If you are between the ages of 17 and 25, you may find yourself in the need of dental care to remove your third molars or wisdom teeth. This is very often because they have begun to come in and stopped, or they may be positioned at an awkward angle or position. But many people, have to have their wisdom teeth removed because they have become impacted. What is impaction and what can be done? Here is some information that will help to explain this:

What Is Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that are impacted are teeth that simply do not have enough space in your mouth to come in or develop normally. In some people, this causes no problems what so ever, but in others, it can cause severe pain, infection, and can even cause damage to surrounding teeth. If you are experiencing symptoms from your wisdom teeth being impacted, there is a good chance that you will experience some or all of the following:

• Tender and swollen gums
• Jaw pain
• Fever
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Swelling in the back of your mouth
• Swelling on the side of your face
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth and more

If the teeth or tooth has partially erupted and a small flap of skin has grown over these teeth, this could provide a breeding ground for infections, abscesses, or cysts. This can lead to you having difficulty keeping this area clean which in turn could lead to inflammatory gum disease called pericoronitis. 

What Can Be Done?

Your wisdom teeth which were once designed to help man better chew the foods he consumed for his survival. Because ancient man's jaw was slightly longer, he/she had room for these teeth to naturally come in. Because your diet now consists of softer foods than your ancient ancestors, you no longer have a need for them.

Most dentists suggest that your wisdom teeth be removed, especially once they become impacted. This will not only get you out of pain, but you will have better gums that you will be able to keep clean once they're healed. 

The removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a very common dental surgery that can usually be performed by your family dentist. If they are not comfortable doing this type of work, they may refer you to a dental office that specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. If they do refer you, once your surgery is complete, the surgery practice will send you back to your dentist. 

Contact a dentist office for more information and assistance.