Except for this third set of molars, most people have a mouthful of teeth by age 13. Four to 11 years later, the first wisdom tooth may come through. These teeth appear later in life but are not essential for effective chewing. These teeth pose problems such as a lack of room to come in straight and difficulty in brushing and flossing them. The teeth can come in at odd angles, affecting other teeth. These molars can lead to tooth decay, infections, and gum disease.
Some people can have wisdom teeth come through without any problems at all. Many patients, however, do not have enough space in the mouth to accommodate these third molars. As a result, these teeth may start to grow sideways instead of up through the gums. This can create issues for the wisdom tooth and the second molar already there. The patient may feel pain or pressure as the new tooth grows. This can even damage the existing tooth and require extraction.
Teeth are not the only victims when wisdom teeth start to break through. Gum pain can also be intense. The patient may experience swelling, redness, and even bleeding. An impacted wisdom tooth can develop gum disease, contributing to possible tooth or bone loss.
In some patients, jaw pain can follow when wisdom teeth are impacted. These feelings can be severe. Normally, this happens due to an infection in the tooth. The jaw may swell, making it difficult to eat or speak. The jaw pain can radiate throughout the face, head, and neck.
To ease pain immediately, an ice pack on the affected area can help soothe any discomfort. This can also reduce any swelling in the jaw or gums. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can relieve short-term pain. To solve the problems permanently, the dentist may remove the wisdom teeth.
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If you do not have enough room in your mouth for an incoming wisdom tooth, it may be right to have them removed. Your dentist will take X-rays of your mouth to determine whether this decision makes sense. By taking out impacted teeth, you can avoid a variety of issues, including infections, pain, swelling, and damage to other teeth. Make an appointment with your dentist today to see what your options are.
Request an appointment or call Smile at Coconut Grove at 305-423-4661 for an appointment in our Coconut Grove office.
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