Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While some individuals experience no issues, others find these molars can lead to various oral health concerns. Their potential impact on jaw health is a common question. This article explores how wisdom teeth can contribute to jaw problems and what can be done to address them.
Wisdom Tooth Development and Eruption
Wisdom teeth begin to form inside the jawbones around age 9. By the early 20s, the jawbones have stopped growing, and wisdom teeth have either fully erupted or become impacted. Impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth is trapped beneath the gums or within the jawbone, unable to erupt due to insufficient space or an incorrect growth angle.
Impaction types vary based on the tooth’s position and angle:
Mesial impaction: The tooth angles forward toward the front of the mouth.
Distal impaction: The tooth angles toward the back of the mouth.
Vertical impaction: The tooth is upright but remains trapped beneath the gums.
Horizontal impaction: The tooth lies completely on its side.
The degree to which a tooth is covered by gum tissue (soft tissue impaction) or bone (hard tissue impaction) also influences potential jaw problems.
Jaw Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth
The presence of wisdom teeth, especially when impacted, can lead to a range of jaw-related problems. Pain is a common symptom, often localized in the jaw area due to pressure from an erupting or impacted tooth, and it can sometimes radiate to the ear or other parts of the face. This discomfort can make chewing difficult.
Inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, known as pericoronitis, is another frequent issue. This inflammation can cause redness, swelling, and tenderness in the jaw area, sometimes accompanied by pus or a bad taste. In severe cases, pericoronitis can lead to difficulty opening the mouth, a condition called trismus, due to muscle spasms or swelling. Trismus restricts jaw movement, making activities like eating and speaking uncomfortable.
Wisdom teeth can also indirectly affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. Their impaction or misalignment can exert pressure on nearby structures, leading to TMJ-like symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty chewing. Pressure from erupting wisdom teeth can also shift other teeth, resulting in crowding or misalignment that contributes to jaw discomfort. In rare instances, a fluid-filled sac called a dentigerous cyst can develop around an unerupted wisdom tooth. These cysts can grow large enough to damage surrounding teeth or weaken the jawbone, necessitating professional attention.
Diagnosing Wisdom Tooth Jaw Issues
Dental professionals diagnose wisdom tooth-related jaw problems through a comprehensive approach. A clinical examination assesses visible symptoms such as gum swelling, redness, or tenderness in the jaw area. This examination also helps identify any difficulty in opening the mouth or signs of infection.
Imaging techniques are essential for a complete diagnosis. Panoramic X-rays are commonly used to visualize the position of wisdom teeth, their roots, and their relationship to surrounding structures like the jawbone and nerves. These images reveal whether a tooth is impacted, its angle, and if it is pressing against adjacent teeth or bone. Imaging can also detect issues like a dentigerous cyst.
Seek professional dental advice if you experience:
Persistent jaw pain
Swelling that does not improve
Difficulty chewing
A bad taste in the mouth
A fever
Addressing Wisdom Tooth Related Jaw Problems
Managing jaw problems caused by wisdom teeth involves various treatment options, with the most common definitive solution being wisdom tooth extraction. Extraction is often recommended for symptomatic impaction, recurrent infections, or if the teeth are causing damage to neighboring teeth or bone. A dental professional makes the decision to extract after evaluating the specific situation.
For temporary relief of pain and inflammation, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can be effective. Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater can help cleanse the area and reduce discomfort. If an infection, such as pericoronitis, is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear it before extraction or other interventions. In some cases, if wisdom teeth are asymptomatic and unlikely to cause future problems, a dental professional might recommend monitoring them during routine check-ups.