The Painful Impact of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
We know there are few oral health issues that can be as painful or disruptive to daily life as impacted wisdom teeth. While the pain of impacted wisdom teeth is certainly enough to let you know that something is wrong, it is still important to identify the issue as early as possible. Early detection empowers you to quickly make an appointment…and hopefully avoid infection! Trust us, you definitely want to avoid the pain of an impacted wisdom tooth. What are the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
Throbbing pain in the back of the mouth:
When wisdom teeth become impacted, it causes a great deal of pain, particularly as the condition worsens. You may notice pain radiating from the back of the mouth, particularly focused on the area around the wisdom teeth and other molars. This pain will get worse as the surrounding teeth begin to become affected.
Swollen, tender and bleeding gums:
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause serious gum issues. The gums may become swollen and tender to the touch. They may start to bleed when pressure is applied, making flossing and brushing both painful and difficult. If you notice your gums becoming swollen and tender, it may very well be impacted wisdom teeth but can also be other forms of gum disease, so it is important that you see your dentist immediately.
Swelling around the jaw:
Impacted wisdom teeth are often accompanied by swelling of both the gums and jaw. It can be subtle at first, but can worsen quickly to the point that it can become painful or difficult to open your mouth.
Swollen glands in the shoulder and neck:
Impacted wisdom teeth are often accompanied by swollen glands in the shoulder and neck. This combined with other symptoms is a telltale sign that you might be experiencing impacted wisdom teeth and should speak with Dr. Iglio immediately.
Headaches:
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause headaches of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw and skull. This pain may radiate to other areas of the head and face as well.
Complications caused by impacted teeth:
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of further complications as the condition worsens. While impacted wisdom teeth themselves can be enough to cause serious pain, the real threat comes from the complications that can arise as a result.
- Damage and realignment of adjacent teeth: impacted wisdom teeth can push on the teeth around them, causing infection or forcing the teeth out of place.
- Gum disease: impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infection and decay. This can cause serious issues in the mouth. Because the back portion of the gums are difficult to clean as is, this can result in food and bacteria becoming trapped and lead to further gum disease and tooth decay.
- Cysts: Wisdom teeth grow within a sac that is located in the interior of the jaw. These sacs can fill with fluid when wisdom teeth become impacted, which can lead to cysts that can damage nerves, cause pain and cause damage to adjacent teeth.
If you are experiencing one or more of these warning signs and fear that you may have impacted wisdom teeth, contact Stroudsburg Family Dental immediately! Dr. Iglio’s gentle touch and compassionate care will quickly make your painful impacted tooth a memory.
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