Most wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 19, but some people don’t have any. It’s not unusual to have wisdom teeth on just the top or bottom, too. Whether you only have 2 third molars or a complete set, wisdom tooth issues can occur as soon as they begin to erupt, or many years later. 5 million Americans have their wisdom teeth removed every year from pain and other complications. If they are giving you grief, here’s what might be behind your discomfort.
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
As with any tooth eruption, the process is rarely completely pain-free. While some tenderness can be normal, worsening or new pain can be a sign of a problem. The most common culprits of wisdom tooth pain include:
- Growing Pains: Some people experience more pain than others when their teeth push through their gum tissue. It’s not unusual to experience tenderness, inflammation, and redness. Any discomfort should improve as your tooth emerges.
- Impacted Tooth: About 80% of adults have at least 1 impacted wisdom tooth. This occurs when a tooth is partially or fully trapped below the gum tissue. It can lead to pain, infections, and other complications with no treatment.
- Cyst Development: A cyst can occur with impacted wisdom teeth. Often, it causes pain that won’t go away without any treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
If you’re having issues with your wisdom teeth, schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon. They’ll examine your mouth and review X-rays to determine if any of your third molars require removal. Depending on your situation, you may need:
- Simple Extraction: If a tooth is fully visible above the gum line, a simple extraction will be used to remove it. The tooth is loosened and extracted with forceps.
- Surgical Extraction: A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth is fully or partially impacted. Your gum tissue is opened to gain access to your tooth. It is broken into smaller pieces for easy removal.
No matter the method, you don’t have to worry about a painful procedure. Your oral surgeon can use a local numbing agent or sedation to keep you comfortable.
Managing Wisdom Tooth Pain
While you wait for your consultation, here are a few things you can do to manage your pain:
- OTC Pain Reliever: Take an OTC pain reliever or anti-inflammatory.
- Salt Water: Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce pain and inflammation. It will also kill bacteria.
- Soft Foods: Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to reduce tenderness.
Your oral surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan to stop your pain while keeping your mouth healthy.
About Dr. Christopher Chafin
Dr. Chafin earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has completed 6 years of training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He has also earned his MD from the University of Florida Medical School and is board-certified by the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. Request an appointment through his website or call (561) 221-0993 to schedule a wisdom tooth consultation.