The third set of molars, wisdom teeth, are the last adult teeth in the mouth. Wisdom teeth are on the back side of the mouth, and impacted teeth lie beneath the gums as they lack enough space to grow. Wisdom teeth that erupt within the aligned teeth don't cause issues, but the partially or fully trapped tooth in the jawbone and gums causes pressure against the bone. It can result in tooth decay, overcrowding, infection, swelling, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
If you're looking for wisdom tooth removal in San Antonio and need clarification about the wisdom tooth and its impact, read on to discover more.
4 Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions
Vertical Impaction
Vertical impaction is when the wisdom tooth appears perfectly aligned with your teeth and erupts in the correct position. However, it can still cause problems as the tooth lies below the gum and faces difficulty pushing through it. Vertically impacted teeth hardly need an extraction as they are unlikely to cause discomfort or pain.
Horizontal Impaction
As the names suggest, horizontal impaction is the horizontally impacted wisdom tooth growing horizontally under the gums. It is considered the most complicated impacted tooth as it is parallel to the jawbone and cannot be visible without an X-ray. The horizontal impaction will most likely damage the surrounding teeth and be immensely painful if not extracted.
Mesial Impaction
Mesial impaction is one of the most common types of impactions. The wisdom tooth is tilted and angled toward the front of your mouth. Therefore, mesial impaction is also known as angular impaction. This wisdom tooth only sometimes requires removal, as it might grow appropriately over time. However, it is essential to visit the dentist at Culebra Rd. to examine and make the final decision regarding the extraction closely.
Distal Impaction
Distal impaction is the rarest type of wisdom tooth impaction. Distal impaction is the opposite of mesial impaction, as the tooth is tilted, but towards the back of the mouth. Distal impaction can either be fully or partially angled. Therefore, depending on its position, the dentist extracts the wisdom tooth.
Visit Your Dentist to Talk About Wisdom Tooth Extraction in San Antonio
The extraction of wisdom teeth depends on the type of impaction. So, it is crucial to let the experienced dentist at Ziva Dental determine the impaction and suggest the best course of action for your oral health.