Impacted wisdom teeth are a common dental concern. They occur when the third molars, or “wisdom teeth,” fail to emerge properly from the gums. This can lead to various symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and complications. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, the causes, and the steps you can take to manage or treat them.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Before we dive into the symptoms, it’s important to understand what wisdom teeth are. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth. They typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties, but not everyone experiences them. In fact, some people don’t develop wisdom teeth at all.
Normally, wisdom teeth emerge into the mouth and function just like the other molars. However, in some cases, there isn’t enough space in the mouth for them to grow properly. When this happens, the teeth may become impacted, meaning they’re unable to fully break through the gum line.
Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Several factors can cause wisdom teeth to become impacted:
Insufficient space: The most common cause of impaction is not having enough room in the jaw for the teeth to emerge.
Incorrect angle: Wisdom teeth may come in at an angle, pushing against adjacent teeth or even growing sideways.
Overcrowding: If the mouth is overcrowded due to a lack of space, wisdom teeth may become impacted as they struggle to find a path through the gums.
Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to having impacted wisdom teeth.
Now that we understand what impacted wisdom teeth are and why they happen, let’s look at the symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Common Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
1. Pain in the Back of the Mouth
One of the most common and immediate signs of impacted wisdom teeth is pain in the back of your mouth. This pain can vary from mild to severe and is typically felt near the location of the impacted tooth. The pain may worsen when chewing or touching the area.
If your wisdom tooth is partially erupted, it can be difficult for food and bacteria to properly clean the area, leading to inflammation and infection. This can cause significant discomfort.
2. Swelling Around the Jaw or Gums
When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can cause swelling around the gums or jaw. This may occur due to irritation or an infection surrounding the tooth. The swelling can make it painful to open your mouth or chew food.
In some cases, the swelling may be localized to the gum around the impacted tooth. In others, it can spread to other areas of the face or jaw.
3. Tenderness or Bleeding Gums
The gum tissue around an impacted wisdom tooth is often inflamed, which can lead to tenderness or bleeding. If the tooth is partially erupted, the tissue may be swollen and tender to the touch. In more severe cases, bleeding can occur when the area is irritated, such as when brushing or flossing.
4. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth
An impacted wisdom tooth can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
As the food particles and bacteria accumulate in the area around the tooth, it can result in bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
This happens because the bacteria cause infection and release foul-smelling compounds.
If you notice persistent bad breath, it’s important to check for other symptoms of an impacted tooth. The infection around the impacted tooth can also lead to a condition called pericoronitis, which results in severe pain and further complications.
5. Difficulty Opening the Mouth or Chewing
As an impacted wisdom tooth causes pain and swelling, it can become difficult to open your mouth fully. This limitation in mouth movement is often referred to as “trismus.” It can be particularly challenging to eat, talk, or perform basic oral hygiene tasks when your mouth is stiff or tender.
6. Headaches
Some people with impacted wisdom teeth experience frequent headaches. The pain from the impacted tooth can radiate to other parts of the head, causing discomfort in the temples, forehead, or even the neck.
Headaches that coincide with other symptoms, such as jaw pain or gum swelling, can be a clear indicator of an impacted wisdom tooth.
This type of headache is often dull and persistent and may worsen with chewing or pressure on the jaw.
7. Jaw Stiffness or Pain
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause jaw pain or stiffness due to the pressure it puts on the surrounding teeth and gums.
This may result in a sore jaw or an inability to open the mouth fully. In some cases, the discomfort may extend to the neck and shoulders.
This type of pain can be caused by the impacted tooth pushing against adjacent teeth or by the infection and swelling surrounding the tooth.
The discomfort may be exacerbated when chewing, speaking, or even yawning.
8. Radiating Pain to the Neck or Ear
The pain caused by an impacted wisdom tooth can sometimes radiate to other areas of the head and neck, including the ear or even the neck. This is due to the close proximity of the impacted tooth to the ear and the nerves that connect the teeth and neck muscles.
This type of pain is often sharp or throbbing and can make it difficult to focus on daily activities. If the pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to seek dental care as soon as possible.
9. Cysts or Abscesses
In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the development of cysts or abscesses. These are pockets of infection that can form around the tooth. Abscesses are usually filled with pus, and they can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever.
Cysts are typically less painful but can lead to other complications, such as damage to the surrounding teeth or bone. If you notice a large lump or swelling near the impacted tooth, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
10. Referred Pain to Other Teeth
The pressure caused by an impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain or sensitivity in adjacent teeth. This referred pain may make it seem like the neighboring teeth are causing the issue. However, it’s likely that the impacted wisdom tooth is the root cause of the discomfort.
If you feel pain in the teeth next to the impacted tooth, along with other symptoms like swelling and jaw pain, you may have an impacted wisdom tooth.
How Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Diagnosed?
A dentist can diagnose impacted wisdom teeth during a routine exam. They will typically take an X-ray to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and determine whether they are impacted. The X-ray will help your dentist see the angle of the tooth, its proximity to other teeth, and whether there are any signs of infection or cysts.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to consult with a dentist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.
Treatment for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth depends on the severity of the symptoms and the condition of the tooth. In some cases, your dentist may recommend monitoring the tooth to see if it causes any further issues. However, if the tooth is causing pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth, extraction may be necessary.
Non-Surgical Treatment: In cases where the wisdom tooth is only partially impacted, the dentist may recommend pain relief medications, antibiotics for infection, or mouth rinses to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is severely impacted, extraction may be required. This is usually done under local anesthesia or sedation, and the recovery period can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Follow-Up Care: After extraction, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions to prevent complications like dry socket or infection.
Conclusion
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common dental issue that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and infection. Recognizing the signs early and seeking prompt dental care can help alleviate pain and prevent further complications. If you suspect that you have impacted wisdom teeth, it’s important to consult with a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
