It could be a wisdom tooth impaction if you experience discomfort in the back of your mouth. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are famous for causing problems when they don’t have enough space to grow properly. Whether you’ve just started feeling discomfort or you’re dealing with a long-standing issue, this guide will help you understand what’s going on in your mouth and how to move forward. This post will discuss wisdom tooth types of impactions, the symptoms associated with each type, and the treatment options available.
Wisdom Teeth Impaction
Wisdom teeth are the final set to emerge in the back of your mouth. They typically appear between 17 and 25, but only some develop these teeth. Wisdom teeth impaction is when the teeth do not have enough room to emerge properly, causing them to become trapped under the gum line or grow at an angle.
Vertical Impaction
Vertical impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows straight up and down but doesn’t have enough room to fully emerge from the gum line. It is the ideal scenario for wisdom teeth, as they can grow into place alongside neighbouring teeth without causing much trouble.
Some common symptoms associated with vertical impactions include mild pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth, swelling of the gums, and bad breath. Most people with vertical impactions don’t experience any symptoms at all.
If you are experiencing symptoms, treatment options for vertical impactions may include
- taking over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate discomfort,
- using warm salt water rinses to soothe swollen gums, and
- practising good oral hygiene to prevent infection.
Mesial Impaction
Mesial impaction is when the wisdom tooth grows at an angle towards the mouth’s front, causing it to push against the neighbouring molar. It can cause pain, swelling and discomfort in the jaw and gums. If left untreated, mesial impaction can lead to decay and gum disease.
Treatment options for mesial impactions usually involve removing the impacted tooth through a surgical procedure called extraction. It is done by opening the gum tissue for tooth access and then carefully removing it. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give instructions after the procedure on caring for the surgical site and managing any pain or discomfort.
Distal Impaction
Distal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows at an angle towards the mouth’s back, pushing against the neighbouring molar. It can cause pain, discomfort in the jaw and gums, and difficulty opening your mouth. In some cases, it leads to the formation of cysts or tumours.
Treatment options for distal impactions depend on the severity of the case. If the tooth is partially impacted, your dentist may recommend removing the gum tissue covering the tooth to help it emerge properly. In more severe cases, extraction may be necessary to prevent further complications.
Horizontal Impaction
Horizontal impaction is when the wisdom tooth grows horizontally, pushing against the neighbouring teeth. It can cause significant pain, discomfort, and difficulty opening the mouth. It can also lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to nearby teeth.
Treatment options for horizontal impactions usually involve the extraction, as there isn’t enough space for the tooth to straighten out. Your dentist or surgeon will remove the impacted tooth through a surgical procedure and provide instructions on caring for the site afterwards. Pain medication may also be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort.
Taking Care of Wisdom Tooth
In seeking treatment for wisdom tooth impactions, caring for oral health is important to prevent complications. Here are good practices you can follow:
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings: Visit your dentist every six months to help catch potential problems before they become serious.
- Practising good oral hygiene habits: Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and use mouthwash regularly to keep a clean and healthy mouth.
- Using warm salt water rinses: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe swollen gums and alleviate discomfort.
- Eating soft, easy-to-chew foods: Eating softer foods can help prevent further irritation to the gum tissue.
- Avoiding smoking or tobacco use: Smoking or using tobacco products can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
When to see a Doctor
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your mouth, especially at the back, seeing a dentist or oral surgeon is essential. Other indicators requiring medical attention include swelling or tenderness in the gums, difficulty opening the mouth, or bad breath that won’t go away. If left unchecked, wisdom tooth impactions can lead to further complications such as infection, decay, gum disease, and cysts or tumours. Addressing concerns early on is always better for the best possible outcomes.
Final Thoughts
In summary, wisdom tooth impaction can cause discomfort and pain in the back of your mouth, and it’s essential to understand the different types of impaction and their associated symptoms to seek appropriate treatment. Vertical impaction is the least troublesome type, while mesial, distal and horizontal impactions require extraction if they cause significant pain or damage. Proper oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding tobacco use can help prevent further complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to avoid infections, decay, and gum disease. Don’t hesitate to see your dentist or oral surgeon if you suspect a problem with your wisdom teeth.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
