How Painful Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth can be a source of frustration and discomfort. These molars attempt to emerge in your late teens and early twenties, but they often become trapped on the way. These impacted wisdom teeth can cause many different problems. Wisdom teeth that come in normally do not need removal, but others often do. 

What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the final set of teeth to emerge from your gums. Not all wisdom teeth become impacted, and some people lack some or all of their wisdom teeth naturally. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have room to emerge normally, so they can cause problems such as crowding your other teeth, impacting your oral hygiene, and even causing pain.

*Individual results may vary

How Painful is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Whether your impacted wisdom tooth causes any pain depends on how the tooth is growing and impacting the surrounding teeth. One common problem is the wisdom tooth pushing on and moving your other teeth, making them crooked. Impacted wisdom teeth can also put pressure on the jawbone or grow at an angle that damages other teeth. 

Pain from an impacted wisdom tooth may come from pressure on the jaw or other teeth. This can cause jaw pain, headaches, and pain while chewing. If you experience sharper pain, it may be caused by an infection or tooth damage since the wisdom tooth may keep you from cleaning the area properly. Any sharp or sudden pain should be addressed immediately. Regular dental visits will identify potential problems before they can cause these symptoms. 

How is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removed?

Your surgeon will develop a plan for removing your wisdom teeth. Each person’s teeth are different and will require different strategies. Your surgeon will often separate the tooth into pieces to remove it since it may be trapped by other teeth or your jaw. Removing the tooth will relieve some problems immediately, while others may take time or require further treatments to resolve.

What is Recovery Like After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

You can expect some swelling and soreness for the first two to three days. You will receive pain medication to keep you comfortable. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in place of the removed tooth. It plays an important role in the healing process. You can gradually resume normal foods, but avoid things like seeds or sharp foods that could get stuck. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you should have them removed. Almost anyone is a candidate, especially since these teeth can have serious oral health impacts. We have options for anesthesia and treatment that make this procedure safe for almost everyone who needs it. If you have any type of tooth or jaw pain, you should see a dentist or oral surgeon.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about impacted wisdom teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.