Pain, swelling, and difficulty opening your mouth can all signal problems with your wisdom teeth. These third molars typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, but many people lack sufficient jaw space for them to erupt properly. When wisdom teeth become impacted or grow at awkward angles, they can cause discomfort and lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we evaluate wisdom teeth during consultations at our Virginia Beach and Chesapeake locations. Dr. Scott Goodove and Dr. Peter Zagursky use advanced imaging to determine whether extraction is necessary and create a treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Persistent Pain or Discomfort
The most obvious sign of wisdom tooth trouble is pain in the back of your mouth. This discomfort may start as a dull ache that worsens over time, or it can appear suddenly as a sharp, intense sensation. The pain often radiates to your jaw, ear, or temple, making it hard to identify the exact source.
Pain that comes and goes suggests your wisdom tooth is trying to break through the gum tissue, but does not have enough room. This partial eruption creates an opening where bacteria can enter, leading to infection and inflammation. If you notice pain that lasts more than a few days or returns regularly, schedule an evaluation with an oral surgeon.
Swelling and Redness in the Gums
Swollen, tender gums around your back molars indicate irritation from a wisdom tooth pushing through. The tissue may appear red or feel warm to the touch. You might also notice a flap of gum tissue covering part of the tooth, which can trap food particles and bacteria.
This condition, called pericoronitis, occurs when the gum around a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes infected. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your jaw and neck, causing more serious complications. Rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean, but see an oral surgeon if the swelling persists or worsens.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Trouble opening your mouth fully, known as trismus, often accompanies problems with wisdom teeth. Inflammation from an impacted or infected wisdom tooth can affect the muscles and joints in your jaw, limiting your jaw’s range of motion. You may struggle to eat, speak, or maintain your regular oral hygiene routine.
This symptom suggests the problem has progressed beyond minor irritation. The surrounding tissues are reacting to the pressure or infection, and the situation requires professional evaluation. An oral surgeon can determine whether the wisdom tooth needs removal and provide treatment to reduce inflammation.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste
A foul odor or bitter taste in your mouth that does not improve with brushing and flossing may point to infection around a wisdom tooth. Bacteria thrive in the small spaces created by partially erupted or impacted teeth, producing compounds that cause bad breath.
Food debris can easily become trapped under the gum flap covering a wisdom tooth, creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. Regular brushing may not reach these areas effectively, allowing the infection to persist. If you notice a lingering bad taste despite good oral hygiene, your wisdom teeth may be the culprit.
Crowding or Shifting Teeth
Wisdom teeth pushing through without adequate space can force your other teeth out of alignment. You might notice your front teeth becoming crooked or overlapping, even if you previously had straight teeth or wore braces. This shifting occurs because the wisdom teeth exert pressure on the neighboring molars, creating a domino effect throughout your dental arch.
Changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together can also result from pressure from wisdom teeth. You may develop gaps between teeth or find that your jaw feels uncomfortable when you chew. Our experienced team can assess whether your wisdom teeth are causing these changes and recommend appropriate treatment.
Jaw Stiffness or Headaches
Chronic headaches, especially those concentrated near your temples or the back of your head, can stem from wisdom tooth problems. The constant pressure and inflammation affect the surrounding nerves and muscles, triggering pain that extends beyond your mouth. Jaw stiffness often accompanies these headaches, making it uncomfortable to chew or speak.
Some people clench their jaw unconsciously in response to wisdom tooth pain, which intensifies muscle tension and headaches. If you experience frequent headaches along with other symptoms on this list, consider having your wisdom teeth evaluated. Our procedures are designed to address these issues and provide long-term relief.
Cysts or Tumors
In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors in the jawbone. These fluid-filled sacs develop around the crown of an unerupted tooth and can damage the surrounding bone and tissue if they grow large enough. Most people do not notice symptoms until the cyst becomes substantial, which is why regular dental examinations are important.
Your dentist or oral surgeon can detect cysts through X-rays during routine visits. Early removal of problematic wisdom teeth prevents these complications from developing. If a cyst has already formed, extraction of the wisdom tooth and removal of the cyst may be necessary to protect your oral health.
Schedule Your Consultation at Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Goodove Oral Surgery has provided trusted care to families across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and the Eastern Shore since 2008. As a hometown practice that chose to remain independent while competitors went corporate, we prioritize accessible, personalized attention for every patient. Our surgical staff is CPR certified and highly trained to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. We work with most insurance plans to maximize your benefits for covered procedures.
Dr. Goodove and Dr. Zagursky have operating privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, providing options for patients who need hospital-based care. Whether you are experiencing pain, swelling, or other warning signs, we can evaluate your wisdom teeth and develop a treatment plan that addresses your concerns. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
