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Wisdom teeth (also called third molars), are the last molars to develop, and for many people, there is simply not enough room for them to come in normally. When a tooth cannot fully emerge or grows at an angle, it becomes impacted, which can lead to inflammation, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. Identifying symptoms early makes it easier to treat the impaction and prevent unnecessary discomfort.
Table of Contents
- 1. Jaw Pain or Swelling
- 2. Bad Breath or an Unpleasant Taste
- 3. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth Fully
- Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
- Why Early Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Prevents Complications
- Wisdom Teeth Removal in Boulder, CO
- FAQs
1. Jaw Pain or Swelling
Pain is often the first indicator that something is wrong. Impacted wisdom teeth sit under the gums and may press against the jawbone or neighboring teeth. This pressure can create:
- A dull ache that comes and goes
- Tenderness when chewing
- Swelling near the back of the jaw
- Stiffness that makes the jaw feel tight or sore
Inflammation beneath the gums can also cause the area to feel warm or sensitive. If you notice persistent discomfort near the back of your mouth, it is important to schedule an evaluation.
2. Bad Breath or an Unpleasant Taste
When a wisdom tooth is partially trapped under the gums, it forms a small pocket where bacteria can collect. Even with good brushing and flossing, that area is nearly impossible to keep clean. As bacteria multiply, you may experience:
- Chronic bad breath
- A metallic or unpleasant taste
- Gum irritation or redness around the tooth
These symptoms often indicate an infection known as pericoronitis, which is common in partially impacted wisdom teeth.
3. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth Fully
If inflammation spreads around the impacted tooth, the surrounding tissues can become tight or swollen. This may make it uncomfortable or difficult to open your mouth all the way. You may also notice:
- Pain when yawning
- Discomfort when chewing
- Tightness on one side of the jaw
Restricted jaw movement is a sign that the impaction is affecting nearby muscles and joints, and it should be evaluated promptly.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Wisdom teeth can be impacted to different degrees depending on how much of the tooth is trapped beneath the gums or bone:
- Soft tissue impaction: The tooth is covered by gum tissue but has not fully emerged.
- Partial bony impaction: Part of the tooth is covered by bone.
- Complete bony impaction: The entire tooth remains encased in the jawbone.
The type of impaction determines both the severity of symptoms and the recommended treatment approach.
Why Early Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth Prevents Complications
Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to repeated infections, damage to the second molars, loss of bone on the roots of the second molars, cyst formation, and long-term jaw discomfort. Removing impacted teeth early often results in a smoother recovery and prevents complications before they develop.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Boulder, CO
Foley & Le Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons provide expert care for impacted wisdom teeth. Our oral surgeons use advanced imaging and surgical techniques to ensure safe, precise treatment with a focus on patient comfort. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or have been advised to remove your wisdom teeth as a preventive step, our team is here to help.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
FAQs
Not always. Some people have enough room for their wisdom teeth to come in normally. Your dentist or oral surgeon can determine whether removal is recommended based on X-rays and your symptoms.
Oral surgeons are specially trained to remove impacted teeth and commonly use IV anesthesia for these procedures. In straightforward cases, a general dentist may be able to remove them, but impacted or complex extractions are best handled by an oral surgeon.
An impacted wisdom tooth can remain in place for years, but leaving it untreated increases the risk of infection, cyst formation, gum disease, and damage to nearby teeth. If symptoms are present, it is important to have the tooth evaluated promptly because complications tend to become more severe over time.
Pain from an impacted wisdom tooth often starts as a dull, achy pressure in the back of the jaw. It may worsen when chewing or opening your mouth. Some people experience sharp, shooting discomfort if the tooth is pressing on a nerve or causing inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Yes. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can irritate the surrounding soft tissues, including the tongue. Inflammation, swelling, or infection around the tooth may cause the tongue to feel sore, irritated, or tender, especially when eating or speaking.
While uncommon, pain from an impacted wisdom tooth can sometimes radiate to other areas of the head and neck. This type of referred pain may extend toward the ear, neck, or shoulder. If you are experiencing shoulder discomfort along with jaw or gum irritation, an evaluation can help determine whether the symptoms are related.
