About 85% of people need their wisdom teeth extracted during their lifetime. Have you had yours removed yet? Professionals debate whether wisdom teeth should be removed when patients aren't experiencing symptoms.
Many patients, however, aren't aware of the dental health signs that indicate it's time. For example, can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain?
Read on to find out! Track these tooth extraction indicators to determine if it's time for treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Sometimes, third molars grow without fully emerging through the gum line. They could grow at an awkward angle before emerging crooked, which can damage healthy surrounding teeth.
In fact, impacted wisdom teeth can emerge 180° in the wrong direction. This could cause:
Jawbone cysts
Gum disease
Oral infections
These teeth extraction indicators can cause discomfort. Between 75 to 80% of people don't meet the criteria for successfully maintaining their wisdom teeth. Meanwhile, 3.5 million extractions are performed every year.
About 10 million individual teeth are pulled annually. If wisdom teeth are impacted, you could experience many of the symptoms mentioned below.
Gum Inflammation
Gum inflammation occurs when bacteria, plaque, or food particles get trapped beneath your gum line. Your gums may appear swollen, red, or inflamed. These dental health signs could indicate your wisdom teeth are impacted or emerging.
As your wisdom teeth try to emerge, your gums may feel irritated, hot, and tight. Your wisdom teeth may not break through your gums properly. This can cause pain and discomfort.
Let a dentist know right away if you experience these symptoms. Gum inflammation can also indicate you have gingivitis. Other symptoms of gum disease include:
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Partial dentures no longer fitting
Loose teeth
A change in your bite (malocclusion)
Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
Foul-smelling breath that doesn't go away
Sensitive teeth
Pain when eating
Pus between your teeth and gums
Gums that pull away from your teeth
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can progress when left untreated. Without treatment, your gums will continue receding from your teeth, which could cause your teeth to loosen.
They could fall out, causing the surrounding teeth to shift.
Gum disease can also increase your risk of serious health conditions. These include lung disease, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Seeking immediate treatment can reduce your risk of health complications.
Jaw Pain or Stiffness
Your wisdom teeth can put pressure on your jaw if they crowd your healthy teeth. This can cause jaw stiffness. It can become more painful as your wisdom teeth press on surrounding teeth.
Let your San Diego dentist know if the pain doesn't subside even after you've:
Brushed
Flossed
Taken painkillers
Your dentist can determine the root cause of your pain symptoms. If the pain is at the back of your mouth, it could be your wisdom teeth.
However, the pain can move to other areas of your mouth. Your dentist may recommend x-rays to determine the primary problem.
If you experience wisdom teeth pain or stiffness, contact your dentist right away. Removing wisdom teeth can ease the pressure before the pain worsens.
Oral Cysts
When left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause oral cysts to form. Cysts are sacs of fluid that can form in the gums, jaw, and oral tissues.
Cysts could cause nearby teeth to rot, leading to jawbone damage. Some can even develop into tumors. You may require oral surgery or other invasive treatments.
Crowding
Your wisdom teeth are larger than your surrounding teeth. Unfortunately, your mouth won't have enough room to accommodate them. When given time to grow, wisdom teeth can push on your existing teeth.
This can cause crowding, which is an obvious sign you need wisdom teeth removal. Removing wisdom teeth gives your surrounding teeth the space they need. If your existing teeth have already shifted, consider orthodontic treatment as well.
Sensitivity
Do you notice pain or sensitivity at the back of your mouth while brushing your teeth? Wisdom teeth can become more sensitive to pressure or temperature changes.
Consult your San Diego dentist if you can't brush, floss, or chew without flinching. These teeth extraction indicators mean it's time for treatment.
Persistent Bad Breath
Your wisdom teeth can cause adjacent teeth to decay. Rotting teeth could cause a bad taste to linger in your mouth.
Tooth decay continuously attracts bacteria, creating sulfur compounds in your mouth that smell bad and are detrimental to your overall health.
If you have bad breath that persists (even after you brush and floss), talk to a San Diego dentist. These symptoms could indicate other oral health issues, including gingivitis.
Sinus Problems
Your sinus floor is closely located to the upper jawbone near the back of your mouth. The roots of your wisdom teeth could grow through your jaw if allowed to develop. This can cause damage to your sinus floor, resulting in:
Headaches
Sinus pressure
Sinus pain
Congestion
If these symptoms persist, talk to your dentist right away. Removing your wisdom teeth could keep other health issues from developing.
Tooth Decay
As your wisdom teeth erupt, they could damage or disrupt other teeth. Tooth decay could occur.
Take preventive measures by scheduling routine check-ups at your dentist's office every six months. This gives them the chance to spot early signs of decay.
Otherwise, your healthy teeth can get pushed out of place, leaving them exposed to harmful bacteria. You may experience pain from your wisdom teeth and develop other dental problems.
Visit your dentist right away if you develop tooth decay. About 26% of adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated cavities. Another 25.3% of adults ages 45 to 64 need treatment.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Jaw Pain?
To recap, can wisdom teeth cause jaw pain? Yes! If you experience any of the above symptoms, visit your dentist right away.
They'll determine if you're ready to undergo the wisdom teeth removal process. Trust our team at KinDentists. We provide exceptional, comprehensive dental care services in a comforting environment.
Trust our top-notch treatments, advanced training, and state-of-the-art technology. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.
