Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth

8th August 2024,

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. These teeth were helpful to our ancestors, who had larger jaw development and needed the extra teeth for grinding tough food. However, through evolution, modern humans generally have smaller jaws, which means the eruption of wisdom teeth often causes complications when these teeth start to emerge.

While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, many encounter problems that can necessitate removal. This blog will cover the essentials of wisdom teeth, common issues with wisdom teeth, and why they often need to be removed.

Due to their late emergence and the limited space in the mouth, some of the most common issues associated with wisdom teeth eruption are:

Impaction: When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly, they can become trapped within the jawbone or gums. This condition is known as ‘impaction’.
Misalignment: Emerging wisdom teeth can grow at various angles, sometimes horizontally, which can push against other teeth, leading to misalignment.
Decay: Because they are located at the back of the mouth, and at times their positioning, wisdom teeth can be hard to keep clean, making them more susceptible to cavities.
Gum Inflammation/swelling/infection: When a wisdom tooth has not fully erupted or has only partially emerged, a flap of gum tissue that traps food particles and debris can develop, causing a localised infection in the area.
Cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.

Depending on your case, you may experience different problems and symptoms. Here are 4 common signs that your wisdom teeth might be coming through:

1. Gum inflammation/swelling

If your gums begin to swell at the back of your mouth, chances are that your newly emerging wisdom teeth may be causing this issue. Depending on your case, you may experience swelling of gum tissue, also known as Pericoronitis. Pericoronitis occurs when a wisdom tooth has not fully erupted or has only partially emerged. This partial eruption can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food particles and debris, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, often leading to infection.

Due to its difficult positioning at the back of your mouth, it can be a very difficult area to clean. Because of this, food debris and plaque caught within this area and under the gum flap may begin to cause inflammation and lead to an infection known as Pericoronitis. Milder symptoms of pericoronitis include painful, swollen gum tissue near the affected tooth. You may find it hard to bite down in that area without hitting the swollen tissue. You may also notice an unpleasant smell or taste in your mouth and potentially an oozing of pus in the area.

Taking extra time and care when brushing your teeth and cleaning around/underneath this gum tissue is essential to help prevent the occurrence of Pericoronitis. It is important to ensure you are brushing this area gently and providing it with a good, thorough clean.

2. Pain

When your wisdom teeth are coming through, you could start to feel pain or the feeling of pressure within your jaw. A possible cause of pain might be if your wisdom tooth is unable to erupt due to positioning or lack of space. As a result, it may only partially erupt or become impacted within your jawbone. This is a common issue that should be discussed with your dentist as soon as possible, especially if your pain becomes persistent.

Difficulty opening your jaw is another common sign that your wisdom teeth may be coming through. The positioning of your wisdom teeth can put pressure on your surrounding teeth and your jaw joints, which may cause you some discomfort and make your jaw feel quite tight/ stiff when opening and chewing.

3. Bad breath

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may notice bad breath in your mouth over time. This could be a sign that your wisdom tooth has developed a food/plaque trap, a possible infection, or even tooth decay. If you notice this change, you should not leave it untreated and make an appointment with your dentist to have it reviewed.

4. Cysts

It is possible to develop a cyst around or on top of your wisdom teeth. A cyst sac is filled with fluid that develops within the jaw and surrounding tissues and could lead to an infection if left untreated.

While dentigerous cysts are usually harmless, they can lead to several problems if left untreated. Talk to your dentist about any swelling, pain, or unusual bumps in your mouth, especially around your molars

Attending your 6-monthly dental check-ups and regular oral maintenance appointments can contribute to the monitoring and management of wisdom tooth development. By recognizing these common issues and obtaining timely dental advice, individuals can reduce the risk of complications related to wisdom teeth. Though very common practice, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, extraction is generally recommended if:

The teeth are impacted, causing pain or other dental issues.
They are growing in at an awkward angle, causing pocketing or affecting nearby teeth.
There are signs of infection or decay.
There is insufficient space for the teeth to fully erupt.

Wisdom tooth extraction Gold Coast

For more information about the wisdom teeth removal process, visit our treatment page to better understand how our dentists may be able to help. If you experience any of the symptoms above or are wondering about your wisdom teeth, contact one of our friendly dentists today. You can also book an appointment online, 24/7.