Wisdom teeth are a normal part of being a teen. And, while some people have no issues with them, many find that these third molars cause many unfortunate problems.
Wisdom teeth often can grow in at odd angles or even become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to emerge properly. This can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and potentially harmful symptoms.
Recognizing the signs that your wisdom teeth need attention is the first step toward preventing more serious dental complications.
Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Our jaws have become smaller over time, and for many people, there simply isn’t enough space to accommodate a third set of molars. When wisdom teeth are unable to erupt into a proper, functional position, they can get stuck in the jawbone or gums. This can happen in a few different ways. They might emerge only partially, come in sideways, or remain completely trapped beneath the gum line.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Extraction
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a chain reaction of problems, affecting the health of neighboring teeth and gums. Paying attention to certain symptoms can help you and your dentist decide if extraction is the best course of action.
Persistent Pain and Discomfort
The most common sign of a problematic wisdom tooth is pain. This discomfort can manifest in several ways and, surprisingly, isn’t always confined to the back of your mouth.
You might feel a dull, aching pain in the jawbone, near the back of your mouth. This pain can become more intense when chewing or opening your mouth wide.
In addition, the discomfort can radiate to other areas, causing headaches, earaches, or general facial pain. This happens because the impacted tooth puts pressure on the surrounding nerves and muscles.
While some temporary discomfort is normal as any tooth erupts, persistent or severe pain is a clear signal that something is wrong and requires a dental evaluation.
Swollen, Red, or Bleeding Gums
Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on nearby soft tissues. While a small amount is normal, excessive gum tenderness should be addressed.
In addition, teeth that are only partially broken through the gums create an environment for bacterial growth. Food particles and bacteria get trapped under gums, making them incredibly difficult to clean.This can lead to a painful infection called pericoronitis. Signs of this condition include:
- Swollen and red gums around the wisdom tooth
- Tenderness and bleeding in the area
- A bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
If left untreated, this infection can spread and cause more serious health issues.
Shifting or Crowding of Teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room, they can exert significant pressure on the adjacent molars as they try to erupt. This force can cause a domino effect, leading to the shifting and crowding of other teeth.
You might notice some teeth are becoming crooked or that your bite feels different. This is particularly frustrating for individuals who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment, as emerging wisdom teeth can undo years of hard work. Removing the wisdom teeth can alleviate this pressure and help preserve the alignment of your smile.
Sinus Pressure and Congestion
The upper wisdom teeth are located very close to your sinus cavities. When these teeth grow impacted or develop an infection, the pressure can extend into the sinus area.
This can lead to symptoms that you might mistake for a common cold or sinus infection, such as:
- Sinus pressure and pain
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
If you are experiencing chronic sinus issues without any other cold-like symptoms, it’s worth considering whether your wisdom teeth could be the underlying cause. A dental X-ray can quickly determine if the roots of your wisdom teeth are interfering with your sinuses.
Cavities and Damage to Neighboring Teeth
A partially erupted wisdom tooth is extremely difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush and floss. Its awkward position creates spaces where plaque and bacteria can accumulate, significantly increasing the risk of tooth decay not only for the wisdom tooth itself but also for the molar directly in front of it.
Because the adjacent second molar is important for chewing, preserving its health is a top priority. Removing a problematic wisdom tooth can prevent it from causing cavities or other damage to this important neighboring tooth, saving you from more complex dental work in the future.
When to See Your Dentist
Ignoring the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to your other teeth. If you are experiencing any of the signs discussed above, it is important to seek professional advice.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation now!