Patients can experience serious issues as a result of impacted wisdom teeth, so it’s important to be evaluated by an oral surgeon so that it can be addressed promptly. Some patients will even opt for preventive wisdom tooth extraction to avoid the consequences associated with impacted wisdom teeth.
Symptoms Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Of course, if you have noticed that your wisdom teeth have not successfully erupted or that they have only come in partially, this is a noticeable sign of impaction. Other symptoms can be an indicator, as well.
Here are three additional signs of impacted wisdom teeth:
- Discomfort at the rear of the jaw: This discomfort can be caused as the teeth continue to try to push through the gums or as the result of an infection or abscess in the area.
- Cysts or tumors in the area of the wisdom teeth: Patients may notice a bulge or lump under the gum tissue in the vicinity of the wisdom teeth.
- Change in the alignment of the teeth: As the wisdom teeth attempt to erupt into a jaw that doesn’t have enough room for them, the pressure may cause other teeth to shift out of their proper positions.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: The Oral Surgery Procedure
Patients who are experiencing any of the issues described above should consult with an oral surgeon to determine whether their wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed in a surgical procedure.
Keep in mind that many patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed before any problems develop. Even if you aren’t symptomatic, you may want to have a consultation about extraction.
Impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed by an oral surgeon because the bone surrounding the teeth must be removed before the teeth can be extracted. The procedure is completed in an outpatient setting, and patients can typically return to their normal routines within a matter of days.
It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to reduce your risk of complications that can interfere with your healing.
If you are experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, call Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates to schedule an evaluation and begin developing a treatment plan to have them extracted.