23
May
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Pain FAQs
Wisdom teeth are notorious for not coming in well and leaving your mouth feeling crowded. There are other health concerns and cosmetic issues that can arise when these teeth are impacted. It should not be a surprise why dentists frequently recommend that these teeth come out, often before they erupt. If you decide not to see a dentist for tooth removal, you could face some consequences, including severe pain. As you understand the challenges of having these third molars, you can decide whether it makes sense to remove them.
What are the effects of wisdom teeth?
Except for this third set of molars, most people have a mouthful of teeth by age 13. Four to 11 years later, the first wisdom tooth may come through. These teeth appear later in life but are not essential for effective chewing. These teeth pose problems such as a lack of room to come in straight and difficulty in brushing and flossing them. The teeth can come in at odd angles, affecting other teeth. These molars can lead to tooth decay, infections, and gum disease.
Is there pain in the adjacent teeth?
Some people can have wisdom teeth come through without any problems at all. Many patients, however, do not have enough space in the mouth to accommodate these third molars. As a result, these teeth may start to grow sideways instead of up through the gums. This can create issues for the wisdom tooth and the second molar already there. The patient may feel pain or pressure as the new tooth grows. This can even damage the existing tooth and require extraction.
Do gums hurt?
Teeth are not the only victims when wisdom teeth start to break through. Gum pain can also be intense. The patient may experience swelling, redness, and even bleeding. An impacted wisdom tooth can develop gum disease, contributing to possible tooth or bone loss.
Is there any jaw pain?
In some patients, jaw pain can follow when wisdom teeth are impacted. These feelings can be severe. Normally, this happens due to an infection in the tooth. The jaw may swell, making it difficult to eat or speak. The jaw pain can radiate throughout the face, head, and neck.
What gives pain relief?
To ease pain immediately, an ice pack on the affected area can help soothe any discomfort. This can also reduce any swelling in the jaw or gums. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can relieve short-term pain. To solve the problems permanently, the dentist may remove the wisdom teeth.
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Remove your wisdom teeth to prevent pain and other oral health issues
If you do not have enough room in your mouth for an incoming wisdom tooth, it may be right to have them removed. Your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to determine whether this decision makes sense. By taking out impacted teeth, you can avoid a variety of issues, including infections, pain, swelling, and damage to other teeth. Make an appointment with your dentist today to see what your options are.
Request an appointment or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
Randal Elloway, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. Elloway has a Bachelor’s in Biology from La Sierra University and a DDS from Loma Linda University, and brings over 30 years of dental experience to his practice in Red Bluff. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Northern California Dental Society. Dr. Elloway is committed to continuous learning and compassionate care, and volunteers internationally to help needy patients.