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If you are experiencing jaw pain, your wisdom teeth may be the cause. Wisdom teeth that have come in improperly can often lead to jaw pain, infection, and even tooth decay. If you are experiencing pain, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can help determine if your wisdom teeth are the cause, and, if necessary, they can remove them. It is important to get a head start and not delay your wisdom teeth treatment.

Do not let jaw pain keep you from living your life – get help today!

What are wisdom teeth?

For most people, the term “wisdom” is associated with age and maturity. But for dentists, the term has a precise meaning: wisdom teeth. As the third set of molars in the mouth, they get their name because they are typically not erupted until a person is in their late teens or early twenties.

And while many people believe that wisdom teeth are simply a nuisance that needs to be removed, that is not always the case. Although some people do not experience any problems with their wisdom teeth, others can suffer from pain, swelling, and infection. When this is the situation, extraction is typically recommended for dental patients.

Painful Issues Caused by Wisdom Teeth

You may have heard that wisdom teeth can cause all sorts of problems, from pain to infection. But what exactly are these issues, and what should you do if you are experiencing them? If you are experiencing pain or other related symptoms to your wisdom teeth, see your dentist as soon as you can. You should not put off treatment for too long; get ahead of these issues before they arise or become severe.

Here are some of the most common issues patients experience with wisdom teeth:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When there is not enough space for your teeth to come in correctly, you can get an impacted tooth—a partially erupted tooth that remains trapped between the jawbone and gum tissue. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause various issues, such as jaw pain and gum swelling, so if you are experiencing any symptoms, we recommend seeing a dentist as soon as possible. 

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by plaque and bacteria, which form on teeth and gums. Decay can lead to cavities, and if left untreated, it can cause pain and infection. Many people experience this problem because their wisdom teeth are located in a spot where you cannot easily clean them, and the risk for decay is high. 

Periodontal or Gum Disease

When your wisdom teeth are impacted, it can start a domino effect of various dental health issues. They become difficult to clean and cause bacteria and plaque to build upon your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to infection or periodontal and gum disease.

How to Know If Your Pain is Caused by Wisdom Teeth or TMJ

It is no surprise that wisdom teeth pain is one of the most common dental complaints. But what if wisdom teeth do not cause pain? In many cases, people suffering from dental pain may not even realize they have TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). If you are experiencing chronic facial or jaw pain, it is essential to know the difference between wisdom teeth and TMJ pain to get the proper treatment. Here are some tips on how to tell the difference and get relief from either condition.

• Wisdom tooth pain will often extend to other teeth.
• Wisdom tooth pain can cause difficulty eating and can easily get infected from food getting stuck.
• TMJ pain will extend to your neck, upper back, and shoulders.
• TMJ pain can cause limited jaw mobility and cause grinding in your teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal and Recovery Process 

If you are experiencing jaw pain caused by your wisdom teeth, you are probably considering having your wisdom teeth removed. It is important to know what to expect during surgery and post-removal. Keep in mind that everyone’s experience is different, so speak with your dentist if you have any specific questions. 

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

 If you are scheduled for a wisdom tooth extraction, here is what you can expect. Your dentist will likely give you some oral antibiotics to take before the procedure to help prevent infection.

On the day of the extraction, you will be given anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain. Your dentist will then remove the tooth (or teeth) and clean the area with antiseptic. You may have minor bleeding afterward, but this should stop within a few days. There may also be some swelling and bruising around the extraction site, but again, this should dissipate in a few days.

Recovery

Having your wisdom teeth extracted is a standard procedure, and most people recover well with minimal problems. However, there are some things you can do to make the process smoother and hasten your healing.

First of all, be sure to rest as much as possible in the days following your surgery. This will allow your body to focus on healing. You should also avoid crunchy or hard foods. Stick to soft foods like soup and yogurt for a few days. Finally, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly, especially around the extraction site. This will help keep infection at bay.

Contact Throgs Neck Dental for Your Wisdom Teeth Care

Wisdom teeth care is an important part of oral health. If you are experiencing jaw pain or any issues with your wisdom teeth, please call our dental office to find out if extraction is right for you. We would be happy to help you get the care that you need. Give our team a call today at (718)-518-8100 to schedule your consultation.