Is Your Wisdom Tooth a Risk for Oral Disease?

Wisdom teeth in Plano can grow when there’s almost no room inside a person’s mouth. More often than not, the third molar becomes impacted or does not erupt at a proper angle. In some cases, the tooth may not emerge fully from the gums. Both of these cases may require a wisdom tooth extraction.

Why Dentists Recommend Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Dentists generally don’t extract wisdom teeth which have correctly erupted. They don’t pose a dental health problem when aligned well with the other teeth. However, impacted molars can cause oral health issues that only their removal can prevent or alleviate. The most common of these is gum disease.

How Does an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Cause Gum Disease?

Nearly all oral health diseases start with plaque accumulation. Plaque is a thin film that’s invisible to the human eyes. Eating high carbohydrate foods leaves this film behind on the tooth’s enamel. Plaque attracts oral bacteria, which consume sugar and leave behind lactic acid as a by-product.  

Lactic acid is corrosive. The enamel is sturdy and resilient, but constant bacterial activity will erode the shell. The longer the plaque remains on its surface, the more bacteria multiply and produce acids. As they become more numerous, the faster the tooth decays. Plaque accumulating on the tooth’s surface nearest to the gums will cause gum disease.

Because wisdom teeth grow in the rearmost areas of the mouth, they can be tough to clean. Plaque could accumulate there even with regular brushing and flossing. Thus, they are at high risk for gum diseases.

How Does Gum Disease Develop?

The bacterial infection caused by plaque irritates the gum tissue. The first sign of trouble is swelling and tenderness on the gums. They also easily bleed when you brush, even with gentle movements. At this point, however, the disease is still reversible. There is no damage to the gingival tissues yet, and you can restore their health by maintaining good oral hygiene.

On the other hand, neglecting your dental health will allow gingivitis to proceed to its advanced stage, periodontitis. The bacterial infection is excessive at this stage, forcing the gums to recede from the teeth. Unfortunately, the recession exposes minute pockets between the tissue and the tooth. Bacteria will gather in these pockets and infect the tooth.

How Does Periodontitis Damage the Teeth?

The exposed pockets make the dental root vulnerable to bacterial infection. The root is the closest to the bone structures supporting the tooth. Without timely intervention, the bacteria will find their way to these structures and damage them. Infected teeth become loose and may fall off.

Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is irreversible. The condition requires oral surgery to restore the tooth’s health. If the tooth falls out, you will have to consider dental implants to replace it.

Other Health Issues That Impacted Wisdom Teeth May Cause

Gum disease may be the most common issue caused by an improperly grown third molar. However, it is not the only problem you’d have to deal with if you have an impacted wisdom tooth.

Oral Caries

Also known as cavities, these are holes created by unattended plaque and continued bacterial activity. Mild to moderate cavities can be filled up in the dentist’s chair. Advanced oral caries can reach deep into the teeth’s insides and cause further problems like pulpitis or inflammation of the pulp.

Pulpitis

There are three layers within teeth: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The pulp contains all the blood vessels necessary to nourish the teeth and the nerve endings that connect to the nervous system. An infection of the pulp can cause a dental abscess, a painful condition that also affects the bone and soft tissues. Dental abscesses could also spread to other teeth.

Dental Malocclusion

An impacted wisdom tooth exerts constant pressure on the second molar. In some cases, the pressure may move the teeth and cause further crowding in the mouth. Unfortunately, crooked teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You may also require orthodontic treatment like braces to correct the alignment.

Pericoronitis

When an impacted wisdom tooth erupts, the odd angle sometimes causes only the crown to surface. At the same time, the rest of the tooth leans against the neighboring molar. This creates a small opening that oral bacteria can exploit. Like pulpitis, pericoronitis can cause dental abscesses that could spread to other teeth, the jaws, cheeks, and neck.

When Should You Seek Treatment for Impacted Wisdom Teeth in Plano?

You should seek your dentist at the first sign of wisdom tooth growth. They will examine the tooth through X-rays and determine if you need oral surgery for its removal. You should also set an appointment if you’re experiencing pain and inflammation so the dentist can prescribe the proper medication.

If you believe your wisdom tooth needs to be removed, contact us now and set an appointment.