Are My Teen’s Wisdom Teeth Impacted?
As a parent, you want to make sure your teen’s dental health is in top shape. With the growth spurt that comes with adolescence, the appearance of wisdom teeth can be a cause of concern. Especially if they’re about to graduate and head off to college in the near future or just completed a round of orthodontic treatment.
At Rosas Family Dentistry in Clear Lake, TX, Dr. Rosas and Dr. Budman are here to help you understand everything you need to know about wisdom teeth and whether or not your teen’s are impacted.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. Your teen may experience pain, swelling, or tenderness in the back of their mouth, along with difficulty opening their jaw or a bad taste coming from behind their back teeth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can even cause a cyst to form in the gums or bone, leading to an infection or jaw damage.
If you suspect your teen has an impacted wisdom tooth, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Especially if there is any swelling, redness, or visible gum infection. Our Clear Lake dentists can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to protect your teen’s dental health.
What are Partially-Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Partially-impacted wisdom teeth occur when the tooth begins to grow in at an angle but does not fully erupt through the gumline. Instead, the tooth may be submerged in the gums or only partially visible, with the majority of the tooth stuck down inside the bone and gum tissue. This can cause discomfort and make cleaning difficult, leading to the development of cavities and gum disease.
Is it Bad to Have a Partially-Erupted Wisdom Tooth?
Yes, it can be bad to have a partially-erupted wisdom tooth. This is because partially-erupted teeth are more difficult to clean and, as a result, lead to a higher risk of gum disease and cavities. Both of these infections can spread to the adjacent teeth, creating a chain reaction that affects their overall smile. In many cases, impacted or partially-erupted wisdom teeth are removed proactively before damage occurs to those neighboring teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Exam and X-ray
At Rosas Family Dentistry, our Clear Lake dentists will perform a wisdom tooth exam to determine the position and growth of your teen’s wisdom teeth. This exam may also include a full mouth X-ray or scan to get a clear picture of the tooth’s development. Based on the results of the exam, our dentists will be able to determine whether or not the wisdom tooth is impacted and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, Dr. Rosas or Dr. Budman may want to take a “watch and wait” approach to monitor the tooth’s development. The important thing is to stay ahead of the issue before complications or wisdom tooth pain occur.
Most of these full-mouth X-rays are taken about once every 3-5 years to monitor tooth development. However, updated images may be needed to assess the growth and placement of your teen’s wisdom teeth.
Know When to See a Dentist
It’s important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth. This is especially important for teens, who are still growing and developing and need to maintain good oral health. Since six month checkups are ideal for keeping your family’s teeth healthy, we can continue to assess your teen’s wisdom teeth at their routine exam and cleaning appointments. When necessary, we can intercept the wisdom teeth if they become impacted, infected, or painful.
If you’re unsure about whether or not your teen’s wisdom teeth are impacted, our dentists can help. We’ll perform a thorough exam, take X-rays, and recommend the best course of action to protect your teen’s dental health. Even if you need a second opinion, that’s another option we can provide.
Reserve a Wisdom Tooth Exam Today
At Rosas Family Dentistry, we understand the importance of maintaining good dental health, especially for teens. That’s why we offer wisdom tooth exams to help you understand the position and growth of your teen’s wisdom teeth. If you’re concerned about your teen’s wisdom teeth, don’t wait. Reserve a wisdom tooth exam today and let Dr. Rosas and Dr. Budman help you understand everything you need to know about your teen’s dental health.
If you suspect your teen may have an impacted wisdom tooth, don’t hesitate to book an appointment today!