Arrival of wisdom teeth during late adolescence and early adulthood can feel more like an awakening than an indicator of maturity. Residents in Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and neighboring communities frequently report suffering through pain from newly emerged wisdom teeth; third molars (sometimes referred to as final molars ) have long been recognized for being problematic; understanding what wisdom teeth are as well as any associated oral health issues is key in finding appropriate care that protects long-term oral health of smiles.
Why They’re Called Wisdom Teeth and Why They Hurt So Much
Wisdom teeth derive their name from being the last teeth to emerge, usually between 17-25, marking when an individual transitions from childhood into adulthood. Although wisdom teeth seem like positive changes, their growth often leads to significant pain and discomfort due to having to emerge into jaws that have already hardened – unlike when other teeth emerged through more malleable jawbones in childhood – wisdom teeth have to break through dense bone tissue with limited room available to them for eruption. Our modern jaws also leave less room for them.
An eruption may also bring with it other symptoms that disrupt daily life, including localized swelling and tenderness in the back jaw that makes opening your mouth completely difficult. Emerging wisdom teeth may cause headaches, jaw stiffness, and even earaches as the pain spreads from the jaw up into the head area. Frustrating headaches are an uncomfortable reality that can disturb student concentration at Macomb Community College and working professionals trying to remain focused in their workplaces. While the pain may subside and reappear periodically, leading people to believe it has gone away when in fact it remains hidden beneath the surface.
One of the primary problems associated with wisdom teeth stems from a lack of space, leading to impaction – when one or more wisdom teeth become trapped beneath the gum line or are prevented from erupting due to obstruction from another tooth or the jawbone. There are different kinds of impaction, including horizontal (where the tooth lies completely sideways); angular (where it tilts towards or away from an adjacent molar); vertical (when straight but still cannot break through gum); and fully bony impaction, wherein a tooth becomes fully embedded in jawbone without ever emerging through gum line. All three cases create chronic pressure and potential infection in their own right – an examination conducted by Dr. Sable will assess them thoroughly to make an accurate assessment.
Even when partially emerging, wisdom teeth pose a significant risk. Because of their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are difficult to clean; flossing is practically impossible. As such, this space becomes an ideal breeding ground for plaque and bacteria, which in turn cause chronic, low-grade gum infection known as pericoronitis, causing swelling, tenderness, and foul odor in the mouth; long-term, this accumulation of bacteria could result in more serious issues related to the wisdom tooth or its surrounding structures.
Wisdom Teeth Cause Common Complaints and Issues
Although wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable to have appear, the complications they can bring about are far worse and may require professional intervention. An untreated wisdom tooth could have adverse consequences that impact all aspects of oral health for years. Dr. Sable emphasizes the significance of regular check-ups for younger patients in the Warren and Fraser areas to minimize complications like this one.
Infection, Decay, and Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Since it sits within its own little world, wisdom teeth – whether partially erupted or still in its socket – become highly vulnerable to infection, decay, and damage from bacteria found nearby. Even with an optimal oral hygiene routine in place, it can be impossible to fully clean the back of the mouth – this allows bacteria to build up and produce acids which erode tooth enamel, leading to decay that often goes undetected until a cavity form,s large and painful. An infection can quickly spread to an adjacent second molar, which is an essential and healthy tooth that could become vulnerable to decay and necessitate more extensive and expensive treatments. Sometimes, the pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth can even force its roots back inward, leading to permanent damage to this vital tooth.
Overcrowding and Bite Issues
Wisdom teeth that emerge into mouths that lack sufficient space can put undue pressure on other teeth, leading to them shifting out of alignment and dislocating, undoing years of orthodontic work. Furthermore, this pressure can lead to malocclusion, which in turn causes chronic headaches, jaw pain, and even TMJ disorders – an undesirable situation that cannot be ignored for residents in Eastpointe and Center Line who have made investments in their smiles. For these residents, it is a risk they cannot disregard as it compromises not just aesthetics but also functionality and comfort – something no one should ignore!
Cysts and Tumors
When an impacted wisdom tooth remains impacted, its fluid-filled sac can swell, creating cysts. Cysts can become dangerous as they expand and destroy surrounding structures such as jawbones and tissue. Rarely, cysts may lead to benign tumors like an Ameloblastoma that require extensive surgical procedures to remove. Regular dental check-ups with your dentist, as well as taking proactive approaches in managing wisdom teeth, are the only effective ways of preventing such issues from developing further. The most effective approach to managing wisdom teeth issues involves regular dental check-ups with a dentist and implementing active wisdom teeth management strategies.
Making the Decision for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Not all wisdom teeth require removal; in some instances, they may remain healthy if they emerge properly, aligned, and functional as expected. It’s still important that these wisdom teeth be monitored by a qualified professional like Dr. Sable for optimal results; by consulting him for an accurate and personalized diagnosis using advanced diagnostic tools like panoramic X-rays he can gain an accurate picture of where your wisdom teeth sit in relation to nerves in the jawbone and making informed decisions based on individual circumstances.
Dr. Sable and his team are committed to making your wisdom tooth removal as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively routine outpatient procedure performed right here at our office, and Dr. Sable will review all steps with you beforehand, answering any questions that arise. We offer various anesthesia options ranging from local anesthesia for localized areas to IV sedation that allows you to remain relaxed throughout. Our primary goal is for you to remain calm during this experience.
After wisdom tooth extraction, proper aftercare is key to ensuring a quick and seamless recovery process. For the first 24-48 hours following extraction, light bleeding and swelling is common; to minimize it we suggest placing an ice pack against your cheek to reduce swelling while adhering to soft foods like soup, yogurt and mashed potatoes as they help soothe sore spots more effectively than straws do – using straws can dislodge blood clots from their sockets, leading to painful complications known as “dry socket”. Dr Sable and his team will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions as well as pain management solutions so you experience complete recovery after extraction.
Attend all follow-up appointments so Dr. Sable can monitor the healing process and remove any sutures as necessary. You should contact our office if you experience severe pain, swelling, or bleeding. Working together will ensure an easier healing experience and ensure success with healing processes.
Dealing with wisdom teeth issues can be both complex and painful, but you don’t need to go it alone. At Smile Brightly Dentistry, Dr. Sable is an experienced dental professional who can offer comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plans tailored specifically for you or your loved ones. Contact us today at (586) 573-7700 to set up your consultation appointment and receive expert care!
