About 65% to 75% of Americans have to deal with growing wisdom teeth, leaving many highschoolers (and some adults) to wonder why they hurt so much. After all, you might have felt some discomfort when your other adult teeth emerged, but nothing like what you experienced with your third molars. What makes them different?
As it turns out, a couple of things! Here’s why your wisdom teeth might be hurting – and what your dentist can do about it.
Simple Growing Pains
Unlike your other adult teeth, you don’t get a “baby version” of your third molars. While baby teeth are painful when they first emerge, they effectively carve out a path for their permanent counterparts that makes their growth much easier. Wisdom teeth, on the other hand, have to “make their own path” much like your original baby pearly whites. And if you’ve been around toddlers, you know how uncomfortable those growing pains can be!
Not-So Simple Impaction
It is possible for wisdom teeth to hurt simply because they’re growing, but considering 90% of Americans who develop third molars experience at least one impaction, it’s more likely your tooth is trapped below your gumline. This means another tooth is blocking the molar’s path, or that the molar is crooked. Either way, the resulting pain is caused by the pressure your wisdom teeth are exerting on your other pearly whites and jaw.
Cavities or Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth often cause overcrowding; not many people actually have enough room in their mouth to accommodate their third molars, so they tend to emerge very close to their dental neighbors. This can create nooks and crannies towards the back of your smile that are hard to reach with your toothbrush. If you’re experiencing sharp, pinpoint pain or swollen gums, bacteria build up might have formed a cavity or gum disease.
Extraction: No Tooth, No Pain
Now, no one ever wants a tooth extraction, but most of the time, it’s best for your dentist to remove troublesome third molars. Impacted wisdom teeth can be particularly harmful to your oral health, and can even damage the jawbone if they’re not taken care of. Plus, no tooth means no pain – patients tend to feel much better after their wisdom teeth are extracted!
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to safely keep your wisdom teeth, the answer is “yes.” About 15% of people can allow their third molars to grow in without complication. Either way, the only way to know what you need is to visit your dentist for an exam and X-rays! So if your wisdom teeth hurt, don’t hesitate to call your dentist and schedule an appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen is an experienced dentist who has completed advanced training with several prestigious organizations, including the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, The Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Study, and the Atlantic Coast Dental Research Clinic. If you’re experiencing wisdom tooth pain and need treatment, Dr. Cohen is certainly qualified to take care of your smile! To contact his office and schedule an appointment, call 904-230-2961.