The condition of wisdom teeth erupting in the lower jaw is very common. So, what are the symptoms of lower wisdom teeth eruption? Is extracting lower wisdom teeth dangerous? What complications and precautions should be taken after extracting lower wisdom teeth?
When Do Lower Wisdom Teeth Erupt?
Lower wisdom teeth usually erupt during adulthood, between the ages of 18 to 25. However, there are many cases where they erupt earlier or later. They are called “wisdom teeth” because they emerge when a person reaches adulthood.
Lower wisdom teeth can erupt straight, but in many cases, they tend to erupt tilted or impacted. This happens because the jawbone has already hardened and has limited growth, leaving insufficient space for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly, causing them to be misaligned or impacted. The eruption of lower wisdom teeth can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling at the jaw corners, swollen cheeks, ulcers on the inner cheeks/tongue, limited mouth opening, or painful swallowing. Many people even joke that while they are called “wisdom teeth,” they are “not wise” at all.
Common Signs of Lower Wisdom Teeth Eruption
Depending on an individual’s body condition, the signs of lower wisdom teeth eruption can vary. Here are the common signs you should know:
Swollen Gums
One of the signs of lower wisdom teeth eruption is swollen gums. As the wisdom tooth erupts, it pushes against adjacent teeth, causing the gums to swell. Swollen gums can affect chewing and swallowing and may lead to biting the tongue or cheeks. The swelling typically lasts until the tooth has stabilized.
Pain and Discomfort
When lower wisdom teeth are erupting, you may experience pain and discomfort in the area of the erupting tooth, which can radiate to nearby regions. The pain can be due to decay in the wisdom tooth itself or in the adjacent teeth. If the decay has progressed to the pulp chamber, it can cause severe pain, especially at night, disrupting sleep and daily activities. The pain may also be a persistent dull ache from food getting trapped between the wisdom tooth and the adjacent tooth.
Bad Breath
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them hard to clean, especially if they erupt at an angle, which can lead to bad breath. Bad breath may also result from gum disease or ulcers on the inner cheeks/tongue due to the tilted eruption of wisdom teeth. This is one of the less noticeable signs of lower wisdom teeth eruption.
Ulcers on the Inner Cheeks/Tongue
The eruption of lower wisdom teeth can easily cause inflammation around the wisdom tooth if not treated or treated incorrectly. If the wisdom tooth erupts tilted towards the outside or inside, it may bite into the cheeks or tongue while eating, leading to ulcers.
Painful or Difficult Swallowing
If the inflammation around the wisdom tooth persists without treatment, it can spread to nearby areas, including the throat, resulting in painful or difficult swallowing. This sign of lower wisdom teeth eruption can be easily confused with toothache, so be sure to pay attention to it.
Is Extracting Lower Wisdom Teeth Dangerous?
Extracting lower wisdom teeth is generally not dangerous. However, it can carry certain risks and complications. Most of these risks are minimal and can be managed with proper care and monitoring.
The safety of extracting lower wisdom teeth depends on several factors:
- The qualifications and experience of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
- The equipment and technology used.
- The adherence to standard medical procedures for wisdom tooth extraction.
Therefore, patients should seek out reputable dental clinics and qualified dentists for wisdom tooth extraction.
Common Complications After Extracting Lower Wisdom Teeth
After understanding the signs of lower wisdom teeth eruption, let’s explore the common complications that can arise after extracting lower wisdom teeth:
Prolonged Bleeding
One of the most common complications after extracting lower wisdom teeth is prolonged bleeding. If bleeding occurs for 30-60 minutes or longer, it is usually normal. However, if bleeding continues, there is a risk of blood infection and other serious complications.
Infection
The process of extracting lower wisdom teeth may cause irritation to the gums and jawbone, resulting in swelling and pain. However, this condition can progress abnormally, leading to infection, which may present symptoms such as persistent pain, sharp pain in the jaw or neck, swollen gums, the presence of pus, color changes in the teeth, and fever.
Facial/Cheek Swelling
Facial or cheek swelling is another potential complication after extracting lower wisdom teeth that can negatively impact oral health. Especially if accompanied by persistent pain and the presence of pus at the extraction site, bad breath, or if the swelling does not decrease after several days.
Nerve Damage
Does wisdom tooth extraction affect the nerves? The location and shape of wisdom teeth differ significantly from normal teeth, making extraction more challenging. However, if the procedure is performed correctly, it may only mildly affect the nervous system in cases where the tooth is located close to the upper or lower jaw nerves. Symptoms such as numbness in the tongue, cheek, lip, or chin may resolve after a few days.
In contrast, inexperienced or unqualified dentists may inadvertently damage the nerve system below the tooth, leading to prolonged pain and, in severe cases, infections, bone destruction, and gum tissue damage.
Impact on Tooth Number 7
If the extraction of lower wisdom teeth is performed correctly, it should not affect tooth number 7. In fact, it may help protect tooth number 7 from complications caused by wisdom teeth. However, complications can occur if excessive force is applied during the extraction process, potentially damaging tooth number 7.
Additionally, some people mistakenly believe that pain in tooth number 7 occurs after the extraction of wisdom teeth, but in reality, the tooth may have already been damaged prior to the procedure (possibly due to the wisdom tooth growing at an angle and impacting it).
Precautions After Extracting Lower Wisdom Teeth
Swelling
- Apply a cold compress on the first day after extraction, at least four times a day for 10-15 minutes each time.
- Use a warm compress on the second and third days and beyond if necessary.
Diet
- Avoid chewing on the side of the newly extracted tooth.
- Eat soft, cool foods, and avoid difficult-to-chew, hot, or spicy foods for the first few days. Gradually transition to soft foods, then return to a normal diet.
Pain Management
- Pain is a normal reaction due to the wearing off of anesthesia.
- If pain persists, patients may take pain relievers as recommended.
Bleeding Management
- Patients should bite down on gauze for at least 30 minutes.
- Avoid spitting, rinsing, or sucking on the extraction site; swallow any blood instead. Minimize talking.
- After removing the gauze, some bleeding may occur for a few hours, so patients should replace the gauze until the bleeding stops.
- Do not rinse vigorously for at least six hours after extraction and avoid using saltwater.
Low-Grade Fever
- A mild fever (38°C – 39°C) may occur the day after the extraction but is not concerning and typically does not last beyond the second day. If the fever persists for more than two days, a follow-up consultation is necessary. Patients should rest completely during the first 24 hours, with light activities resuming after three days.
Important: Return for Check-Ups If Experiencing Symptoms
- Prolonged bleeding
- High fever
- Severe swelling with persistent pain
In summary, here’s everything you need to know about lower wisdom teeth eruption: signs, complications, and precautions after extraction, shared by New Gate Dental. If you have any questions regarding dental health issues, feel free to contact us for consultation!
Contact Information:
- Branch: 04 Dang Tat Str., Tan Dinh Wd., District 1, HCMC
- Branch: 218 Tan Huong Str., Tan Quy Wd., Tan Phu Dist., HCMC
- Hotline: 085 522 9911
- Website: NewGateDental.com
- Fanpage: New Gate Dental
