Did you know that nine out of ten people will experience at least one or more wisdom teeth barely breaking through the surface of the gum line? This condition is called an impacted tooth. This mainly happens because of the lack of space for the wisdom tooth to emerge properly. Dr. John Patterson of Chandler, Arizona is very knowledgeable about the problems that wisdom teeth present to his patients. Many people simply ignore the issue, but this can lead to serious health conditions. Here are some things you should know about impacted wisdom teeth.

  • If impacted wisdom teeth are left in the mouth, they can cause damage to other teeth, especially to those in proximity. The third molar region of the mouth is inherently harder to clean, leading to bacteria buildup and subsequent gum disease.
  • The same bacteria that cause gum disease can travel through the mouth into your bloodstream causing additional health issues that affect the heart, kidneys and organs. If wisdom teeth are extracted after periodontal gum disease is detected, the problem usually improves, and restoration of diseased gums is more likely to occur.
  • In rare cases, fluid-filled cysts develop around the base of the untreated wisdom tooth often leading to more serious issues. Eventually, the jaw can be affected causing nerve and teeth damage surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth.

If you choose to keep your wisdom teeth intact, it is vital to keep your dental checkups so that your dentist can monitor your gum health and any issues that may occur due to impacted wisdom teeth. Patterson Dental of Chandler, AZ provides the finest dental care in periodontal gum disease prevention. Dr. Patterson can give you all the facts on what you should know about impacted wisdom teeth. Make an appointment today, so that your teeth will remain healthy for years to come. Give us a call at Phone (480) 280-6170