The wisdom teeth are quite an anomaly. More often than not, these third molars end up causing more harm than good when they’re ready to emerge. However, understanding impacted wisdom teeth and the early signs they present can help you get into the dentist or orthodontist before the discomfort grows severe. As such, we wanted to spend some time defining impacted wisdom teeth and the effects they can have on your surrounding teeth and jaw.
Trapnell Orthodontics is proud to provide orthodontic services to those around Utah County. We have four offices across the valley, from Provo to Payson! In addition to providing quality orthodontic care, we also strive to serve our readers with the information necessary to maintain sound oral health! If you’re interested in any of our orthodontic services, call Trapnell today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about impacted wisdom teeth.
What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the teeth don’t have enough space to fully emerge. In these cases, they might grow into another tooth or bone and create pain or pressure. Impacted wisdom teeth can thus come in at harsh angles, or even sideways, underneath the gumline. When left untreated, these teeth can cause a variety of issues in the jaw, or in the surrounding teeth and gums. Fortunately, if you can recognize the signs of impacted wisdom teeth early, you can mitigate the painful associated symptoms.
What are the Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
- Jaw Pain: Jaw pain is a common sign of impacted wisdom teeth. The pain radiates from the affected area down throughout the jaw and the jaw joint.
- Limited Range of Motion in Jaw: Along with pain and possible swelling in the jaw, you might also have a difficult time opening and closing your mouth, which can be a nuisance even for essential daily tasks like chewing your food.
- Tender Gums: Tender gums can result when impacted wisdom teeth attempt to emerge. It’s also possible that they’ll partially emerge, which can create pockets for bacteria and thus infection.
The Best Orthodontist in Utah!
If you’re seeking orthodontics in Utah County, look no further than Trapnell! We have a number of orthodontic offices across the valley. Contact us today to schedule a consultation! You can find information on each of our offices here.
