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What Is a Wisdom Tooth and Why Does It Cause Pain?

What Is a Wisdom Tooth and Why Does It Cause Pain?

31 May Mon, 2021

What Is a Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the molars that typically erupt between the ages of 18 and 25, located at the very back of the upper and lower jaws. The eruption process of these teeth is often uncomfortable or painful.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Erupt?

Most individuals have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth. Although known as “20-year molars,” they do not always erupt at age 20. The timing varies greatly from person to person. Some people may have fewer than four wisdom teeth, while others may never develop them at all.

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As wisdom teeth try to find space to erupt, they may cause pain, pressure, and discomfort. Due to modern diets and evolutionary jaw size reduction, many people no longer have enough space in their jaws for these teeth to emerge properly.

What Are the Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain?

Common symptoms include:

  1. Pain in the gums at the back of the jaw
  2. Redness or swelling
  3. Difficulty swallowing
  4. Bad breath
  5. Unpleasant taste
  6. Sensitivity to hot and cold
  7. Headache

Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain, Infection, or Other Problems?

Wisdom teeth can become impacted when there is not enough space in the jaw or when they are blocked by gum tissue or bone. Impacted teeth can cause:

  1. Severe pain
  2. Infections
  3. Cyst formation
  4. Cavities in neighboring teeth

Partially erupted (semi-impacted) wisdom teeth are often the most problematic. Because they cannot fully emerge, they press against adjacent teeth, causing pressure and misalignment. Food debris can get trapped under the gum flap covering the tooth, creating an ideal environment for bacteria, decay, and infection.

Wisdom teeth may also cause crowding, especially in the front teeth, by pushing other teeth forward.

Another risk is cyst formation. An impacted tooth may develop a fluid-filled sac that can grow into a cyst. In severe cases, it may damage the jawbone, nerves, and neighboring teeth. Rarely, cysts can turn into tumors, requiring surgical intervention.

How Can Wisdom Tooth Pain Be Relieved?

Rinsing with warm saltwater or diluted vinegar water may offer temporary relief. However, these are only short-term solutions. A dentist should be consulted promptly to diagnose and treat the underlying issue.

Should a Painful Wisdom Tooth Be Extracted?

If a wisdom tooth causes pain or infection, it should be evaluated by a specialist. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics and recommend extraction if necessary.

How Is a Wisdom Tooth Extracted?

Extraction is performed by a qualified dentist or oral surgeon under local anesthesia. Once the area is numbed, the tooth is removed. Stitches may be placed if needed, and these are typically removed within one week. Pain medication or antibiotics may be prescribed based on the patient’s condition.

How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Pain Last?

Post-extraction discomfort may last 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the removal.

How Do You Know If a Tooth Is a Wisdom Tooth?

You may notice:

  1. Gum sensitivity
  2. Headaches
  3. Pain radiating to the jaw, ear, or neck
  4. Swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms typically indicate that a wisdom tooth is starting to erupt.

Maintaining proper oral care beginning in childhood greatly reduces dental problems in adulthood. Healthy teeth allow us to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. Remember, many oral diseases stem from inadequate dental care. Regular dental check-ups are essential for lifelong oral health.

Wishing you healthy days filled with beautiful smiles.

Dr. Dt. Ali Direnç Ulaşan

Specialist in Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Surgery

Category: Hollywood Smile

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