How Wisdom Teeth Impact Jaw Alignment and Oral Health

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to develop in our mouths. These teeth typically pop up seemingly overnight between the ages of 17 and 25, a time usually associated with gaining wisdom, hence their name. While some people never experience problems with their wisdom teeth, many find these late-blooming molars can cause significant issues for jaw alignment and overall oral health. 

Wisdom teeth can affect jaw alignment and oral health by getting impacted, meaning they remain trapped under the gums or partially emerge. This can cause pain, swelling and sometimes painful cyst formation, which may weaken the surrounding bone and teeth. Surgical removal is necessary in some cases to prevent further complications. Let us see in detail how wisdom teeth affect jaw alignment and oral health and what we can do about it.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are located typically at the very back of the mouth, with one in each of the four corners. They are the final set of molars to emerge long after other permanent teeth have settled into place. This late arrival often means there isn’t enough room in the jaw to accommodate them properly. Yet, for many, these molars don’t emerge gracefully, leading to pain, misalignment or even infections.

Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth

Impaction

One issue with wisdom teeth is impaction, which happens when a wisdom tooth doesn’t have enough space to emerge normally. An impacted tooth may grow at a different angle toward other teeth, toward the back of the mouth or may remain trapped within the jawbone.

Signs of impacted wisdom teeth include:

• Pain at the back of the mouth
• Swelling of the gums
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste
• Headaches or jaw pain

Crowding and Misalignment

When wisdom teeth push against neighbouring teeth, they can cause crowding, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work. This pressure can shift nearby teeth out of alignment, affecting your bite and the overall appearance of your smile.

Even if wisdom teeth appear properly, they can still exert pressure on other teeth over time, slowly causing misalignment throughout the dental arch. This gradual shifting can cause overlapping teeth, difficulties with properly cleaning between crowded teeth and eventual tooth decay or gum disease.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Wisdom teeth growing at an angle may press directly against the roots or crowns of second molars. This pressure can damage these healthy teeth, potentially leading to:

• Root resorption (where the root structure breaks down)
• Cavities form where teeth touch in unusual places
• Weakening of the bone supporting both teeth

Impact on Jaw Health

Beyond affecting individual teeth, wisdom teeth can have broader impacts on jaw health and function.

Jaw Pain and Discomfort

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort in the jaw joint, contributing to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The pressure exerted by these wisdom teeth can cause jaw muscles to become tense and painful, leading to:

• Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth or jaw-locking
• Difficulty or pain when chewing
• Headaches starting near the temples
• Facial pain

Cysts and Tumours

In some cases, the sac within the jawbone containing the developing wisdom tooth can fill with fluid, forming a cyst. These cysts can damage the jawbone, nearby teeth and nerves. While less common, tumours may also develop around impacted wisdom teeth. Both conditions require professional treatment and often emerge with few early symptoms, making regular dental check-ups essential.

When Emergency Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Necessary

While many wisdom teeth are removed as a preventive measure, some situations require emergency wisdom teeth removal. Knowing when is the right time to seek immediate care can prevent serious complications.

Signs You Need Emergency Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Swelling in the face, neck or cheek that worsens or doesn’t improve
• Fever, which may indicate your immune system is fighting an infection
• Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• Pus or discharge around a wisdom tooth
• Inability to open your mouth fully

Infections related to wisdom teeth can spread quickly, potentially affecting your airway or travelling through the bloodstream to other parts of your body. Don’t delay seeking treatment if you experience these symptoms.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost

The cost involved in wisdom teeth extraction varies widely depending on several factors. Being aware of these factors can help you prepare financially for the procedure.

Factors Affecting Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost

1. Complexity of the extraction: Simple extractions of fully erupted wisdom teeth cost less than removing impacted teeth that require surgical removal.
2. Type of anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia costs less than IV sedation or general anesthesia.
3. Geographic location: Dental costs vary by region, with procedures typically costing more in major cities.
4. Dentist’s experience: Specialists like oral surgeons often charge more than general dentists.
5. Number of teeth being removed: Removing all four wisdom teeth at once is usually more cost-effective than multiple separate procedures.
6. Insurance coverage: Many dental insurance plans in Australia cover a portion of wisdom teeth removal, especially when medically necessary.

Without insurance, the cost of removing all four wisdom teeth typically ranges from AUD$250 to AUD$300 for simple extractions. For impacted teeth requiring surgical removal, costs can range from AUD$1,500 to AUD$3,000 or more. To avoid surprises, ask your local dentist about the expenses involved in both emergency and planned wisdom teeth removal.

Wisdom teeth removal doesn’t always have to be an emergency—planning ahead allows for a smoother, well-managed procedure. Planned wisdom teeth removal allows for better pain management, less swelling and a controlled healing process. It also is easier to adjust to your busy schedule. Dentists often recommend it when wisdom teeth show signs of crowding or impaction.

Preventing Complications from Wisdom Teeth

While you can’t completely prevent wisdom teeth from developing, you can take steps to minimise the risk of complications:

Regular Dental Check-ups

Visiting your dentist regularly allows for monitoring of wisdom teeth development through X-rays, often before problems arise. Early identification of potential issues gives you time to plan for extraction before emergency situations develop.

Good Oral Hygiene

If your wisdom teeth have partially emerged, keeping the area clean is crucial. Food can easily become trapped around partially erupted wisdom teeth, increasing the risk of infection and decay.

• Brush thoroughly around wisdom teeth
• Use a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas
• Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash

Recognising Early Warning Signs

Being aware of early symptoms of wisdom tooth problems can help you seek treatment before emergency situations develop:

• Mild discomfort at the back of the mouth
• Red or swollen gums around back molars
• Food frequently gets stuck behind back molars
• Changes in how your teeth fit together

Making Decisions About Emergency Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many dentists suggest removing or extracting wisdom teeth before they cause problems, especially in young adults whose bone is less dense and whose roots haven’t fully formed, making extraction easier.

However, not everyone requires their wisdom teeth to be removed. If your wisdom teeth have erupted properly, are positioned correctly, can be cleaned effectively and aren’t causing problems, removal might not be necessary.

Wisdom teeth can significantly impact jaw alignment and oral health in various ways, from causing misalignment of other teeth to potentially serious infections requiring emergency care. Regular dental check-ups are indispensable for monitoring these teeth and determining whether removal is necessary.

When considering wisdom teeth removal, understanding the potential costs involved helps you prepare financially. While wisdom teeth removal cost may seem high, it’s often less expensive than treating the complications that can arise from problematic wisdom teeth over time.

Whether your wisdom teeth eventually require emergency wisdom teeth removal or routine extraction, working closely with your dental professional ensures the best outcomes for your overall oral health and jaw alignment. Contact Rouse Hill Smiles Dental Care if you require dental emergency care or expert dental care in NSW today.