, the eruption of third molars takes quite some time. This is because the third molars erupt out of the small space in the jawbones that is left after other adjacent teeth have already erupted and taken their places in the jawbones. If the wisdom teeth erupt normally and in the normally expected direction, then everything is as it should be.
However, in some individuals, the third molars or a third molar may not get enough space to erupt straight. In that case, either it may get stuck in the jawbone and not erupt at all, erupt partially, erupt, but with its surface still under the gum line, or erupt fully, but in a direction that is horizontal or at an abnormal angle.
In some of these cases, dental impaction is the result of lesser space available than is required by wisdom teeth to erupt and which causes them to erupt abnormally. In case of impaction of wisdom teeth, an individual may experience swelling, pain, infection, or even damage to adjacent teeth. In case of swelling of the gum, soreness or stiffness in the jaw may be experienced. Back of the mouth infection may result in bad taste and bad breath.
Another aspect of impacted wisdom teeth is that they will not always cause any pain or other untoward symptoms.
Some common symptoms and signs of impacted wisdom teeth include jaw pain, bad breath, prolonged headache, swollen gums or reddish gums in the area around the impaction, and pain or tenderness around the gums.
A visit to a dentist is necessary in case an individual observes the above symptoms. Sensitivity in teeth, discoloration, or a perceived shift in the position of teeth may also be reasons for such a visit.
The dentist will physically examine the patient’s oral cavity, assess if wisdom teeth are impacted by conducting x-ray examination of the suspected area of impaction, make a study of the patient’s case history, and then reach a diagnosis.
Some dental surgeons have a policy of surgically extracting all wisdom teeth regardless of whether they are painful at the moment or not. Some others, exercise patience and surgically extract only those impacted wisdom teeth that actually cause pain. Yet some others evaluate the condition on a case to case basis and avoid surgical extraction till they are convinced it is the only solution available. They try conservative treatment first.
Conservative treatment involves over the counter (OTC) painkillers, mouthwashes, and saltwater rinses.
|