Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt from your gums. As such, they are also called your third molars. These molars usually erupt from your gums between the ages of 17 and 21. Their eruption usually causes some discomfort. If they come through correctly, the discomfort is minimal. However, the pain increases when your wisdom teeth come through in an incorrect position.

Dentists check for wisdom teeth by performing a thorough examination. This thorough examination involves initial questions so that the dentist can ascertain your dental symptoms and general health. After this general consultation, the dentist will visually examine the condition of your teeth and gums around the areas where your wisdom will eventually erupt. Depending on what they find with this visual examination of your gums and teeth in that specific area, they may also conduct a dental X-ray to see how your wisdom teeth are developing inside your gums.

You should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you can if you experience wisdom tooth pain. Even if there is mild discomfort, your dentist can make sure that your wisdom teeth are coming through in the proper position. If they notice that your wisdom teeth are coming through in an improper position, they can make appropriate plans to remove them so they do not cause further problems.

When your wisdom teeth are in an incorrect position, they lack the space they need to erupt. This lack of space can cause problems for the surrounding teeth and gums. Some of these problems include:
 
– Impacted teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth are when your wisdom teeth are fully or partially trapped underneath your gums or in your jawbone. They do not always cause symptoms but can cause significant pain and other problems when they do. If they are severely impacted, the wisdom teeth may also put pressure on the surrounding teeth and damage them.

– Partial eruption: If your wisdom teeth have only erupted partially, it exposes your teeth, gums, and jawbone to infection. Often, the partially erupted wisdom teeth produce a flap of gum tissue next to or above the tooth that can trap food particles. Bacteria can grow from these food particles and cause infection or tooth decay.

– Swollen gums: If a partially erupted wisdom tooth causes infection, the surrounding gums will be swollen and painful to the touch. You may also experience swollen gums when the wisdom tooth is trying to erupt through the gums. In either case, the swollen gums will cause pain and discomfort when eating and possibly at rest as well.

– Jaw stiffness: If your wisdom teeth are pushing against surrounding teeth, it can cause stiffness and soreness in your jaw. This jaw stiffness is especially a problem if the wisdom teeth are not coming through correctly.

– Sinus issues: As your upper wisdom teeth come through, the teeth roots can cause congestion, pain, and pressure in your sinuses, leading to headaches and other issues.

– Difficulty eating: Your wisdom teeth may cause difficulty eating if they are putting pressure on your surrounding teeth. This pressure can cause misalignment in your teeth that interferes with how you open and close your mouth. The misalignment may also cause pain when you chew or bite down.

– Bad breath: When your wisdom teeth erupt, they can also cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
 
If you’re experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as you can. For an appointment with a wisdom tooth dentist in Brooklyn, New York, we welcome you to contact our clinic at Friends Family Dental and Orthodontics! Call us today or make an appointment with us through our website. We serve patients from Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Bronx NY, Hoboken NJ, West New York NJ, and surrounding areas.