Wisdom tooth pain can be a common issue for many adults, but ignoring it can lead to more serious dental problems. Whether it’s due to impaction, infection, or crowding, wisdom tooth pain should not be ignored. In this article, we’ll explore what happens if you leave wisdom tooth pain untreated, potential consequences, and the importance of timely dental intervention.
What is Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Pain from wisdom teeth can occur for several reasons, such as lack of space in the mouth, partial eruption, or impaction. When wisdom teeth don’t grow in properly, they can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, lead to more severe oral health problems. Learn more about Wisdom tooth pain.
What the Research Says
According to dental research, approximately 5 million people in the U.S. get their wisdom teeth removed each year due to complications like pain, impaction, and infection. Many adults delay treatment, assuming the pain will subside on its own, but untreated wisdom tooth pain often leads to further oral health issues. Studies show that impacted wisdom teeth can lead to complications such as infections, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth.
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Several factors contribute to wisdom tooth pain, including:
- Impaction: When there isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to fully emerge, they may become impacted, pressing against neighboring teeth.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create spaces where bacteria and food particles collect, leading to infection.
- Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth located at the back of the mouth are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to cavities.
- Teeth Crowding: If wisdom teeth push against existing teeth, they can cause alignment issues and overcrowding.
Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
Wisdom tooth pain often presents itself in a variety of ways, including:
Headaches: Persistent pain in the jaw can radiate and cause headaches or earaches.
Throbbing Pain: A constant or throbbing pain in the back of the mouth or jaw.
Swelling: Swelling in the gums around the wisdom tooth or in the jaw.
Bad Breath or Taste: Due to infection or food trapped around a partially erupted tooth.
Difficulty Chewing: Pain when chewing or biting near the affected area.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Wisdom Tooth Pain?
1. Increased Risk of Infection (Pericoronitis)
One of the most common issues with partially erupted wisdom teeth is pericoronitis, an infection that occurs when food and bacteria become trapped around the tooth. This can cause swelling, pain, and even pus around the gums. If the infection spreads, it can lead to more serious complications, such as a jaw abscess or a deep facial infection requiring urgent medical attention.
2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If wisdom teeth are impacted (unable to emerge properly), they can cause significant pressure on surrounding teeth. This pressure can lead to pain, jaw stiffness, and eventually misalignment of the teeth. The longer the impaction is ignored, the greater the risk of shifting and damaging neighboring teeth.
3. Cysts or Tumors
An untreated wisdom tooth, especially if impacted, can lead to the formation of a cyst around the tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can cause damage to the bone, gums, and surrounding teeth. In rare cases, these cysts can develop into tumors, which may require surgical intervention to remove.
4. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
The pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth can also damage adjacent teeth. It may cause them to shift or develop decay if bacteria get trapped between the wisdom tooth and the neighboring molar. In severe cases, this can lead to the loss of both the wisdom tooth and the adjacent tooth.
5. Difficulty with Oral Hygiene
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean properly. Ignoring wisdom tooth pain can lead to the development of cavities, not just in the wisdom teeth but in adjacent teeth as well. Bacteria from untreated infections can also spread to other areas of the mouth.
How Long Can You Leave Wisdom Tooth Pain Untreated?
While some people may experience wisdom tooth pain intermittently, it’s not advisable to leave it untreated for long. Delaying treatment increases the risk of infections, impaction, and damage to surrounding teeth. Even if the pain subsides temporarily, the underlying issue (such as impaction or infection) will likely worsen over time. Many dental professionals recommend removing problematic wisdom teeth as early as possible to prevent complications.
How to Treat Wisdom Tooth Pain
Treatment for wisdom tooth pain depends on the cause and severity of the issue:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can provide temporary relief.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is present, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
- Tooth Extraction: The most common treatment for persistent wisdom tooth pain is extraction, particularly if the tooth is impacted or causing crowding. Early removal can prevent more serious complications in the future.
- Surgical Intervention: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may require oral surgery to remove the tooth, especially if it’s deeply embedded in the jawbone.
Preventing Wisdom Tooth Pain
Although you can’t always prevent wisdom tooth problems, maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups can help minimize complications. Dentists can monitor the growth of wisdom teeth through dental X-rays, allowing them to detect issues early and recommend treatment before pain occurs.
Conclusion
Ignoring wisdom tooth pain can lead to a range of serious dental complications, from infections to damage to adjacent teeth. If you experience persistent or severe pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, it’s essential to seek dental treatment right away. Early intervention can prevent more extensive procedures and ensure your overall oral health remains intact.
Call to Action
If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact our Etobicoke Dentist – Thorncrest Dental today to schedule an appointment and get the professional care you need to prevent further complications.
