If my wisdom teeth are coming in

December 24, 2021

The set of third molars that generally appear in early adulthood between the ages of 15 and 25 are known as Wisdom Teeth.

These are the last set of permanent teeth to grow and begin surfacing while the rest of the teeth have been there for some time.

However, when this happens, crowding may occur causing a great amount of discomfort and pain.

The surfacing of wisdom teeth is called an “eruption.” But the wisdom teeth that partially erupted can cause pain and swelling.

On the other hand, the wisdom teeth that are unable to erupt are referred to as being “impacted”.

This is caused by the orientation of the teeth and the scarcity of space. Impacted wisdom teeth may lead to impingement, infection, and other conditions.

Oral health affects the all-around wellness of the human body. Wisdom teeth symptoms should never be ignored.

Although it is recommended to remove wisdom teeth before the age of 25, anyone can be a candidate for wisdom teeth removaldepending on the patient’s needs.

It is important to be on the lookout for the appearance of wisdom teeth and any signs that it might be time to get them removed.

1. Jaw Pain and Discomfort

The wisdom teeth that begin to grow in blocked or misaligned ways put more pressure on surrounding teeth,  the jawline, and sinuses and even cause chronic headaches.

This results in pain, stiffness and discomfort. Moreover, when the wisdom teeth erupt and press on nerves and bone, the pain becomes more intense.

2. Red and Swollen Gums

Wisdom teeth can also cause Redness, tenderness and swelling around the site which can make chewing and other ordinary tasks difficult.

Irritation of the gums is another symptom of the wisdom tooth and a tell-tale sign you need to see your dentist for a cleaning and take care to brush and floss around the area afterward.

3. Crowded Feeling in the Mouth

While growing, wisdom teeth grow and begin to put pressure on encircling teeth, attempting to displace them, leading to swelling of gums and jaw muscles which ends up crowding the mouth even more.

The tongue might also get swollen and get in the way while eating or speaking.

Related Article: Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery – Preparation, Cost and Recovery

4. Facial Swelling

Pain, pressure, and overcrowding in the mouth can cause swelling of the jaw. The swelling can also be visible in the cheekbones and other areas with or without pain.

5. Bad Breath

Wisdom teeth during eruption can cause pockets in the back of the mouth that are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.

As a result, bacteria can build up there rapidly. This might lead to a bad taste or bad breath.

6. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth or Eating

A stiff jaw can be a result of wisdom teeth coming in and making it difficult to eat.

One might constantly bite down on the tongue or the inside of the cheek because the wisdom teeth have moved the others out of alignment. Or it might simply be too painful to eat.

7. When The Dentist Suggests It

Sometimes the symptoms may be very trivial or one may not have felt them at all.

However, it’s important to listen to your dentists as they might spot the first signs of wisdom teeth coming through or foresee the apparent problems that you might not have felt as yet.

Doctor’s Note

Now as you know the symptoms to watch out for wisdom teeth eruption, the good news is you don’t have to live with this.

If you have felt your wisdom teeth coming through or it’s been noticed during another check-up, it is advisable to listen to the professional if they say you should consider having them removed.

Dr. Sheena Gaur at Kirkland Premier Dentistrysays, Wisdom teeth extraction is a minor surgery with a very low risk of complications, so you have no reason to worry if your dentist suggests it to you.

The complications otherwise may outweigh the slight discomfort of the surgery. For any kind of dental emergency, feel free to contact us onlineor call the office.

Your wisdom teeth are the last remaining teeth to emerge in your mouth. Usually, wisdom teeth begin to erupt around the ages of 17-24. For some people, these adult molars may never appear, or they may grow in without any problems. But for others, wisdom teeth have the potential to create complications under the gum lines, which may lead to infections and other health-related issues. Such cases often necessitate extraction. So, how do you know if your wisdom teeth are coming in?

First Signs Your Wisdom Teeth are Coming In

One of the telltale signs that your wisdom teeth are beginning to emerge is feeling tenderness or discomfort around the back of your mouth. This can either be on both sides of your mouth, or just one side. You may also notice that your gums are swollen.

Another sign that your wisdom teeth have arrived is the onset of headaches. When wisdom teeth become trapped under the gums, there is a buildup in pressure, which can trigger headaches. Some people already experience frequent headaches; thus, allowing any wisdom teeth pain to go unnoticed. Always attend regular check-ups with your dentist so they can monitor the condition of your oral health and help determine the source of any pains.

Other common signs that your wisdom teeth are emerging include:

• Bleeding or tender gums;
• Swelling of the gums or jaw;
• Jaw pain;
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth; and/or
• Difficulty opening your mouth.

As wisdom teeth begin to erupt, sometimes only part of the tooth will emerge, making gum tissue susceptible to infections. Food may get lodged in tiny openings, becoming difficult to remove even with flossing and brushing. This can escalate into a serious infection known as pericoronitis, which is often both uncomfortable and painful, especially if left untreated.

What Should You Do Next?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it might be time to contact your general dentist or our team at Boise Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center. We can determine whether you need your wisdom teeth removed. Even if you are not experiencing pain or other symptoms, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to prevent problems in the future.

Practicing good oral hygiene may temporarily relieve pain, but ignoring the symptoms altogether will put your oral health at serious risk. For other questions regarding wisdom teeth and wisdom tooth extraction, consult our guide to wisdom teeth removal.

Dr. Jeffrey Scott Bobst is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with board certifications from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He and his staff make it a point to treat each patient as their own person with specific oral health needs. We’ll work with you to create a treatment and post-operative plan that makes the most sense for you. We don’t just work with wisdom teeth. We’re also proficient in a number of procedures, such as bone grafting, corrective jaw strategy, and oral pathology screening. 

If you have any remaining questions, or would like to request an appointment, get in touch with us.

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