Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, play a crucial role in chewing but often become a source of discomfort and pain. Many individuals experience wisdom tooth causing jaw pain due to impaction, which occurs when these teeth fail to emerge fully into their designated position. This happens primarily due to insufficient space in the jawbone or improper angulation of the tooth.
Impacted wisdom teeth generally erupt between the late teens and early twenties. However, in some cases, they may appear later in life, making extraction and healing more challenging. The classification of impacted wisdom teeth is based on two factors: the direction of impaction and the degree to which the tooth is impacted.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
The first classification categorizes impaction into four types:
- Mesial (Angular) Impaction – The tooth is angled forward towards the front of the mouth, the most common form of impaction.
- Distal Impaction – The tooth is angled towards the throat.
- Vertical Impaction – The tooth is in an upright position but fails to erupt fully.
- Horizontal Impaction – The tooth is positioned sideways, often causing pressure on adjacent teeth and leading to severe jaw pain.
The second classification divides impaction based on how much the tooth is covered:
- Soft Tissue Impaction – The tooth is only covered by gum tissue.
- Partial-Bone Impaction – The tooth is partially covered by both gum and jawbone.
- Complete-Bone Impaction – The tooth is entirely encased within the jawbone, making extraction more complex.
Wisdom Tooth Causing Jaw Pain: Treatment Options
For individuals experiencing wisdom tooth causing jaw pain, the primary treatment options are extraction or retention. While some people with larger jaw structures can retain their wisdom teeth without complications, most require removal to prevent further issues such as cavities, gum infections, cysts, or even airway obstruction in severe cases.
Wisdom teeth often become problematic during stressful situations like exams, pregnancy, or lifestyle changes. Dentists recommend extraction when the teeth are about two-thirds developed, typically in the late teens or early twenties, to ensure a smoother procedure and faster recovery.
Surgical Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Currently, there are two primary methods for extracting wisdom teeth:
- Full Extraction Under Sedation – All four wisdom teeth are removed in one session using intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.
- Staggered Removal – One side (upper and lower) is extracted at a time, with a gap of 3-6 months between procedures, under local anesthesia.
If you are experiencing persistent wisdom tooth causing jaw pain, consulting a dentist for timely evaluation and treatment is essential. Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can lead to severe complications, making early intervention the best approach for maintaining oral health and preventing long-term discomfort.
