Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Problems
Most people develop wisdom teeth, and if you have experienced your wisdom teeth coming in without complications, you are in a minority. Most individuals do not have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to come in without complication, and those that do often find that other complications can arise, leading to the need for wisdom teeth extraction.
Also, different people may develop different numbers of wisdom teeth. While it is most common to have four wisdom teeth, you may have only two, or, in very rare cases, may develop more than four wisdom teeth. However, the symptoms of wisdom teeth problems do not simply consist of having wisdom teeth, and the diagnosing of wisdom teeth problems should only be undertaken by a trained oral surgeon.
General Symptoms of Troublesome Wisdom Teeth
The general symptoms of wisdom teeth complications usually include one or more of the following:
- Gum soreness over or around wisdom teeth
- Gum flap over a protruding wisdom tooth leading to infection and soreness (pericoronitis)
- Impacted (sideways) wisdom teeth
- Crowding of other teeth
- Jaw soreness or stiffness near an impacted wisdom tooth
- Soreness or pain in gums, cheek, tongue, or other area where protruding wisdom tooth rubs
Specific Complications Related to Wisdom Teeth
While most individuals have their wisdom teeth removed before or around the age of 20, when the jaw bone tissue is still softer and more malleable and therefore heals more quickly, not all individuals experience complications at this time. Many oral surgeons will recommend that wisdom teeth be removed even if they are not causing discomfort in order to allow the other teeth to develop in a healthy way.
If your wisdom teeth are not removed when you are young, it is likely that a preexisting condition can develop into a complication. The most common complication for wisdom teeth is impaction, or a tooth or teeth which are turned sideways or at an angle. This frequently causes trouble with neighboring teeth by pressing against them, or with gums, cheeks or tongue by creating a sore spot where it rubs.
A condition called pericoronitis in which a portion of gum tissue remains like a flap over a wisdom tooth which is coming in is also not uncommon. Pericoronitis can be especially painful as food and bacteria frequently become lodged under the gum tissue and create infection.
If you are experiencing oral pain in your wisdom teeth area, you should see your dentist immediately, however you are not required to see your dentist before visiting an oral surgeon, and in the interest of expediency you may choose to visit Dr. Hamrah immediately.
If you would like to learn more about wisdom teeth complications, please contact Dr. Hamrah at NOVA SurgiCare today, serving patients throughout Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland.