Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. For many, the arrival of wisdom teeth brings no issues at all. However, for others, these teeth can become impacted, leading to pain, swelling, and potential complications. An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when the tooth is unable to emerge properly due to overcrowding, misalignment, or lack of space in the mouth.
Recognizing the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth early is crucial to preventing further dental problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key signs that your wisdom tooth might be impacted and what steps you can take if you suspect an issue.
What Does “Impacted” Mean?
Before diving into the symptoms, it’s important to understand what an impacted wisdom tooth is. An impacted wisdom tooth does not fully emerge through the gums, or it emerges at an odd angle, often pushing against other teeth. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including insufficient space in the mouth, misalignment of the tooth, or other teeth blocking the path.
Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to develop when there’s a lack of space in the jaw, and this can lead to many problems, such as infection, tooth decay, or damage to adjacent teeth.
Common Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Pain in the Back of the Mouth
One of the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth is pain at the back of the mouth where the wisdom teeth are located. The pain may range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the area. The pain is often caused by pressure from the impacted tooth against surrounding teeth or the gums.
Swelling and Redness of the Gums
Swelling and redness around the gums where the wisdom tooth is attempting to emerge is another common sign of impaction. When a tooth is impacted, it can cause irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue, leading to swelling. You might notice that the gum area near the impacted tooth is sore to the touch or that the swelling feels tender.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth
Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets of bacteria and food particles around the gum line, leading to an increased risk of infection. This infection can result in bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away, even with regular brushing. If you experience this symptom, it could be a sign that your wisdom tooth is impacted and causing an infection.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, making it difficult to open your mouth fully. If you find it painful or hard to open your mouth wide, especially when eating or speaking, it could be due to an impacted tooth. This symptom is often accompanied by swelling or inflammation in the affected area.
Headaches or Jaw Pain
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause referred pain, meaning the pain might not be localized to the tooth area but felt in other parts of your body. Many individuals with impacted wisdom teeth experience headaches or jaw pain, as the pressure from the impacted tooth can affect the nerves in the jaw, head, and neck. This type of pain may be consistent or intermittent.
Infection or Abscess Formation
An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to an infection in the surrounding gum tissue, creating an abscess. Symptoms of an abscess include pus draining from the gum line, intense pain, fever, and an overall feeling of being unwell. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek dental care immediately, as untreated infections can lead to serious complications.
Shifted Teeth or Crowding
Sometimes, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause nearby teeth to shift or become misaligned. This can lead to crowding in the mouth, making it harder to properly brush and floss your teeth. If you notice that your teeth are becoming more crowded or misaligned, it could be due to an impacted wisdom tooth exerting pressure on the surrounding teeth.
Pain When Chewing or Biting Down
As the impacted tooth tries to emerge, it can put pressure on the surrounding teeth and the jaw. This can make chewing or biting down uncomfortable or painful. If you experience pain when eating, especially hard or chewy foods, it may be a sign that one or more of your wisdom teeth are impacted.
What to Do if You Suspect Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to consult a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will perform an examination, often including X-rays, to determine whether your wisdom teeth are impacted and if any treatment is necessary. Depending on the severity of the impaction, your dentist may recommend:
- Monitoring the tooth: If the impact is mild and not causing major problems, your dentist may suggest keeping an eye on the tooth and regularly checking for any changes.
- Extraction: If the wisdom tooth is severely impacted, leading to pain, infections, or damage to nearby teeth, your dentist may suggest removal. Wisdom tooth removal is a standard procedure in Monument, CO, that helps prevent additional dental complications and ensures long-term oral health.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is present, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up before considering further treatment like extraction.
In Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth early is crucial in preventing more severe dental problems. Pain, swelling, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, and jaw pain are all common signs that your wisdom tooth might be impacted. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By addressing impacted wisdom teeth early, you can avoid more serious complications and ensure your smile stays healthy for years to come.
