I Think It’s My Wisdom Teeth…

Patients with pain coming from behind the the back of one or more of their molars wonder if their wisdom teeth have become a problem. In Boynton Beach, FL, Dr. Jamie J. Alexander is ready to help you learn why you are in pain and the best way forward to comfort.

Between ages 17 and 25, most people’s third molars (wisdom teeth) begin to erupt causing aching gums. Most people have four wisdom teeth, although some have none. Many jaws are too small to hold third molars, causing them to be impacted. This means that they come in at an angle or remain trapped beneath the gums. Patients often experience aching gums and pressure on second molar roots as impacted wisdom teeth try to erupt. When wisdom teeth are able to erupt, they are so far back and may be so crowded that it is difficult to thoroughly brush and floss them and the back of the second molar.

Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pressure

Pressure or pain in back of all second molars is a symptom that your wisdom teeth are erupting. Between the ages of 17 and 25, this is a typical occurrence. Sometimes, wisdom teeth erupt at different rates so only one area will be painful at a time. If there is gum swelling and then bleeding on the jaw ridge just behind your second molars, then it is likely that a wisdom tooth is erupting.

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Other Causes of Pain at the Back of Your Molars

Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ/TMD) — Every time you open or close your mouth, you move your temporomandibular joints. These joints have a wide range of motion, allowing your jaw to move up and down and side to side. The joints are surrounded by a complex system of ligaments and muscles that can become inflamed with near-constant use, especially if they are working against the interference of a poor occlusion (bite). Although inflammation is one cause of pain, if the disc inside your joint slips out of place, the two sides of your joint will rub together, causing significant discomfort.

Dental Disease in Second Molars: If your wisdom teeth have erupted, the pain could be the result of dental decay in these third molars, but oftentimes, dental decay develops in a second molar next to a wisdom tooth.

Gum Conditions Next to Wisdom Teeth: The gum tissue at the back of your mouth can easily become a location of plaque development and gum inflammation that progresses unless treated. Infection in the gum tissue can become quite painful.

Jamie J. Alexander, D.D.S. Can Help!

Dr. Alexander can use digital x-ray images to see and show you the position of your wisdom teeth, and a comparison with previous images will allow you to assess their movement. He will offer advice for managing your pain. If impaction or crowding is going to be an issue, this can be foreseen and managed through surgical wisdom teeth extraction. In the case of a dental cavity, gum disease, TMJ/TMD issues, or even a possible bacterial infection where a wisdom tooth is cutting through the gum tissue, Dr. Alexander will make an accurate diagnosis and offer you optimal treatment. Simply give us a call — (561) 739-4778.

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