How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In Correctly?
Whether or not wisdom teeth are associated with any special gifts of insight, or perception is up for debate, but if you're in your late teens or early twenties, you should be expecting their arrival. Also known as third molars, they typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, much later than any other human teeth, and most people don't look forward to getting them.
Why do wisdom teeth get a bad rap? Primarily because they can be problematic, sometimes leading to overcrowding and other potentially serious dental problems.
Thousands of years ago, our ancestors probably benefited from third molars that allowed them to chew and digest coarse, rough foods, but today that's no longer necessary. Dietary changes have led to smaller jaws, and we're now more likely to eat a cheeseburger than a fibrous plant, yet wisdom teeth remain. The result? They often have to be extracted, especially if they're impacted or growing in at an awkward angle.
How will you know when your wisdom teeth have arrived and whether or not they're coming in correctly? The best way is to attend regular teeth cleanings and check-ups, as recommended by your dentist. Beyond that, there are usually some telltale signs you can watch for that will alert you that it's time to pay better attention to what's going on at the back of your mouth.
Let's take a closer look:
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth in both the upper and lower jaw. There are typically four of them in total, and they're a normal part of human dental anatomy.
While some young adults have plenty of room in their jaw for wisdom teeth and may experience few - if any - symptoms during their eruption, this is not the norm. Unfortunately, it's much more common that wisdom teeth don't erupt properly or are fully impacted (don't erupt at all). These scenarios may lead to significant dental complications, making wisdom tooth removal one of the most common oral surgeries performed in Canada.
What To Expect When Wisdom Teeth Start Coming In
When your wisdom teeth start coming in, it's possible you won't experience any symptoms at all. Most people, however, will experience one or more of the following to a greater or lesser extent:
Irritation, redness, and/or swelling of the gums just behind the second molars
A dull ache near the back of the jaw that may increase or become more pronounced over time
Unexplained earaches or headaches
Unexplained pain around the jaw, eyes, or ears (usually this indicates that the new teeth are placing pressure on one or more facial nerves)
The appearance of small white specks that are actually the new tooth beginning to break through the gum tissue
The sensation that the wisdom teeth are moving up and down
How Do I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In Correctly Or Crooked?
Now that you know the types of symptoms that can indicate the arrival of your wisdom teeth, the next question is: How can I tell if they're coming in correctly? While it's not always possible to glean the answer without an examination performed by your dentist, we've outlined some key indicators to pay attention to below:
What Healthy Eruption Looks Like
The healthy eruption of wisdom teeth may be accompanied by swelling and redness of the gums as well as some mild to moderate pain and discomfort. Generally speaking, though, these symptoms should be short-lived and culminate with the visible eruption of a full, healthy tooth at the back of your mouth.
Symptoms Of Impacted Or Misaligned Wisdom Teeth
Symptoms that indicate your wisdom teeth may be impacted or misaligned may include:
Moderate to severe pain that doesn't resolve, recurs, or worsens over time
Severe gum redness and inflammation
Jaw pain and/or difficulty opening your mouth
Pain when brushing teeth at the back of the mouth
Unexplained sinus pain or symptoms like congestion, headaches, and ongoing sinus pressure
The partial eruption of a tooth
In cases where an impacted wisdom tooth is negatively affecting the jawbone or adjacent teeth, patients may also experience tooth decay and/or persistent bad breath as plaque and bacteria accumulate. In severe cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of oral infections.
Signs You May Need A Dental X-Ray
If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it's important to connect with your dentist so that they can properly evaluate what's going on beneath the surface of your gums. A simple X-ray can reveal the position and angle of your wisdom teeth and provide valuable information about what steps should be taken next.
When Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain: What It Could Mean
It's natural for tooth eruption to cause some discomfort, but the bottom line is this: If you're living with pain in your mouth, it's best to have it checked out by your dentist. Contact our experienced team at Shine Dental any time to schedule a consultation!
Why Some Wisdom Teeth Hurt And Others Don't
Just like you, your wisdom teeth are unique. The amount of discomfort each individual wisdom tooth causes depends on a variety of factors, including:
The position and alignment of the tooth
The degree of impaction
The size and shape of your jawbone
Whether or not complications like crowding of other teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, a cyst, or an oral infection are present
Temporary Discomfort Vs. A Real Problem
At Shine Dental, our experienced team of dentists believes that any oral discomfort represents a real problem, especially if it's severe or doesn't resolve after a short period of time. If pain, discomfort, or other symptoms are ongoing and/or affecting your quality of life, it's time to take action. Let your dentist help you decide how best to proceed.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: What You Should Know
Wisdom tooth removal can often be performed in-office by our dentists, though complex cases may be referred to a specialist such as an oral surgeon. The procedure, which is performed under local anesthetic and sometimes sedation, usually takes somewhere between 40-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the situation and how many teeth are being removed.
Once wisdom teeth are removed, it's normal to experience temporary swelling. While most patients can return to normal activities within a few days after wisdom tooth extraction, it's important to closely follow your dentist's instructions in order to ensure an optimal recovery.
Still Not Sure If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In Right?
Seeking skilled dentistry in Winnipeg provided by a compassionate, experienced team? Look no further than Shine Dental. Contact us today to book an appointment and get your wisdom teeth professionally evaluated!