Teeth that are fully or partially trapped behind the gums are called impacted teeth. Wisdom teeth (along with canine teeth) are more likely to become impacted than any other teeth. While the reason a tooth becomes impacted is not always clear, the fact that wisdom teeth are so large can be a contributing factor. Because your wisdom teeth are the last to grow in, there may not be enough room for them to erupt fully. In other cases, tumors or other unusual growths can block the growth track of your wisdom teeth.
Whatever the cause of your impacted wisdom teeth, it is important to have them removed as soon as possible. Partially impacted teeth create space for bacteria and germs to accumulate beneath the gum tissue, which can cause infections, cysts, and even tumors in the gum and bone tissue. If you think you may have wisdom teeth that need removal, contact our office in St. John’s, NL, for more information.
Wisdom Teeth Complications
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause many complications, including the following:
- Damage to adjacent teeth (with possible loss of functional teeth)
- Infections
- Cysts and tumors
- Bone damage
Preventing Impaction
The best way to prevent impaction and other wisdom teeth complications is to have regular dental exams throughout your life, especially during the mid-teen years when the wisdom teeth are almost fully developed. Having your teeth assessed before they begin to emerge through the gums can allow your dentist or oral surgeon to determine whether your wisdom teeth pose a risk to your oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your back teeth every day can also help prevent dental infections to some extent, however, in cases of impacted teeth, it can be extremely difficult or even impossible to clean the pockets between the gums and back teeth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal at Atlantic Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Centre
If you have been experiencing complications with your wisdom teeth, our oral surgeons can help. We offer wisdom teeth extractions for patients in our private office in St. John’s, NL. We also care for patients in the hospital when appropriate. Please contact our office at your convenience and one of our administrative team members will be happy to assist you.