Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options in Wilmington, NC
Impacted wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often fail to emerge properly due to limited space in the mouth. This can lead to a host of dental problems, including pain, infection, and tooth decay. At Plage Dentistry in Wilmington, NC, we specialize in identifying and treating impacted wisdom teeth, ensuring your oral health is protected.
Common Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms:
Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause persistent pain in the back of the mouth, which may extend to the jaw, ear, or head. This discomfort is often a sign that the tooth is trying to break through the gums without enough space to do so.
Swollen and Bleeding Gums: The gums surrounding impacted wisdom teeth often become swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding. This can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Jaw Pain and Stiffness: The pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant jaw pain and stiffness, making it hard to chew, speak, or open your mouth fully.
Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste: When wisdom teeth only partially emerge, they create pockets where bacteria can thrive, leading to bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are hard to clean, which can result in tooth decay and gum disease. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to serious dental issues.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth: In severe cases, impacted wisdom teeth can limit your ability to open your mouth fully, impacting your daily life.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: In some cases, the infection caused by impacted wisdom teeth can lead to swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
When to Seek Treatment
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon. At Plage Dentistry, our experienced team can evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan, which may include monitoring, medication, or surgical removal of the impacted wisdom teeth.
Treatment Options
Monitoring: Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause immediate problems. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor their development and address issues before they worsen.
Medication: To manage pain and infection, your dentist may prescribe pain relievers or antibiotics.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: If your impacted wisdom teeth are causing significant problems, surgical removal might be necessary. Our skilled oral surgeons at Plage Dentistry can perform this procedure safely, ensuring your comfort and quick recovery.
Preventive Care
Preventing complications from impacted wisdom teeth begins with regular dental visits and X-rays to monitor their development. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s recommendations are also essential to preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
For expert care and advice on managing impacted wisdom teeth, contact Plage Dentistry in Wilmington, NC, today. Our team is dedicated to providing the best dental care to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.