Seven Steps to Determine if Your Wisdom Tooth Pain Requires Treatment
Does my wisdom tooth pain require treatment?
The wisdom teeth are known as the third molars, and are non-essential to your daily life. Most people have these teeth removed because they cause pain if they don’t have enough room to erupt properly. However, is all pain associated with wisdom teeth normal? When is it time to see the team at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be surgically removed. Some wisdom teeth erupt into their rightful spot and function like the other molars However, if pain enters the equation, there may be something wrong with how the wisdom tooth is coming in. While not all wisdom teeth need to be surgically removed, pain shouldn’t be ignored. Read on to learn what symptoms and pain need your dentist’s attention.
Identify the Type of Pain
First, what type of pain are you experiencing? Knowing the type and severity of pain you are experiencing will help to determine if you should see the Parmer Lane Family Dentistry team immediately or if you can wait.
If you have a dull and occasional pain, like a mild ache that comes and goes, it might simply be the wisdom tooth breaking through the gum tissue. Similar to what a baby goes through when they are teething, this is a temporary soreness that should be manageable on its own and resolve once the tooth fully erupts.
If you are experiencing a sharp, throbbing, and persistent pain, this could mean it’s time to visit our Austin, Texas, office. If the pain you are experiencing is intense enough to keep you awake at night and/or radiates through the jaw, this could indicate a serious problem. This type of pain could mean you have an impacted tooth that is stuck under the gum or bone, or even an abscess.
For patients who are experiencing constant or worsening tooth pain, it is a good idea to give Parmer Lane Family Dentistry a call to schedule an evaluation.
Check for Swelling or Redness
Your gums should be pink and firm, but if you notice that your gums are red, puffy, or tender to the touch, that could mean you are experiencing inflammation. This can happen when bacteria or food particles get trapped under the gums. It’s a sign you should schedule an appointment to see your dentist.
Inflammation around the gums or jaw could also indicate a tooth infection or impaction. If the swelling and redness extends to the cheek or the side of your neck, this is a sign that an infection could be spreading, and you should see the team at Parmer Lane immediately.
Monitor for Jaw Stiffness or Trouble Opening Your Mouth
The wisdom teeth are located near the back of your jaw, where it hinges, and they’re designed to aid in chewing. If a wisdom tooth is infected or impacted, it can result in gum inflammation and can cause those jaw muscles to tighten,
If you find yourself struggling to chew or notice that you can’t open your mouth as wide as you used to, don’t ignore that. It could indicate a hidden dental issue, like a tooth pushing against the jaw bone or an infection around the wisdom teeth. As always, if you are concerned, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to get it looked at.
Look for Signs of Infection
Because the wisdom teeth are located so far in the back of the mouth, they can be harder to clean than some of your other teeth. That makes these teeth prime targets for bacteria that can lead to infections if not taken care of properly.
If you notice a persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing, this could be a sign that there is trapped food and/or a bacteria buildup around your wisdom teeth.
Another sign of infection is visible pus around the tooth. If you see a white or yellow fluid around your wisdom tooth, this is a sign of infection, and you should see your dentist immediately, as untreated infections can lead to other health issues.
Note if Other Teeth Are Affected
Because wisdom teeth are the last to arrive, there is often very little room left in your mouth for them to erupt completely. As these teeth try to erupt, it can cause pain and pressure.
If you notice your other teeth are starting to shift or you are feeling tightness or pressure throughout your entire arch of teeth, it is time to see a dentist to see what can be done to reduce the pain
Watch for Headaches or Earaches
Wisdom tooth pain can radiate to nearby areas and affect other parts of your body because of interconnecting nerves. If you have a chronic tension headache or a persistent earache, the actual culprit could be an impacted wisdom tooth putting pressure on one of your body’s nerves. Unexplained head or ear pain that is paired with dental discomfort should be addressed, as it could be your wisdom teeth causing you some problems.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation
The only way to know for sure about what is happening beneath the surface is to get a look at what is going on. That is where dental X-rays come in. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, pushing against other teeth or your jaw, or there is an infection, X-rays will let your dentist see what is happening under the surface. Early detection can help prevent major dental problems, so consult Parmer Lane Family Dentistry as soon as you start feeling dental pain.
Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable.
Wisdom tooth pain isn’t always urgent, but it isn’t something that should be ignored. Proactive care is always advised so that little dental issues can be taken care of before they become larger dental issues. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth pain, schedule an appointment with Austin’s Parmer Lane Family Dentistry so we can help keep you smiling!
