Teenagers and people into their early to mid-twenties often cringe when they feel that familiar pain and tenderness within their mouths. Something erupts from the gums: the wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are a third set of molars. These molars usually erupt anywhere from the mid-to-late teens and the mid-twenties. A normal, full set of wisdom teeth consists of two teeth on bottom and two on the top. Many people elect to have their wisdom teeth removed as there is typically little room for them to grow properly.
What Are The Symptoms?
The eruption of wisdom teeth may or may not cause symptoms. Symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption include:
- Pain – Pain may occur in the gums or jaw. If impacted, wisdom teeth can cause pain in other places, too, such as the sinus area, cheekbones, or other teeth. This is due to pressure against other teeth or possible tooth damage.
- Inflamed or bleeding gums – Gums may be red, swollen, or bleeding lightly behind the second molars.
- Swollen jaw – The jaw may be swollen, at any extent, on the side where the wisdom tooth is growing or impacted.
- Bad breath
- Strange taste in mouth
These symptoms may be alleviated in a number of methods. Over the counter pain relief drugs such as Acetaminophen may offer some reprieve, as well as analgesic gels, and alternating between hot and cold therapy. Swelling may be alleviated by alternating hot and cold therapy medicines.
What Are The Possible Complications?
Wisdom teeth may grow in impacted, forcing pressure against the jaw or other teeth. This can cause significant damage to the jaw structure and other teeth. This damage, if left untreated, impacted teeth can cause damage to the nerves, gums, and bone structure. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to over teeth by crowding them. Damaged teeth may then break or decay, which could lead to cysts and infection.
If an impacted wisdom tooth is causing complications, the best course of action is to have it extracted. Removal will end the perpetual cycle of intermittent pain and keep substantial complications from arising.
We can take x-rays to evaluate whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed. Even if no symptoms arise, it is best to have a dentist examine your mouth once your wisdom teeth begin to erupt. Feel free to call us if you have questions or concerns. (417) 777-8654