Author Name: Dr. Sandra Thompson
The wisdom teeth may usually erupt when a person is in his/her teens. As the wisdom teeth start moving towards the gums, mild soreness may be felt. However, when there is not enough jaw space, if the teeth erupt at an abnormal angle, or if they get impacted, pain and swelling may result. Since the symptoms may mirror other dental conditions, it would be better if one does not try to diagnose the problem himself/herself. The development of the wisdom teeth can be tracked by a dentist for kids through examination and dental X-rays.
Wisdom teeth refer to the permanent teeth at the furthest ends of the upper and lower jaws. The third molars are the other name for wisdom teeth as they grow after the first and second molar teeth. Wisdom teeth usually come out when a person is between 17 and 21 years old, though their growth pattern and emergence age can be quite different from one individual to another.
Teens can either have all four wisdom teeth emerge or fewer or no wisdom teeth at all. However, all wisdom teeth must not necessarily be removed since healthy and well-aligned teeth which are functional and easy to keep clean can simply be monitored by the pediatric dentist.
The use of X-rays will help the dentist to determine the presence of the teeth, how well the teeth align and whether there is sufficient space for them as well as the proximity of the teeth to other structures. Parents can learn more about pediatric dental X-rays and how imaging helps dentists evaluate developing teeth. Impacted wisdom tooth refers to the wisdom tooth that cannot come out properly and stays either totally or partly below the gum or bone.
Wisdom teeth symptoms can vary depending on the tooth’s position and stage of development. Some teenagers experience only mild pressure, while others develop pain, swelling, or difficulty using their jaws normally.
A teen may notice aching, tenderness, or pressure behind the second molars. The discomfort may affect one or both sides and may become more noticeable while chewing.
Occasional mild pressure may occur while a wisdom tooth is developing or beginning to emerge. Pain that persists, becomes stronger, or interferes with eating should be evaluated by a dentist. Parents can also review information about managing severe toothache in children when dental discomfort becomes significant.
The gum tissue behind the last visible molar may appear red, puffy, or sensitive when a wisdom tooth begins to emerge. The area may also feel uncomfortable during brushing or bleed slightly when irritated.
Swollen gums can have several causes, so parents should not assume that wisdom teeth are responsible without a professional examination. Inflammation around a partially erupted tooth may sometimes be related to pericoronitis in children, which requires professional evaluation.
Inflammation or swelling near the back of the jaw may make it uncomfortable for a teen to open the mouth widely. Yawning, chewing, brushing the back teeth, or biting into food may become difficult.
A reduced ability to open the mouth normally should be evaluated promptly, especially when it occurs with swelling, fever, or increasing pain.
Swelling may appear near the back of the jaw, cheek, or lower face. The area may also feel warm or tender.
Visible swelling should be evaluated promptly, particularly when it becomes worse or occurs with fever, drainage, difficulty swallowing, or severe discomfort.
Mild gum tenderness or temporary pressure may occur as a wisdom tooth begins moving toward or through the gums. This discomfort may come and go, remain manageable, and improve without affecting the teen’s ability to eat, sleep, or open the mouth.
A professional evaluation is recommended when symptoms persist, worsen, or repeatedly return. Warning signs may include:
Wisdom teeth checkup starts with conversation about symptoms and history of problems that the teen is experiencing with his teeth and oral cavity. For example, the dentist can ask when the pain began, if it is one-sided or two-sided, and also if the patient ever had any swelling, foul smell from mouth, difficulties during chewing, etc.
In addition, examination of the gums and back molars is needed to check any signs of inflammation, soreness, partial eruption, presence of trapped food particles, decay, infection, etc. Also, it is possible that jaw development and presence of free space will be evaluated.
Dental X-rays may be recommended to determine:
Comparing old and new X-rays will be done to track the changes made. In this case, the dentist will be able to advise on whether the wisdom teeth need monitoring, treatment, or even referral to an oral surgeon. Parents can also learn more about impacted teeth in children and how eruption problems may be evaluated.
Pediatric dental care can make teenagers more comfortable when discussing their symptoms and treatments. Families can learn more about pediatric dental care for teenagers available through Desert Kids Dental. Pediatric dentists can also be involved in monitoring the development of teeth and jaws through regular dental visits.
Wisdom teeth that are not experiencing pain, infection, cavities, gum disease, or affecting other teeth can simply be monitored through the use of check-ups and X-rays to see how the teeth have developed and how the positioning of them is affected.
It is important for parents or teenagers to notify any new problems such as pain or swelling of the area between check-ups.
Wisdom teeth removal may be recommended when a tooth is causing or is likely to cause a significant oral health problem. Reasons for considering removal may include:
It does not mean that removal of such a tooth should be carried out if it is impacted or growing at an angle. A decision regarding removal of a tooth is determined by taking into account various factors. Parents can also read about the types of tooth extractions in children to better understand how extraction procedures can differ depending on the tooth and clinical situation.
Parents should arrange a pediatric dental appointment when their teen experiences:
The parent need not wait for the pain to worsen before taking action. An early evaluation can detect inflammation, infection, decay, impacted teeth, or other dental problems that have yet to become harder to treat.
An evaluation by a professional can offer peace of mind if the pain is due to the natural development of the teeth and requires only observation. Parents can contact Desert Kids Dental if their teenager has persistent wisdom tooth pain, swelling, or other concerns.
Most wisdom teeth symptoms are not emergencies, but certain signs require prompt professional care. Parents should contact a dentist, oral surgeon, or appropriate medical provider when a teen experiences:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing requires immediate medical attention. Rapidly spreading swelling should also be treated as urgent because infections around the teeth and jaw can sometimes affect surrounding tissues.
Wisdom teeth may begin causing noticeable symptoms during the later teenage years or early adulthood. However, their development and eruption timing vary. Dental X-rays may identify limited space, impaction, or unusual positioning before a teenager experiences pain.
No. Wisdom teeth that are healthy, properly positioned, easy to clean, and not damaging nearby teeth may only require routine monitoring. Removal may be recommended when a tooth causes repeated pain, infection, decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns.
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