Impacted wisdom teeth almost always need to be removed, as they’ll cause issues with your smile if left intact. As our jaws get smaller through evolution, we have less room for our wisdom teeth, and the majority of people will need to have them taken out.

What should you expect following a wisdom tooth extraction?

After Your Procedure

Generally, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Some discomfort and swelling in the hours following your extraction are normal, and you may also taste some blood in your mouth [1].

You can use an ice pack for the swelling as directed by your dentist, and your dentist or oral surgeon will also let you know how often you can take pain medication or over-the-counter medication.

Following your procedure, you should plan to return home and rest. You should be able to return to your normal activities within two to three days, but in the meantime, give your body the rest it needs to heal!

Activities to Avoid

You should avoid eating hard foods or foods that are difficult to chew and only stick to soft foods for a few days following your procedure. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as these can all inhibit the healing process.

Light exercise is acceptable, but intense exercise should wait a few days. Spitting or using a straw should also be avoided, as these actions require suction in the mouth, which can dislodge the blood clots that are vital to the healing of your extraction site.

Brushing your teeth should also be avoided that first day and up to 24 hours following the procedure [2]. Follow your dentist’s specific instructions for healing!

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Complete healing of your extraction sites can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, as the bone in your jaw will modify to compensate for the loss of the teeth. In the meantime, take care of your smile and be aware of the signs of a potential infection, which can occur even weeks after your procedure.

If you have a fever, pain that doesn’t go away with the recommended medication, or numbness, contact your dentist as soon as possible. An infection could also show signs such as white discharge in your oral cavity or additional swelling [3].

Have You Gotten Your Wisdom Teeth Evaluated?

The only way to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted is by getting an x-ray with your experienced dentist. He or she can let you know if your wisdom teeth are on track to come in properly or if they could require removal. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect prior to your wisdom tooth extraction!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279590/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/complications/

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Why do some people need their wisdom teeth removed but others don’t? Essentially, people who don’t have enough room in their jaw to accommodate all four wisdom teeth will need to have these teeth removed. For people who have larger jaws to accommodate all their teeth, they may not need to have them extracted.

Here’s what else you need to know about who needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted.

When Removal Is Necessary: Impacted Wisdom Teeth

People whose wisdom teeth never fully erupt—also called impacted wisdom teeth—will need to have these molars removed.

Impacted wisdom teeth may partially come in through the gums, or they may come in at an angle that will disrupt the neighboring teeth. These impacted molars can result in infections and an increased risk for tooth decay, as they’re difficult to clean due to their status of being trapped in the gum tissue [1].

Wisdom teeth that are impacted will push against nearby teeth and can cause crowding, which could affect any orthodontic work you’ve previously had done, or make it harder to properly clean your teeth.

When Wisdom Teeth Can Stay: Plenty of Room in the Jaw

Some people will have their wisdom teeth come in completely without any issues. In cases such as these—provided there are no adverse symptoms—wisdom teeth may be fine to leave alone [2].

However, some patients who have plenty of room in their jaw for their wisdom teeth to erupt still experience symptoms that could necessitate removal. For example, wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth and be difficult to clean, increasing the chances that these teeth would experience tooth decay.

Have Questions? Schedule an Exam

The only way to know if your wisdom teeth are impacted or require removal is with a professional exam and x-rays from your dentist [3]. X-rays can reveal if these third molars are present and whether they’re coming in crooked. Some patients don’t even have wisdom teeth, or some people may only have two instead of four!

Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure that can be done by an experienced dentist or an oral surgeon. Recovery time typically only takes a few days, and the discomfort is minimal. Whether or not your wisdom teeth have already come in, your dentist can let you know if they’re healthy or if they could require an extraction in the future!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/expert-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
3. https://www.livescience.com/34755-impacted-wisdom-teeth-removal-oral-surgery.html

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Today, five million people in the United States have their wisdom teeth removed every year [1]. With so many people having their third molars removed, it’s natural to wonder why we have wisdom teeth and why they’re no longer necessary to us as a species.

Ancient Roots

Our ancestors’ diets were much different than what ours are today. They ate food that was often much tougher and so needed to have big, strong teeth and jaws to properly chew this food. Their diet consisted of a lot of raw food that would have needed to be chewed a lot.

Today, our diet is much softer and we don’t have as much need for these big third molars as they aren’t typically used for chewing anymore [2]. As a result, our bodies have evolved and so today, our jaws are much smaller than they were in our ancestors who needed all thirty-two teeth to survive.

Modern Wisdom Teeth

Although our bodies have changed over time, not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed today. There are people who have enough room in their jaws for these teeth to come in properly, although they may have trouble cleaning them [3].

While many people do end up having their wisdom teeth removed (anywhere from 60-80
percent of people), not everyone will, so it’s vital to get your dentist’s input. Some people don’t have a choice; their wisdom teeth will come in crooked or won’t have enough room to erupt comfortably in the jaw and so they’ll need to be removed.

Some people today are even born without wisdom teeth or may only have two out of the
standard four wisdom teeth, showing that evolution is slowly phasing wisdom teeth out of our bodies.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are more likely to be impacted in people today. Impacted wisdom teeth will come in crooked, not have enough room to erupt, or may only partially erupt through the gumline.

When wisdom teeth become trapped in the jaw, they can cause crowding of neighboring teeth, pain, gum infection, swelling, and overgrowth of bacteria [4]. These are all signs that you’ll need your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom tooth removal is a very common surgery that millions of Americans have done every year. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, getting the procedure done sooner rather than later can help prevent pain and infection from occurring.

Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?

If you have wisdom teeth, getting a professional evaluation from your dentist can help you determine whether or not they’ll need to be removed. While wisdom teeth are no longer vital to our survival, most people still have to deal with these teeth as they come in, so schedule a visit with your dentist to check on your third molars!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1963310/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/415290
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/

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Dry socket happens when the blood clot that normally forms over the areas of extraction is
somehow dislodged or never properly forms in the first place. When the blood clot is no longer
there, it leaves nerve tissue and even bone exposed after your procedure.

Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist as soon as possible, but how can you know if
you have dry socket, and what can be done about it?

How Dry Socket Happens

Dry socket can happen for a variety of reasons. Food debris or bacteria may somehow cause
the clot to dislodge or improperly form. Any type of trauma to the area, whether it’s
accidentally hitting it with your toothbrush or chewing foods that are too hard, can also cause
this issue.

People who smoke or neglect to follow their dentist’s instructions for care after wisdom tooth
removal are more at risk to experience dry socket, as are those who are on oral contraception,
as higher levels of estrogen may interfere with clot formation.

Signs and Symptoms

Dry socket will cause some discomfort and is generally painful. Patients usually experience pain
on the corresponding side of their jaw where the affected extraction site is. This pain or
throbbing may spread throughout the face.

Patients may also experience a bad taste in their mouth or have bad breath that doesn’t go
away after brushing, which can be indicative of an infection. In addition, bone may be visible at
the extraction site.

Treatment for Dry Socket

If you have a dry socket, treatment at your dentist’s office will be required. Your dentist will
clean the area in order to help prevent an infection—or treat an existing infection if
necessary—and will provide a numbing cream or gel for the pain.

Your dentist will send you home with instructions for aftercare which may include rinsing with
saltwater. A follow-up appointment is necessary to ensure the extraction site is healing
properly after your initial visit.

How to Prevent Complications After Extraction

You can have a healthy healing process after your tooth extraction by following your dentist’s
instructions. The following tips can help prevent dry socket:

Don’t smoke or use tobacco. If you haven’t quit yet, talk to your dentist or doctor about
getting help. Chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes should be avoided as well!

Eat softer foods. Sticking to soft foods after the procedure can help prevent trauma to
the extraction site and accelerate the healing process.

Keep your mouth clean. It’s important to brush gently yet thoroughly and avoid the
extraction site.

Rest. Take it easy for one to two days after your procedure to give your body time to
heal.

Fortunately, dry socket won’t happen to the majority of patients that need a tooth extraction.
However, if you’re worried about getting a dry socket, talk to your dentist. He or she can
provide additional tips to help you avoid this complication after your procedure. By following
your dentist’s instructions, you’ll be back to normal in no time!

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However, no procedure is without its risks, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. While
the majority of procedures go according to plan, you should be aware of the potential
complications of wisdom tooth removal before your procedure.

Dry Socket

Dry socket is one of the more common complications of wisdom tooth removal and happens
when the blood clot that forms over your surgical site is either dislodged or never properly
formed in the first place. Dry socket only causes pain, but delays healing as well.

Most people develop dry socket approximately three days following the procedure. Patients
most at risk to experience this complication include smokers, patients over 25 years of age, or
people who fail to follow their dentist’s instructions for healing.

How do you know if you have dry socket? You may have pain that ranges from moderate to
severe with a bad taste in your mouth. Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist so
don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms of this complication.

Infection

There is a chance you may develop an infection in one of the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. Less than 5% of cases experience infection following the procedure, making this a rarer complication of wisdom tooth removal.

If your swelling hasn’t gone down in approximately three days after the procedure, you may
have an infection. Other symptoms include a foul taste in your mouth, worsening pain, or a
fever. You’ll need to be treated by your dentist for an infection; an antibiotic will usually suffice if the infection is caught early enough.

Significant Bleeding

Of course, bleeding during and after the procedure is normal and can usually be stopped with
gauze. However, some patients experience excessive bleeding either during their wisdom tooth
removal or after.

If you experience significant bleeding during the procedure, your dentist will be present to
handle the problem. If you experience persistent bleeding following the procedure, you can use
gauze and apply firm but even pressure on the area for 30 minutes, and be sure to keep your
head elevated.

Should you have any concerns about your amount of bleeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your dentist. Oral bleeding has a tendency to look worse than it actually is, as blood mixes with
saliva, but you should always call your dentist with any concerns.

Nerve Damage (Paresthesia)

The wisdom teeth are located close to a major nerve that runs through the jaw. During the
majority of procedures, this nerve is unaffected. However, in some cases, a difficult extraction
can cause the nerve to be damaged.

You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the soft tissues of your mouth as a
result of this damage, although in most cases, the numbness will subside and your nerve
function will return to normal.

It’s important to remember that while wisdom tooth removal isn’t without its risks, the
procedure is considered safe and most people return home to heal without issue. Should you
have more questions or concerns about potential complications of your wisdom tooth removal,
always ask your dentist!

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What age is the most common to get wisdom teeth removed? From age ranges to the best age
you can consider wisdom tooth removal, here’s why you shouldn’t wait to get your wisdom
teeth removed if you need to.

Age 16-20 Is the Most Common Age Range

Age 16-20 is a fairly broad age range, but it’s the most common for wisdom tooth extractions.
Some patients are older or younger when they have their wisdom teeth removed, it all depends
on when your wisdom teeth are developing. Dentists typically like to wait until the teeth are
almost completely developed to extract them.

If you’re outside of this age range and need to have your wisdom teeth removed, don’t worry.
Wisdom teeth extractions are very successful in patients of all ages. This procedure is considered very safe and effective when performed by your oral healthcare professional.

Optimal Time Based on Tooth Formation

For the majority of patients, the best time for wisdom tooth extractions is right around the age
of 18. Again, this will depend on how far along your teeth are in developing. Your dentist will
want to wait until two-thirds of the tooth is formed.

Waiting until the wisdom teeth are mostly formed makes it easier for your dentist to extract
them. Your dentist can tell from x-rays how developed your wisdom teeth are and when the
best time to remove them is, if they need to be removed. Generally, this happens around 18
years of age.

Getting the Procedure Sooner Rather than Later

In general, older patients experience more problems with their wisdom tooth removal. Their
body may take longer to heal itself, or they may be more at risk to experience dry socket or
nerve damage. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, the longer wait can increase the
likelihood of complications after the procedure.

However, don’t let this prevent you from getting your wisdom teeth removed. Experienced
dentists can remove wisdom teeth if necessary at any age. Generally, the sooner you have your
wisdom teeth extracted, the easier the procedure will be and the faster the healing time!

Has your dentist evaluated your smile for wisdom tooth removal? When you need your wisdom
teeth removed, don’t delay in setting up an appointment. Getting your wisdom teeth removed
is a common procedure that can alleviate the many problems wisdom teeth can cause.
Schedule a consultation with your dentist today if you haven’t already for a wisdom tooth
evaluation for you or your child!

The post At What Age Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Most Common? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Wisdom tooth removal is usually done by an oral surgeon and will take a few days for you to
begin feeling better. In those first hours and days after your wisdom tooth removal, how can
you reduce swelling?

Keep Your Head Elevated

Keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling to your mouth by promoting proper blood
flow and drainage away from the affected area. Even when resting, be sure your head is
appropriately and comfortably propped up on pillows to help minimize the swelling you’ll
experience after your wisdom tooth removal.

Ice and Heat Therapy

Some patients find relief with hot and cold therapy to reduce swelling. If you choose to try this
method, it’s best not to keep the therapy on constantly. Rather, most oral healthcare
professionals recommend keeping a cold compress on for 20 minutes and then leaving it off for
20 minutes.

The same is true for heat therapy. You can use a hot compress on the area for 20 minutes and
then remove for 20 minutes. The removal is important as it will help improve circulation and
keep the swelling to a minimum.

Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse provides many benefits after getting your wisdom teeth removed. Not only
can it help dislodge any food particles stuck in your surgical sites, but it can also work to soothe
your wounds and help your mouth feel better.

A good guide is to use one quarter to one half teaspoon of salt in one cup of water; it’s always
best to use filtered or distilled water for this purpose. You may do a salt rinse up to three times
per day for best results.

Chamomile Teabags

Another remedy you may decide to try for reducing swelling after your wisdom tooth removal
is chamomile teabags. Chamomile is a very soothing herb that’s free of caffeine and tends to
have a calming effect on tissues.

You can utilize chamomile by brewing chamomile tea with hot water to activate and soften the
tea bag, then after cooling somewhat, put them in your mouth and bite down gently. You may
leave them in for approximately 15 minutes before discarding.

When getting your wisdom teeth removed, it’s essential to follow your oral surgeon’s
instructions both before and after the procedure. Swelling is normal after such a procedure, but if you ever feel extreme pain or believe something you’re experiencing is not normal, never hesitate to call your dentist or oral surgeon to follow up.

For many patients, the swelling will begin to decrease after the first few days—in the meantime, try these remedies to decrease swelling and feel better faster!

The post How to Decrease Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Removal appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Effective tooth extraction aftercare can alleviate the pain, reduce the risk of complications, and ensure speedy recovery.
If you have been advised tooth extraction, the following four effective aftercare tips will help reduce the discomfort and the risk of the complications associated with it.

Always Keep Your Dentist in the Loop

Pain is fairly common after tooth extraction and lasts nearly a week to ten days. Keep your dentist informed about your post-extraction experience and unusual occurrences that are getting in the way of your normal life.
Though most symptoms following a tooth extraction subside within a week, it is important to watch out for unusual signs such as prolonged bleeding, fever, abnormal sense of touch, difficulty in chewing, allergies, bad taste in the mouth, or any sharp tooth fragments poking through the surgery site.

Take Care of the Blood Clot

Dry socket is one of the most painful complications of tooth extraction, which occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site fails to develop, dissolves, or dislodges. This blood clot serves as a protective layer for the underlying bone tissue and the adjoining nerves, thereby protecting the area from bacteria and food debris. Moreover, this clot is the foundation for the development of new tissue and bone at the site of extraction. Use the following tips to take good care of the blood clot, prevent dry socket, and accelerate the healing process.

Avoid Drinking Straws

The sucking movement caused by the cheek muscles when using a straw to have a drink may dislodge the clot, thereby leading to a dry socket. Hence, avoid using straws for nearly one week after the tooth extraction.

Maintain Pressure on the Gauze Pad

After the tooth extraction procedure is completed, the dentist will place a damp gauze pad at the site to protect the wound and encourage clotting. Lightly bite on this gauze pad at regular intervals until the bleeding reduces. This simple action can encourage clot formation.

Do Not Rinse Your Mouth for 48 hours

Though rinsing helps clean the mouth, this is not a good time to engage in forceful rinsing as it may dislodge the blood clot. Avoid rinsing or spitting vigorously for 24 hours after the tooth extraction procedure. After 24 hours, gentle rinsing with a saline solution or an anti-bacterial mouthwash prescribed by your dentist is advisable.

Stay Away from Cigarettes and Alcohol

Avoid smoking as it is a form of sucking, thereby increasing the risk of a dry socket and delayed recovery. Moreover, research has proven that the carcinogenic chemicals in the fumes hinder the healing process and increase the risk of infections. If quitting cigarettes is a challenge for you, talk to your dentist about when you can resume smoking or switch to nicotine patches.

Avoid mixing alcohol with medicines as it can dislodge or dissolve the blood clot and cause complex problems beyond your oral cavity, thereby retarding the healing process.

Take It Easy

Strenuous activities like bending, lifting, and exercising can result in increased bleeding, impeding the process of clot formation. Avoid rigorous activities for four to five days following the surgery.

Manage Pain Effectively

Once the anesthetic effect wears off, it is normal to feel some pain and uneasiness around the extraction site. The trick is to avoid waiting for the pain to worsen. In order to get the best pain relief possible, take the pain medications as prescribed by your dentist and don’t wait until the discomfort starts. If your prescription says that the pain medication is to be taken every four hours for the first 48 hours, adhere to it even if the pain hasn’t started or is bearable. Placing ice packs or cold towels on the outside of your face can help alleviate the pain and swelling immediately after the extraction.

Avoid taking pain medications on an empty stomach as it increases the risk of acidity, indigestion, and nausea. Though you may not feel like eating after a post a tooth extraction, make sure you consume some semi-solid food, such as applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and fruit yogurt to avoid drug-induced nausea.

Reduce the Risk of Infections

Any surgical procedure is accompanied by an increased risk of infection. Infection in the extraction site can lead to pain, bad taste in the mouth, and foul breath. Use the following tips to ensure quick and infection-free healing.

Complete the Antibiotics Dose

Your dentist will recommend an antibiotic regimen before or after the surgery in order to combat infections, if any. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage and complete the antibiotics course to prevent infection relapse.

Depending on the severity of the wound and your susceptibility to infections, the dentist may prescribe a seven-to-ten-day antibiotic course. Make sure you stock the antibiotics as per the prescriptions and adhere to the prescription at all times.

Also, the medications prescribed by your dentist may or may not be available in another state. Therefore, it is wise to carry your medications with you when traveling to work or out of town.

Pay Attention to Oral Hygiene

Proper hygiene is critical to prevent oral infections post tooth extraction. Check with your dentist on how you can maintain oral hygiene without causing damage to the surgery site.

Tooth extraction is, by no means, a pleasant experience; yet, by working with your dentist and following the aftercare instructions, you can alleviate the pain, reduce the risk of the associated complications, and promote rapid healing. Use the tips shared in this article to make your post-extraction healing process as comfortable as possible.

The post Tooth Extraction Aftercare: 4 Tips for Speedy Recovery appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Infection or Decay

Tooth infections can happen when decay or trauma goes untreated and bacteria gets into the root of your tooth, which contains all the nerve tissue that keeps your tooth alive. When bacteria enter your tooth root, an infection can make the tooth die inside and may even progress to the jaw bone.

If you suspect you have a tooth infection, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you get your infection addressed, the better chance you have of saving your tooth!

Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth feel like they’re aching from the inside out, you might be experiencing a case of severe tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is caused when the tooth enamel is
compromised—whether due to over-brushing, decay, or bacteria—and temperatures reach the center of the tooth and can cause pain.

For some people who experience tooth sensitivity, their pain may linger long after they’ve eaten the offending food, leading them to wonder if something else is going on. Sensitive teeth can be treated with help from your professional dentist, so don’t wait to seek help.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding—also called bruxism—is a cause of toothaches. You may be grinding your teeth while asleep and be unaware of this dangerous habit, but during the day, your teeth may ache.
Bruxism is extremely harmful to your smile and can cause immense stress on the teeth as well as the tooth roots, making your teeth more likely to fracture and become sensitive and your gum tissue more likely to be inflamed.

A mouthguard or relaxation techniques can help you conquer bruxism and stop your perpetual toothache!

Trauma to the Tooth

If you’ve experienced any type of trauma to your tooth, such as an accident, a chip or a crack, or even tooth decay, the tooth may respond by causing pain.

Tooth trauma can take many forms, but it should always be checked out by a dentist. Even though a chip or a crack can seem minor, it has the potential to allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s nerve, therefore causing pain and even an infection that could compromise your tooth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth happen when the third molars don’t have enough room to erupt in the mouth, which can cause them to push against the other teeth and cause pain. Typically, impacted wisdom teeth will need to be removed by an oral surgeon, so don’t delay in getting them evaluated if you’re having pain in the back of your mouth!

If you’re having a toothache, getting it addressed sooner rather than later is always a good idea. The longer you wait to have your tooth pain addressed, the higher the chances that your tooth will need to be removed. Regular checkups can help you avoid a toothache, so don’t wait to talk to your dentist!

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What exactly is an impacted wisdom tooth? The following are all characteristics of impacted
wisdom teeth as well as how they’re typically treated.

Unable to Erupt Into the Mouth

Fully impacted wisdom teeth are entirely trapped in your jaw and are unable to come through
the gum tissue into the oral cavity. They may be blocked by the surrounding teeth or they may
be coming in at a bizarre angle—such as tilted or sideways.

These teeth are usually out of alignment which is what’s preventing them from coming in
properly. You may also have a wisdom tooth that’s partially impacted, which means it’s not
quite as stuck as fully impacted wisdom teeth, but stuck enough to cause adverse symptoms.
Caught Between the Jaw and Gum Tissue

Wisdom teeth that partially erupt into the mouth but don’t quite make it through the gum
tissue are often called soft-tissue impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth that are impacted in your gum tissue means they can’t fully erupt into the
mouth, perhaps because they don’t have enough room or just because that’s as far as they’re
willing to go.

This type of impacted wisdom tooth is likely to cause irritation or even infection in the
surrounding gum tissue. This is because they are difficult to properly clean being so far back in
the mouth and stuck in the gum tissue, which leaves more room for bacteria and food particles
to get trapped.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause many problems in the mouth. If they aren’t able to erupt
through the gumline, they can cause swelling, infection, and pain.

You should never ignore impacted wisdom teeth on account of the problems they can cause. In
addition to causing pain, the longer you allow impacted wisdom teeth to develop, the more
likely they are to cause an infection or alignment problems with your neighboring teeth.

What Does the Treatment Entail?

Treatment for impacted wisdom teeth usually involves extraction. Although impacted wisdom
teeth can be trickier to remove than wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gumline,
these types of extractions are commonplace and most dentists have experience with them.

Getting your impacted wisdom teeth extracted before they cause symptoms can help reduce
the chances you’ll experience any future problems. Since impacted teeth can also ruin
orthodontic work by pushing against your other teeth, getting them evaluated now can help
keep your teeth in place.

If your wisdom teeth haven’t made an appearance yet, schedule an appointment with your
dentist. A simple x-ray can tell if your wisdom teeth are on their way in and whether or not
they’re impacted. Never let an impacted wisdom tooth go because the sooner you get
treatment, the less your smile will be disrupted by these molars!

The post What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth and How Is It Treated? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.