Impacted Wisdom Teeth

For some people, impacted wisdom teeth just happen. When it comes to a tooth, “impacted” is used to describe one that has not erupted, due to not having enough room to grow. Or, perhaps it’s partially-impacted, which means that it’s trying to erupt, but the surrounding teeth won’t let it. Impacted wisdom teeth are the third and final molars in the back of the mouth. If yours don’t emerge between the ages of 17-22, you may need to discuss extraction with Dr. Cynthia Wong.

Impacted wisdom teeth try to erupt, and while doing so, tend to push on surrounding teeth, causing them to be crooked and misaligned. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean and because it’s easier for food to become stuck in these crevices, tooth decay or cavities may develop. Extraction is best to avoid infection, reduce or eliminate headaches, and prevent periodontal disease.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Dangers of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth are impacted, this means that they are lying under the gum and have yet to erupt. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17-22, so if yours haven’t developed by then, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics may suggest extraction. Extraction is recommended for impacted wisdom teeth because they put the patient at risk of infection and it usually does more help than harm to have them removed.

Impacted wisdom teeth increase a patient’s risk of infection and can also cause damage to surrounding teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth try to erupt, and while doing so, tend to push on surrounding teeth, causing them to be crooked and misaligned. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean and because it’s easier for food to become stuck in these crevices, tooth decay or cavities may develop. Impacted wisdom teeth can additionally lead to periodontal disease and headaches. Schedule a consultation today to discuss if extraction is right for you.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth or tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Wisdom Teeth Headaches

Are you constantly waking up with facial pain or experiencing headaches more often than usual? If you’ve answered yes to one or both of these symptoms, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics would like you to ask yourself another question. Are your wisdom teeth still intact? Wisdom teeth that are located under the gum line (impacted) can be a cause for concern. Learn why extraction is the best way to treat the problem.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they raise the risk of developing an infection. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth don’t usually emerge without extraction. Because they stay under the gum, they can grow sideways and even at an angle, pushing on a nerve causing wisdom teeth headaches. Wisdom teeth extraction is recommended between the ages of 17-22, but Dr. Cynthia Wong will remove them if necessary, regardless of age.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Wisdom Teeth Headaches

With age, comes wisdom teeth and when wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause throbbing in the back of the mouth, swelling around the jaw, and headaches. When wisdom teeth are impacted, this simply means that they are sitting comfortably (or uncomfortably) below the gum line. Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t causing problems. If you experience frequent headaches due to wisdom teeth, Dr. Cynthia Wong may suggest extracting them.

Frequent headaches that occur as a result of jaw pain are a warning sign that wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. This is because wisdom teeth that are pushing through but can’t erupt can put pressure on the jaw joint. If you are experiencing pain and swelling in the jaw, swollen and bleeding gums, or ear pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong to discuss extraction.

If you have concerns about wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Wisdom Tooth Decay

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation Dr. Cynthia Wong to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, Dr. Cynthia Wong may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.