Is an Erupted Wisdom Tooth a Problem or Totally Normal?

You might feel a new pressure in the back of your jaw or notice a tooth starting to poke through your gums. If you are in your late teens or early twenties, this is likely your third molar, often called a wisdom tooth. Our team at Dow’s Lake Dental has heard this question before: Do you need to do anything about it?

An erupted wisdom tooth can be completely normal, but it can also cause problems depending on how it grows in, sometimes requiring a tooth extraction to protect your other teeth. The key is whether it has enough space to emerge fully and can be cleaned properly without affecting your overall oral health.

What an Erupted Wisdom Tooth Means

An “erupted” tooth is a tooth that has broken through the gumline, which means you can see it when you open your mouth. This process can happen all at once, or the tooth might only partially erupt, meaning a part of it is covered by your gums. For many people, their wisdom teeth begin to appear between the ages of 17 and 25.

When a wisdom tooth comes in, its position and the amount of room in your jaw determine if it becomes a helpful part of your bite or a source of future trouble. The goal is for it to grow straight and be a functioning molar you can easily care for.

Signs Your Erupted Tooth Is a Problem

Sometimes, an erupted wisdom tooth doesn’t have the space it needs to settle in comfortably. When this happens, you might notice a few warning signs. You may be experiencing an issue if you have:

• Pain and swelling: You might feel a dull ache or sharp pain in your jaw, near your ear, or in the surrounding gums. Severe discomfort may require emergency dental care. Your cheeks could also look or feel puffy.
• Bone loss: If the wisdom tooth is angulated, it can lead to gum problems and bone loss at the important tooth in front of it, the second molar.
• Infection: A partially erupted tooth or a tooth that doesn’t break the gum line at all can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to redness, tenderness, or even a fever. You may also find it difficult to open your mouth fully.

When You Can Leave a Wisdom Tooth Alone

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If your wisdom tooth grows in correctly, it can be a welcome addition to your smile. Your dentist can help you determine if your wisdom tooth is healthy and in a good position.

You might be able to leave your wisdom tooth alone if it grows in straight and upright without tilting. It also needs enough room in your jaw to come in completely, so you can reach it with your toothbrush and floss to keep it clean and prevent cavities.

Tips for Recovery After a Tooth Removal

If a tooth does need to be removed, focusing on a smooth recovery can help you get back to your routine quickly. Taking gentle care of the area for the first few days makes a big difference in how you feel.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

After a wisdom tooth removal, it’s helpful to know what to do to recover quickly and comfortably. Here are some of our favourite tips:

• Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies.
• Apply an ice pack to your cheek to help reduce swelling.
• Rest with your head propped up on pillows to help with discomfort.

Avoid This for a Better Recovery

Just like knowing what to do, there are some things you should try to avoid while recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. Make sure you:

• Don’t use straws or smoke, as the suction can disturb the healing site.
• Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or spicy.
• No rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours.

Your Next Steps & How Your Dentist in Ottawa Can Help

A great way to know for sure if your erupted wisdom tooth is a problem is to have it looked at. You can book a check-up with your dentist in Ottawa to get a clear picture of what is happening in your mouth and what your options are.

During a visit, a panoramic X-ray can show our dental team the full position of the tooth and its roots beneath the gums. We can then walk you through what we see and explain your options in an easy-to-understand way, so you can make a choice that feels right for you.

Book Your Visit

Your oral health is connected to your overall health, and managing dental issues early can help you avoid pain and more complex procedures later on. If you’re wondering if your wisdom teeth will need an extraction or not, come visit the team at Dow’s Lake Dental. We’re looking forward to seeing you.