However, many individuals experience issues with these teeth, leading to a condition known as impacted wisdom teeth. This occurs when the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt normally into the mouth and remain trapped within the jawbone or under the gums.

While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, impacted wisdom teeth can pose significant risks and often require intervention.

Risks of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

1. Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the gums and jaw. This discomfort may worsen over time as the teeth continue to try and push through.
2. Infection: Because impacted teeth are harder to clean properly, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to infections like pericoronitis (inflammation of the gum tissue around the tooth) or even more severe infections like abscesses.
3. Damage to Surrounding Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing misalignment, crowding, and potential damage to adjacent teeth.
4. Cysts and Tumors: In rare cases, fluid-filled cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, causing damage to the jawbone, teeth, and nerves.
5. Dental Complications: Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to decay and gum disease in adjacent teeth due to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene around these areas.

Benefits of Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

1. Prevention of Pain and Discomfort: By removing impacted wisdom teeth, patients can alleviate existing pain and prevent potential future discomfort caused by these teeth trying to erupt improperly.
2. Prevention of Infections: Removal reduces the risk of infections associated with impacted wisdom teeth, which can lead to more severe health issues if left untreated.
3. Prevention of Damage to Other Teeth: Removing impacted wisdom teeth can prevent damage to nearby teeth and help preserve the alignment of existing teeth.
4. Reduced Risk of Cysts and Tumors: Extraction lowers the risk of developing cysts or tumors around impacted teeth.
5. Improved Oral Hygiene: Eliminating impacted wisdom teeth makes it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease in adjacent teeth.

When Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed? Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the positioning of your wisdom teeth through X-rays and determine if extraction is necessary. Typically, impacted wisdom teeth are recommended for removal if they are causing pain, are at risk for complications, or if there isn’t enough space in the mouth to accommodate them.

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various dental complications and discomfort. However, timely removal of these teeth can prevent these issues, promoting better oral health and overall wellbeing. If you suspect that your wisdom teeth may be impacted, it’s essential to consult with a dental professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations.  

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We have dental offices in Centuria Medical Makati and in The Capital Towers, Quezon City.

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