Does your mouth hurt and you don’t know why? If you are between the ages of 15 to 25, your wisdom teeth might be impacted, or stuck in your gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can not only be a source of discomfort but can also cause serious oral health problems. Let’s take a look at three signs your third molars may be impacted and how an oral surgeon can help you overcome wisdom tooth pain.
#1: Pain and Discomfort
Impacted wisdom teeth often push against nearby teeth, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. This pressure can also negatively impact your bite and contribute to overcrowding. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the TMJ (the jaw joint) and cause discomfort in the facial muscles. Finally, because third molars are located just below the sinuses, pain in the area could even be mistaken for a sinus infection or allergies.
#2: Bleeding and Swelling
As you might expect, it’s quite common to experience swollen gums and bleeding in the area around an impacted wisdom tooth. Over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress may help with pain and swelling, but only temporarily. In addition to swollen gums, you may also experience swelling around your jaw, in your neck or shoulder glands, or in your face.
#3: Bad Breath or Bad Taste in Your Mouth
Because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth that partially erupt at an angle can be challenging to floss. As a result of these hygiene obstacles, tiny bits of food and bacteria can accumulate around third molars, causing a bad taste in the mouth and/or persistent bad breath and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
How an Oral Surgeon Can Help
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, your first step should be to schedule a consultation with a dental professional. If your dentist or oral surgeon determines that your wisdom teeth are the source of your symptoms, they will likely recommend a wisdom tooth extraction. This common oral surgery is designed to alleviate pain and discomfort now and also prevent future complications.
An experienced oral surgeon can typically remove all four wisdom teeth in one appointment. Using special tools, they will remove the molars, clean the area, and stitch the wound closed to promote healing. You may experience slight soreness afterward, but this can typically be addressed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Are you experiencing any of the three warning signs of impacted wisdom teeth mentioned above? If so, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with your dentist as soon as possible.
About the Practice
The talented team at South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has helped countless people in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Royal Palm Beach enjoy improved smiles and oral health. With five board-certified oral surgeons and three convenient locations, they are a go-to destination in the region for wisdom tooth removal. To learn more about wisdom tooth pain, visit the South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery website or call 561-743-8311.