Wisdom teeth are the common name for the third and final set of molars. For most people, these molars don't emerge until their late teens and early twenties. What most people don't realize is that removing them isn't always inevitable. If they are healthy and grow out into their proper position, a person may keep these molars for a lifetime.
However, an oral surgeon may advise surgery if symptoms indicating that the molars are developing in the wrong position appear. Pain and irritation from a tooth may be the first warning sign of the molars erupting at the wrong angle. The impacted tooth could also irritate the gums. The face may even start to swell, in what is colloquially described as "chipmunk cheeks."
The First Sign: Pain
Generally, any kind of oral pain is a sign of an underlying issue that should be discussed with a dentist. Pain and irritation coming from the wisdom tooth and/or jaw is usually the first sign of wisdom tooth coming in at a crooked angle. Left unattended, it will start to rub against the cheeks and tongue, causing even more irritation.
Pain may not be limited to the wisdom teeth. If a person's jaw is not large enough, the molar may not be able to break through the gums, which could lead to it becoming stuck-or impacted-in the jaw. As a result, many patients complain of jaw stiffness or pain. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can even cause headaches.
The Second Sign: Swollen, Painful Gums
The gums make up an important part of oral health. Anytime a person notices some level of irritation in their gums, they should contact their dentist to determine if this is a warning sign of a larger issue.
If an impacted tooth breaks only partway through the gums, it will cause a flap of gum tissue to form at the top of the tooth. This gum tissue is susceptible to infection, especially if food is trapped in the flap. Once infected, the gums may swell and become tender to the touch. Chewing food may become more difficult as a result.
Many people who fear the dentist's chair may try to avoid it by using ice packs and other home remedies to control the swelling and pain. However, ice packs will only provide temporary and superficial relief while the underlying infection and inflammation worsen. An oral surgeon can remove the affected molar, resolving the issue, and providing relief.
The Third, Serious Sign: Swollen Face
Many people are familiar with this telltale sign of an impacted wisdom tooth: the swollen face, commonly known as "chipmunk cheeks." It can also appear as people recover from the surgery. If seen before surgery, however, it is usually a result of the infection in the gum flap spreading to affect the face.
While an ice pack can provide a temporary fix for the swelling, a swollen cheek near the impacted molar is a sign of an infection that can become a serious health risk if not treated by an oral surgeon.
Even if these issues do not appear as a person's wisdom teeth develop, an oral surgeon may suggest removing them if other symptoms appear, such as overcrowding, tooth decay, and gum disease.