Unerupted Wisdom Teeth: What Causes Them And How Are They Diagnosed And Treated?

Unerupted wisdom teeth are third molars that do not emerge from the gums as they normally should. They can cause various problems such as pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cysts.

Here is some information about what causes unerupted wisdom teeth and how to diagnose and treat them.

What Causes Unerupted Wisdom Teeth?

Unerupted wisdom teeth are usually caused by a lack of space in the jaw or a misalignment of the teeth. Because wisdom teeth are the last ones to develop and erupt, usually in a person's late teens or early twenties, the teeth may not have enough room to grow properly.

When there is too little space for the teeth, they become impacted or trapped in the jawbone or under the gum tissue. This can result in inflammation, infection, or pressure on the surrounding structures.

How Does Your Dentist Diagnose Unerupted Wisdom Teeth?

Unerupted wisdom teeth can be detected by a dental examination and an X-ray. During the exam, the dentist can check for signs of infection, swelling, or decay around the wisdom teeth. Moreover, the X-ray can show the position and shape of the unerupted wisdom teeth and whether they are affecting the adjacent teeth or the jawbone.

What Are the Possible Treatments for Unerupted Wisdom Teeth

The treatment for unerupted wisdom teeth depends on several factors, such as the severity of the symptoms, the risk of complications, and the patient's preference. Some possible treatments are:

• Observation. If the unerupted wisdom teeth are not causing any problems, they can be monitored regularly by the dentist to check for any changes or signs of trouble.
• Medication. If the unerupted wisdom teeth are causing mild pain or inflammation, they can be treated with painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics.
• Extraction. If the unerupted wisdom teeth are causing severe pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or cysts, they may need to be removed surgically. This is usually done under local anesthesia or sedation. The dentist will make an incision in the gums and remove the tooth and any bone or tissue that is blocking it. The wound will then be stitched and covered with gauze.

Unerupted wisdom teeth are common and can affect anyone. It is important to visit a dentist regularly and have your wisdom teeth checked for any potential issues. If you have any questions or concerns about your unerupted wisdom teeth, contact a dentist in your local area.