Impacted Wisdom Teeth Hillsboro, OR
Impacted wisdom teeth are your third molars which have run out of room to grow. They can be either fully or partially trapped in your gums. This can lead to a number of oral health complications, including bacterial infection, decay, and gum disease. Removing the wisdom teeth at this point is an optimal solution to preserve your oral health.
At Century Dental, we have a dedicated team for tooth extractions that can help you take care of your impacted wisdom teeth. Our highly qualified staff can ensure that you have a smooth and comfortable tooth extraction experience. Impacted wisdom teeth should never be treated lightly, so if you are dealing with one, book an appointment with us today.
Symptoms and Causes
Wisdom teeth, or your third molars, become impacted when there is not enough room for their development. These usually emerge between the age of 17 and 25, but for some they may erupt in their early 30s. In most cases, the mouth is already too crowded to let the wisdom teeth grow naturally. This is when the wisdom teeth become trapped or impacted.
Common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, difficulty opening your mouth or chewing, bad breath, and jaw pain. The pain may develop slowly in the beginning but if overlooked, can quickly become more intense in a short span of time.
Soft Tissue Impaction vs. Hard Tissue Impaction
You might come across a few terms at your appointment for a wisdom tooth extraction that you may not be aware of. For instance, at Century Dental, you might hear one of our dentists use the terms ‘soft tissue impaction’ or ‘hard tissue impaction.’ In simple terms, ‘soft tissue impaction’ refers to a condition where the wisdom tooth has erupted from the jawbone but has not yet broken through the gumline.
On the other hand, ‘hard tissue impaction’ means that the wisdom tooth is still underneath the gums and jawbone. The consequences of both impactions can be different and may need varying levels of urgency.
How Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Affect Oral Health?
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain if not treated early on. They can also lead to tooth infection and damage other nearby healthy teeth. Since they are located at the back of your mouth, they are difficult to clean and observe with the naked eye. Consequently, it makes them more prone to decay and disease.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also affect your general health in several ways. Your diet may get affected by the pain and swelling in the oral cavity, which can make your immune system vulnerable to bacterial infections. If an impacted wisdom tooth is left untreated for too long, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
At Century Dental, we understand how important your oral health is, which is why we provide the best-in-class oral treatments to all of our patients. If you or a family member are dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, we can help you extract those teeth so you can get back to your normal routine. To book an appointment over the phone, you can reach us at (971) 708-1608.
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