Need Wisdom Teeth Removed near Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that grow within our mouths. Some people are lucky enough to not experience any pain when these teeth grow in during, which usually occurs between the age of 17 and 25 years. The average mouth does not provide adequate enough space to allow for unrestrained growth of the third molars. This is known as impacted wisdom teeth.

What Causes Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Limited space within the jaw is the leading cause of impacted wisdom teeth. By the time your third molars are ready to grow in, the majority of people will find that there is not enough ample room to allow for them. As a result, your wisdom teeth can grow in at an angle. Typical situations include:

• Growing forward towards the second molar.
• Growing backwards towards the back of the mouth.
• Growing at a right-angle towards other teeth in your mouth, giving the appearance that the impacted wisdom tooth is lying down within your jaw.
• Growing straight up, while staying trapped within the jawbone.

What Are Some Symptoms that Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

Each case of impacted wisdom teeth can vary per experience, but people suffering from impacted teeth tend to suffer from numerous painful problems. When this happens, one can expect to experience any or all of the following symptoms:

• Red and inflamed gums.
• Tender or even bleeding gums.
• Jaw pain.
• Swelling in the jaw.
• Foul breath.
• An unpleasant taste within your mouth.
• Difficulties with opening your mouth as usual.

Do You Have to Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Removing your wisdom teeth is not required for everyone. Typically, an experienced dentist will be able to identify early on whether or not your mouth is large enough to accommodate the new growth of your third molars. If your wisdom teeth have not yet grown in, make sure you ask your general dentist about them during your next scheduled appointment.

Of course, there is always the possibility that problems occur while your wisdom teeth grow in. If you begin to experience pain in your mouth that is similar to the impacted wisdom tooth symptoms listed above, then be sure to make an appointment with your dentist immediately.

Complications of Not Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Certain complications can arise from not addressing an impacted wisdom tooth. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we strongly recommend you contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to have your wisdom teeth inspected. Below are just some of the more common problems that can result from not removing impacted wisdom teeth:

• You can damage other teeth in your mouth. If your third molar grows forward into other teeth, the pressure can increase the risk of you having an infection in your mouth. In rare instances, a benign tumor can develop. And in rarer instances, this tumor can become cancerous. The complication may require the removal of jaw bone or tissue, if identified soon enough.
• Cysts can develop. Your third molar develops within a sac in your jawbone. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, that sac can fill with liquid, forming a cyst within the jawbone that can damage nerves, teeth, or your jawbone.
• Decay within your teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to the risk of tooth decay than that of other teeth. This most likely results from the fact that third molars are usually harder to reach due to limited space or improper growth, making it easier for bacteria and food to remain trapped between teeth and your gumline.
• Gum disease. The decay within your mouth, as well as the other problems, can contribute to the risk of you developing a painful and inflammatory gum condition called pericoronitis in the affected area.

If you find yourself in need of having your wisdom teeth removed and you live near the Mission Viejo area, feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’d be more than happy to help you identify whether or not you need to remove your wisdom teeth, or to help remove any currently impacted wisdom teeth.