Are wisdom teeth causing you pain? Here’s what you need to know…
Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to develop, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people don’t experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, many will encounter problems due to the limited space available in their mouth.
Located at the very back of the mouth, with two on the top and two on the bottom, the arrival of these teeth doesn’t always go smoothly. Due to the limited space in most adult mouths, wisdom teeth often grow at odd angles, become trapped beneath the gums, or cause crowding and discomfort.
While some people may not experience any symptoms as their wisdom teeth emerge, others may experience a range of issues such as:
– Pain or Discomfort
As wisdom teeth push through the gums, they can cause significant pain in the back of your mouth or jaw. This discomfort can be constant or intermittent and may worsen when eating or talking.
– Swelling and Tenderness
Inflamed or swollen gums around the wisdom tooth area are common. This swelling can extend to the jaw, making it difficult to open your mouth fully or chew food comfortably.
– Bad Breath and Unpleasant Taste
When wisdom teeth only partially emerge, food particles and bacteria can get trapped under the gums, leading to bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. This can also increase the risk of gum infection or decay in the surrounding teeth.
– Jaw Stiffness
Impacted or growing wisdom teeth can affect your jaw’s mobility, causing stiffness or soreness. This can also extend to ear pain or headaches, especially when infection or pressure builds up in the area.
– Cysts or Infection
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts to form, which may damage nearby teeth, gums, or even the jawbone. Infections around the wisdom teeth can also occur, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty opening your mouth.
It’s important to make an appointment to see us at Jacaranda Dental as soon as possible if you are experiencing any wisdom teeth symptoms. Early intervention can prevent more severe complications, such as infections, damage to other teeth, or bone loss. We will examine your mouth and likely take X-rays to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. If there is insufficient space for them to emerge correctly or they are impacted, we may recommend removal.
If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, the most common solution is extraction. This is typically a straightforward procedure performed under local anaesthetic, though in some cases, sedation or general anaesthesia may be required. During the extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gums (if necessary), remove the tooth, and close the area with stitches.
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays allow us to monitor their growth and catch any issues early. If your wisdom teeth emerge without causing problems, they may not require extraction.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, or if you’re unsure whether they need to be removed, speak to our team at Jacaranda Dental for treatment options.