Wisdom teeth, or the third set of molars, tend to make an appearance between the ages of 17-25 and have gained their name because they arrive during early adulthood when people are presumably more ‘wiser’. While most people sail effortlessly through this dental milestone, others experience problems with wisdom teeth that cause discomfort, infection and more. Indeed, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons estimate that almost 85% of third molars will eventually require removal.
So why do wisdom teeth cause problems?
The main reason wisdom teeth cause problems is that by arriving late to the party, the mouth is already jam-packed with a complete set of adult teeth. Depending on the size of an individual’s jaw, this can mean that there’s simply not enough room for the third molars to break through the gums and they end up jostling with adjacent teeth for space. As you can imagine, this causes various dental issues.
This guide will help you understand the most common problems and what you can do to prevent or treat them.
1. Impacted wisdom teeth
One of the most common problems with wisdom teeth is impaction which, as we’ve already mentioned, occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw to accommodate them. Impacted wisdom teeth can be divided into two main categories:
- Partially impacted: Where the tooth has broken through the gum but failed to fully emerge, or…
- Fully impacted: When the tooth is trapped beneath the gums.
Signs you may have impacted wisdom teeth include:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Bad breath due to trapped food and bacteria
- Difficulty in opening your mouth
So how do you avoid impacted teeth?
While it’s impossible to prevent impaction from occurring, regular dental checkups and X-rays allow a dentist to monitor the growth and emergence of your wisdom teeth and identify problems early. If your dentist suspects your wisdom teeth are likely to become impacted, they may recommend extraction before any symptoms start.
2. Wisdom tooth pain and swelling
Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, irritation, and swelling as they push through the gums, particularly if they grow at an angle and press against neighboring teeth. According to the NIH, approximately ten million wisdom teeth are extracted prematurely and needlessly each year from around 5 million Americans. The report suggests that most discomfort from erupting wisdom teeth is similar to teething and will typically resolve on eruption.
How to relieve wisdom teeth pain
- Take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen
- Apply a cold compress to the jaw
- Rinse frequently with warm salt water to relieve any swelling
- Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid infection
If the pain persists or worsens, your dentist is likely to consider extraction based on medical necessity.
3. Gum infections and pericoronitis
When wisdom teeth are partially erupted, small flaps of gum tissue are created, trapping food and bacteria. This can lead to a condition known as pericoronitis – an inflammation of the gums which can be dangerous left untreated. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include:
- Pus around the affected tooth
- Bad breath or foul taste in the mouth
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Prevention tips:
- Floss and brush thoroughly around wisdom teeth
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to kill harmful bacteria
- Request an emergency dental appointment at the first sign of pain or swelling.
4. Damage to neighboring teeth
Due to lack of space, wisdom teeth often grow at odd angles and press against the adjacent molars. Over time this can lead to enamel damage, tooth crowding and misalignment and a heightened risk of increased cavities in the nearby teeth.
What you can do
- Get regular dental X-rays to monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth
- Continue to wear a retainer if you’ve had orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth from shifting
- If your wisdom teeth are causing pressure, your dentist may recommend extraction.
5. Cysts and jaw problems
Impacted wisdom teeth can in some cases lead to fluid-filled sacs or cysts that form around the tooth. Without treatment, these cysts can damage the surrounding teeth and jawbone. Mild cysts can be drained to relieve discomfort and pressure but more severe cases may require surgical removal both of the cyst and the impacted wisdom tooth.
Prevention of cysts
- Regular dental exams help detect cysts early before any significant damage occurs.
- Early extraction of impacted wisdom teeth can prevent cyst formation.
6. Sinus issues from wisdom teeth
The last of the common problems with wisdom teeth involves the sinuses. Many people don’t realize that wisdom teeth in the upper jaw can affect the sinuses. As wisdom teeth grow, their roots can press against the sinus cavity leading to sinus pain, headaches, and congestion. An interesting article in the Medical News discusses how pressure in the upper jaw region can trigger migraine and may even exacerbate symptoms of a migraine that’s already underway, such as nausea and vomiting.
The nerves responsible for detecting pain in the head and mouth are interconnected. As a result, discomfort originating in one area can indirectly intensify pain or symptoms felt in another.
If you have ongoing sinus issues with no clear cause, a dental evaluation might help determine whether your wisdom teeth are the culprit.
When should you visit your dentist?
If your pain is consistent and you’re experiencing swelling, bleeding gums, sinus pressure and difficulty opening your mouth, it’s time to schedule a dental appointment. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and keep your smile healthy.
Do you have problems with your wisdom teeth?
If you suspect issues with your wisdom teeth, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. At Mint Dental Alaska, our experienced team provides expert wisdom tooth evaluations and extractions in a comfortable, patient-friendly environment. We will never extract wisdom teeth without thoroughly assessing your situation and discussing your best options. Call us today at (907) 313-1866 to schedule a consultation and ensure your oral health stays on track! Or visit our website to book an appointment.
