Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the third molars (back teeth) on each side of your mouth. They typically come through, or erupt, during the late teen years. For many people, wisdom teeth cause no problems and don’t need to be removed. But for others, wisdom teeth can crowd existing teeth, causing pain and encroaching on dental work such as braces. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted — meaning they grow at an angle and become trapped under the gum — and may cause damage to the nearby second molar. Impacted wisdom teeth that partly emerge from the gum are especially vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease because they’re hard to clean. If wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems, you may not need to have them removed.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They’re called wisdom teeth because they typically erupt (or start to grow in) when you’re a little older and considered wiser than when your other baby teeth and adult teeth erupted. For many people, wisdom tooth removal is a normal part of the transition into adulthood.
What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth problems?
The most common symptom of wisdom teeth problems is pain. This can be caused by the teeth growing in at an angle and pressing on the adjacent tooth, or it may be due to inflammation of the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth. Other symptoms include:
-Swelling of the gums
-Redness and irritation of the gum tissue
-Difficulty opening the mouth
-Jaw pain
-Earache
What are the causes of wisdom teeth problems?
It’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to come in without causing any problems. But sometimes they can cause pain, infection or other dental problems.
Wisdom teeth usually start to come in (erupt) during the late teens or early twenties. By this time, the rest of your teeth have usually crowded together in your mouth, leaving little room for wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to come in properly, they’re called impacted. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria and becomes a breeding ground for infection. Impacted wisdom teeth can also damage adjacent teeth.
Wisdom teeth that come in normally are easier to clean than impacted ones, so they’re less likely to cause problems.
How are wisdom teeth problems diagnosed?
If you think you have a wisdom tooth that is causing pain or problems, your dentist will examine you and take an X-ray of your teeth. Based on this information, the dentist will tell you whether your wisdom tooth should be removed.
How are wisdom teeth problems treated?
Wisdom teeth that are impacted (stuck and unable to break through the gum) or grow in at an improper angle may crowd other teeth or become infected. Infected wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Impacted or infected wisdom teeth often need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Can wisdom teeth cause ear ringing?
It’s unlikely that wisdom teeth cause ear ringing, although there is a small chance that the two could be related. impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which could potentially cause problems with the nerves and blood vessels in the area. If you’re experiencing ear ringing and you also have wisdom teeth that are causing pain or other problems, it’s best to see a dentist to rule out any possible connection.
Conclusion
although there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that wisdom teeth can cause ear ringing, many people report experiencing this symptom after their wisdom teeth are removed. If you experience ear ringing after having your wisdom teeth removed, it is most likely due to inflammation or nerve irritation in the area. This should resolve on its own within a few days or weeks. If you experience persistent or severe ear ringing, contact your dentist or doctor to discuss other possible causes.
