What Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Feel Like?

Wisdom teeth get their name because they are the last set of teeth to emerge, years after your other molars. You may have a full set, some, or none of them, and they have a tendency to cause a wide range of problems. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when these molars do not have room to take their proper place in your mouth. These impacted teeth can cause many different symptoms, including discomfort and problems with your other teeth.

What are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

When your wisdom teeth become impacted, it means they are being prevented from emerging. This can result in the tooth becoming trapped in the jawbone, emerging at an angle, or pushing other teeth out of the way. These impacted teeth will not correct themselves, and the only effective way to address the problem is by removing them. Impacted wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that many people, particularly younger individuals, undergo every year. 

What Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Feel Like?

Symptoms from impacted wisdom teeth vary widely. Some people may not experience any symptoms, especially when wisdom teeth are just starting to emerge. Common symptoms that develop over time include:

• Jaw pain
• Red or irritated gums
• Tooth pain
• Bad breath
• Infections or abscesses
• Cysts

You may be able to feel the wisdom tooth emerging at an angle through your gum tissue or pushing on other teeth, making them ache. You may have problems with all your wisdom teeth or just one or two. 
By the time wisdom teeth cause pain, they may have started to cause hard-to-treat problems. Fortunately, regular dental checkups will easily detect impacted teeth before they become an issue. In that case, you will be referred to an oral surgeon to remove them.

How are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Treated?

When you have your impacted wisdom teeth removed, you will receive nitrous oxide or IV sedation to ensure you do not feel any discomfort. Dr. Sonneveld may use a variety of techniques, often making a small incision and using it to break up and remove the tooth and its root. You may have a few sutures to close the incision, depending on its size. The invasiveness of the removal depends on how deeply and at what angle the teeth are impacted. 

What is Recovery Like After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

You will receive pain medication for the first few days that will keep you from feeling much discomfort. However, you will have some swelling, and opening your mouth may be uncomfortable. You will be instructed to limit yourself to liquids and very soft foods for the first few days, after which you can start adding back your normal foods, starting with soft items. Swelling will fade within the first week, and most people can return to work or school after a few days if they feel up to it.

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.