Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, appearing in the late teens or early twenties. While some experience no issues, others encounter discomfort or pain during eruption. Pain or soreness as these molars push through the gums is common. Understanding the reasons for this discomfort and recognizing when professional dental attention is necessary is important.
Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain
Wisdom teeth cause pain due to their late emergence and limited jaw space. A common issue is impaction, where a wisdom tooth lacks sufficient room to fully erupt and becomes trapped beneath the gum line or against an adjacent tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth grow at various angles: mesial (angled towards the front), distal (angled towards the back), vertical (in correct position but trapped), or horizontal (lying completely on its side). Pressure from an impacted tooth causes pain in the jaw or surrounding teeth.
Another frequent cause of discomfort is partial eruption, leading to pericoronitis. When a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gum, a flap of gum tissue, known as an operculum, forms over it. This flap traps food particles and bacteria, causing inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. Symptoms of pericoronitis range from mild soreness to severe pain, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth. Additionally, wisdom tooth eruption sometimes causes crowding, exerting pressure on existing teeth and leading to a shift in tooth alignment.
Managing Discomfort at Home
For mild wisdom tooth discomfort, home care strategies alleviate symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, reduce pain and inflammation. Following dosage instructions on the packaging is important for safe and effective use.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water cleanses the area, reduces inflammation, and provides relief. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish for about 30 seconds multiple times a day. To avoid irritating the affected area, eat soft foods and avoid hard or chewy items. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek numbs the area and reduces swelling, while a warm compress eases jaw stiffness.
When to See a Dentist
While some pain during wisdom tooth eruption is common, certain symptoms require professional dental evaluation. Severe or worsening pain unresponsive to home remedies suggests a more serious underlying issue.
Signs of infection, such as swelling in the jaw, face, or neck, redness, pus discharge, a fever, or a persistent bad taste in the mouth, require immediate dental attention. Difficulty opening the mouth fully or pain when swallowing indicates a spreading infection or severe inflammation. Pain that lasts for several days or weeks without improvement, or if accompanied by sensitivity or visible damage to adjacent teeth, warrants a dental visit. These symptoms suggest the wisdom tooth is causing complications that cannot be resolved with home care and may require intervention.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction
When wisdom teeth cause ongoing problems, extraction is recommended to prevent or resolve complications. Common reasons for removal include impaction, recurrent infections like pericoronitis, damage to adjacent teeth, tooth decay, or cyst formation. Extraction may also prevent overcrowding or bite complications.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist. Before the procedure, X-rays assess tooth position. During extraction, local anesthesia numbs the area, and sedation may be offered. If the tooth is impacted, gum tissue may be cut, and bone removed to access the tooth, which may then be extracted in pieces. After removal, the site is cleaned, and stitches may be used; recovery involves swelling and discomfort, managed with pain medication and aftercare instructions like soft foods and avoiding straws.