Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, wisdom teeth grow without any dental problems, but for others, they can cause discomfort and pain as they emerge.
Soreness and discomfort may be experienced as wisdom teeth grow. In some cases, wisdom teeth may get impacted. If you’re experiencing sore wisdom teeth, it’s important to know when extractions are necessary.
Teeth are Overcrowding or Affecting Bite
Wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth, leading to overcrowding. Bite problems with teeth including misalignment and crookedness can result from overcrowding teeth. Teeth may also be difficult to floss between or clean daily when impacted by overcrowding. When teeth are not cleaned properly, they can be affected by cavities or gum disease.
When there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to emerge, it’s usually necessary to have them removed. Notify your dentist if you feel your wisdom teeth have emerged but are causing overcrowding or affecting your bite. Your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal to prevent any long-term complications.
Gum Tissue is Swollen or Infected
When wisdom teeth partially emerge they can cause discomfort. Partially emerged wisdom teeth can cause a flap of gum tissue to form over the tooth. Food and bacteria can get trapped in the gum tissue and may cause an infection known as pericoronitis.
Symptoms of pericoronitis include pain, swelling, bad breath, and difficulty opening your mouth. If the infection is severe, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to avoid further complications.
Food traps can affect healthy teeth and gums. The best defense is to rinse after eating and stick to a daily oral hygiene schedule of brushing and flossing to remove food particles from between teeth and under the gum line. If food trapping issues persist, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an oral health evaluation.
The Jaw is Tender, Painful or Feeling Pressure
Impacted wisdom teeth are either partially or entirely stuck in the gums or jawbone as they grow. They can cause gum tissue and the jawbone to feel sore. When an impacted wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough room to emerge it can cause pain.
Gum tissue swelling and damage to surrounding teeth may also occur. If wisdom teeth are impacted, an extraction may be recommended. Leaving them in place can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and infection.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation
Three Rivers Dental Group can evaluate patients for wisdom teeth extractions. Patients with emerged wisdom teeth are good candidates for extraction. Those affected by impacted wisdom teeth may be referred to an oral surgeon for surgical removal of wisdom teeth as a corrective solution.
Early removal is often key to avoiding the potential complications associated with impacted teeth. Sedation dentistry is available for wisdom teeth extraction. Before providing any sedative, our doctors will review your personal medical and dental history, and select the best treatment option for you.
Food packing in sockets of missing teeth after extraction can lead to oral health issues. Take care of your mouth to promote healing. Rinse with a saltwater solution, replace your gauze, and follow a soft food diet following an extraction. Avoid smoking following an extraction to minimize the risk of oral infection.
Get Relief for Sore Wisdom Teeth
Sore wisdom teeth can cause discomfort. Schedule an appointment immediately for a dental evaluation and ask about sedation dentistry options available to alleviate wisdom tooth pain during dentist visits.
Never ignore a toothache. If you are experiencing sore gum tissue, jaw pain, or tenderness contact Three Rivers Dental Group at 1-855-NO FEARS or request an appointment online. An oral health evaluation and X-ray can help determine if your mouth pain is being caused by impacted or emerging wisdom teeth. Our dental offices are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, Greensburg, and Jennerstown.