Impacted Wisdom Teeth

X-ray of impacted wisdom tooth at Oregon Periodontics, P.C.

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the teeth found at the very back of the jawbone. They are the last teeth to emerge, and they usually come out in your late teens or early 20s. Due to this reason, the chances are that they do not have enough room to grow properly, a condition that is known as impacted wisdom teeth. At Oregon Periodontics, P.C., we offer several solutions for impacted wisdom teeth, which allow you to enjoy proper and pain-free oral functioning.

What Causes Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough space left in your jaw for the teeth to grow in. However, what causes this condition in some people and not in others? Some of the causes of the condition include:

•	Genetics—since genetics play a role in the size of the jaws and teeth, there is a genetic predisposition to the impaction of the wisdom teeth.
•	People with smaller jaw structure—meaning less space for all the teeth to grow in.
•	Late emergence—people whose wisdom teeth come out in their early teen years are less likely to have impacted teeth.

How to Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted?

The impacted wisdom teeth condition is diagnosed through a dental examination. However, it is possible to detect the condition through its signs and symptoms. Below are some of the most common of these symptoms:

•	Pain and swelling around the jaws—where the wisdom teeth are emerging.
•	Red and swollen gums with possible bleeding.
•	Difficulty in properly opening your mouth.
•	Bad breath.
•	An unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Problems Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If not taken care of, impacted wisdom teeth can cause you some dental health issues such as:

•	Damage to your other teeth—as your impacted wisdom teeth are struggling to emerge, they push against the other adjacent teeth, which can damage them. It can also lead to overcrowding of your teeth.
•	Tooth decay—impacted wisdom teeth (partially impacted) are harder to clean, which can cause plaque and food particles to build up around them. As a result, they are more prone to tooth decay and cavities.
•	Gum disease—the buildup of plaque and food particles around partially impacted wisdom teeth makes them prone to bacterial infection, which can lead to gum disease.
•	The growth of cysts—cysts can grow within the jawbone where the impacted wisdom teeth are, damaging the bone and the surrounding teeth.

What Are Your Options?

The solution to impacted wisdom teeth, especially ones that are causing dental problems is to extract them. The extraction involves a surgical procedure, where a cut is made into the gums and the impacted tooth and its root removed.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort at best, and serious dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jawbone loss at their worst. If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, extracting it can spare you a lot of pain and discomfort, and possibly prevent the occurrence of dental health problems. Call us, Oregon Periodontics, P.C., at (503) 575-7750 to find out more about impacted wisdom tooth and their extraction procedure.

Benefits of

Oregon Periodontics PC

Comfortable operatory experience

Excellent results due to enhanced vision & precision

Rapid healing & minimal discomfort

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Office Hours
Tuesday–Thursday
8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM–12:00 PM

Location
11786 Southwest Barnes Rd Suite 210
Portland, OR 97225-5925

Contact
Office: (503) 575-7750
Fax: (503) 531-3560

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