Wisdom teeth have always been a concern for many individuals. When wisdom teeth erupt, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness in the back of the mouth, accompanied by fever, swelling on one side of the face, and even difficulty in opening your mouth. To identify the hidden signs of wisdom tooth eruption or misalignment, refer to the following information provided by Champion Dental Clinic, which will enable you to accurately recognize and take control of your treatment.
When does the wisdom tooth start to grow?
The wisdom tooth, also known as the third molar or the third molar tooth, is the last tooth to erupt in the mouth. Typically, the wisdom tooth erupts latest in adulthood, between the ages of 18 and 25, when the tooth roots begin to form. However, wisdom teeth can grow in various forms, including normal eruption, angulated eruption at 45 or 90 degrees, impacted eruption within the bone, or eruption in a backward direction towards the jawbone. These conditions can lead to several oral health issues such as pain, swelling, and redness in the back of the mouth, accompanied by fever, swelling on one side of the face, and even difficulty in opening the mouth.
This condition often sparks controversy because the function of wisdom teeth is not clearly defined and they can cause significant trouble. Therefore, there are differing opinions regarding whether wisdom teeth should be extracted or not.
Signs of wisdom tooth eruption
The process of wisdom tooth eruption is not continuous, and the speed of eruption depends on each individual's anatomy. Typically, this process takes about 3 to 5 months for the wisdom tooth to fully emerge. When the wisdom tooth is preparing to erupt, there are some distinct signs to look out for. Below are some common indications of the beginning stages of wisdom tooth eruption that you can refer to.
Pain and swelling in the gums
One of the most notable signs when the wisdom tooth erupts is the presence of pain and swelling in the gum area. You may experience discomfort and throbbing sensations around this region. These bouts of pain can make you uncomfortable and impact your daily activities. Typically, during the phase when the tooth is emerging from the gum, the pain can be more intense and severe. Regardless of how the wisdom tooth is growing, this symptom is commonly encountered.
Gum swelling
During the eruption process, the wisdom tooth can cause the gums to become soft and sensitive. This can lead to gum irritation and an increased tendency for them to bleed. This condition often persists until the wisdom tooth fully emerges in a stable manner.
Pain while chewing
As the wisdom tooth pushes through, it can exert pressure on surrounding structures, causing discomfort when you chew food. This pain is typically felt when the wisdom tooth comes into contact with food or adjacent teeth.
Jaw swelling and difficulty in mouth opening
The eruption of wisdom teeth can result in swelling and stiffness in the jaw. This can make it difficult to open the mouth and restrict its normal flexibility.
Headaches and fever
If you're wondering whether wisdom tooth eruption can cause a fever, the answer is yes. Fever can occur during the early stages of wisdom tooth eruption. The main cause of fever is the increased body temperature that can accompany the eruption. However, there is no need to be overly concerned as fevers are usually mild and subside quickly.
Loss of appetite
During the process of wisdom tooth eruption, your ability to chew may be hindered due to the associated pain. Patients often experience a decreased appetite and a sense of dissatisfaction with food.
Halitosis
When the wisdom tooth erupts, the gum area can be affected and prone to injury. Additionally, food debris can get trapped in these areas, making it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. Consequently, unpleasant breath odor may occur.
When is wisdom tooth extraction necessary?
Many people experience discomfort or disruptions in their daily lives when their wisdom teeth begin to erupt. However, many still wonder: When should wisdom teeth be extracted? Below are some cases to consider for wisdom tooth extraction:
- Misaligned wisdom teeth and collision with adjacent teeth: When wisdom teeth grow in a misaligned manner and impact the neighboring teeth, it can cause pain, infection, or affect the health of the adjacent teeth. In such situations, wisdom tooth extraction may be considered as a solution to alleviate pain and the risk of infection.
- Insufficient space for wisdom tooth eruption: When there is not enough room in the jaw for the wisdom tooth to erupt properly, it can become impacted or trapped within the bone. This can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. In such cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be considered to alleviate these issues.
- Wisdom teeth that cause malocclusion and affect chewing: Additionally, this condition provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause tooth decay. Wisdom teeth may need to be extracted to prevent such conditions.
- Wisdom tooth eruption accompanied by dental caries or periodontal inflammation.
In certain situations where wisdom teeth require extraction, but the patient has underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, blood disorders, or the wisdom tooth affects important structures in the jaw such as nerves or blood vessels, retaining the wisdom tooth may be considered. However, patients should adhere to proper oral hygiene and care for their wisdom teeth as instructed by the dentist.
>> See more: Broken Braces: What You Need to Know
These are the information regarding signs of wisdom tooth eruption that you can refer to. If you have any doubts or experience symptoms related to wisdom tooth eruption, you can visit Champion Dental Clinic for a thorough examination, assessment, and appropriate treatment.
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