Millions of people have their wisdom teeth removed every year in the United States and around the world, and often the main reason is that they are causing quite a bit of oral pain. If you or your teenager are starting to experience some persistent soreness toward the back of the mouth, the wisdom teeth might be the source, and here’s why.
Wisdom Teeth: All Trouble, No Wisdom
The wisdom teeth are actually a third set of molars that usually try to come in between the ages of 16-25, with the operative word being “try.” For most people, they simply don’t have enough space in their mouth for these teeth, leading them to become impacted, or trapped within the gums and jawbone.
This can lead to pain in multiple ways:
- The wisdom teeth are pressing against the nearby gums and teeth
- They have created a pocket in the gums that traps bacteria and increases the risk of infection
- They are hard to clean, which means they can develop cavities/toothaches
- They unbalance the bite, creating tension and soreness in the jaw as well as the mouth
- Cysts can form in the area that place even more pressure on the oral tissues
How to Handle Wisdom Tooth Pain
Fortunately, the answer to this is simple. If you think that you or your child are dealing with wisdom teeth troubles, your next move is to reach out to your dentist. This type of issue rarely resolves on its own, and without professional treatment, it will only get worse.
Before you’re able to see your dentist and potentially have the teeth extracted, it’s recommended to take OTC pain medication, use a cold compress against the face, or rinse with warm saltwater to keep things comfortable in the meantime.
Will I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
In the vast majority of cases where there is pain stemming from the wisdom teeth, your dentist will suggest removing them. This is because if they are stuck due to a lack of room, this isn’t going to resolve itself. Plus, leaving them in place will only allow the discomfort to spread, and this could start to harm the other teeth and jaw.
While an extraction is a minor surgery, it’s also a permanent solution that will remove the source of the problem and protect someone’s oral health literally for the rest of their life.
The key is to not hesitate—no one should have to live with oral pain! A quick trip to the dentist can determine if the wisdom teeth are the issue, and then a plan can be put in place to provide lasting relief.
About the Practice
With Drs. Admasu Gizachew, Monica Andrews, and Michael Habib at the helm, our staff is dedicated to providing patients with fast solutions if they are ever in pain. We’ve helped countless patients with wisdom tooth problems as well as everyday toothaches without making them wait, so be sure to reach out if you or a loved one needs attention. To schedule an appointment or learn more about wisdom tooth extractions, contact our office online or dial (732) 863-3899.