Key Takeaways
Wisdom teeth don't directly cause sleep apnea, but complications like infections, swelling, and changes in jaw alignment can sometimes make it harder to breathe during sleep.
Removing wisdom teeth doesn't treat sleep apnea.
If you're experiencing snoring, interrupted breathing, or other symptoms of sleep apnea, a sleep evaluation helps determine the right treatment.
Dr. Marzban offers at-home sleep apnea testing and customized treatment plans.
Wisdom teeth can cause many dental problems, including jaw pain, gum and facial swelling, teeth crowding, and pain when chewing, so it’s probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about sleep apnea. Although wisdom teeth are not a direct cause of sleep apnea, certain dental and jaw issues can affect your airway because your mouth, jaw, and throat are closely connected, so changes in one area can influence how easily air flows through the others.
To schedule an in-person appointment, call our office at 703-323-8200, or you can schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Marzban to discuss any sleep concerns that could be related to sleep apnea.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Breathing Issues?
In some cases, wisdom teeth can contribute to breathing problems, especially if they’re impacted or infected. Here are wisdom teeth complications that could potentially make it harder to breathe.
Gum Swelling & Inflammation
When wisdom teeth become stuck beneath the gums or only partially come through, this can cause irritation and swelling in the surrounding gums and tissues. If the swelling isn’t treated, it can spread to the jaw, face, and throat, potentially causing breathing problems.
Wisdom Tooth Infections
An impacted wisdom tooth is the perfect environment for bacteria to build up and can lead to an infection known as pericoronitis. If left untreated, the infection can spread to nearby areas of the mouth, jaw, or neck. In rare cases, severe swelling can put pressure on the airway and make breathing difficult.
Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms because of a bacterial infection that’s often caused by tooth decay or gum disease, but wisdom teeth can cause them as well.
Can Removing Wisdom Teeth Improve Sleep Apnea?
Removing wisdom teeth doesn’t treat the underlying symptoms of sleep apnea. Wisdom tooth removal is usually recommended when the teeth are impacted, infected, causing pain, damaging surrounding teeth, or causing other dental issues. If you're experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, a sleep evaluation with Dr. Marzban will determine the underlying cause of any sleep issues and which treatment options are best for you.
Dr. Marzban Offers Sleep Apnea Testing in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station & Northern Virginia
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Marzban uses advanced dental technology to evaluate nasal airflow and identify potential airway obstructions. Based on the at-home sleep test results, your anatomy, the severity of your sleep apnea, and your comfort, Dr. Marzban will create a customized treatment plan that can include oral appliance therapy and myofunctional therapy. Contact our office to schedule a consultation by calling 703-323-8200 or filling out our online form. Our office is located in Burke, and we also proudly serve patients throughout Fairfax, Fairfax Station, and Northern Virginia.
FAQs
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Wisdom teeth can cause several dental problems later in life, especially if they become impacted or don’t have enough room to grow properly. These issues can include tooth pain, gum infections, swelling, cavities, damage to surrounding teeth, gum disease, and cysts around impacted teeth. Even if your wisdom teeth aren't causing problems now, regular dental exams are important to prevent any dental issues before they become more serious.
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When wisdom teeth need to be removed but are left untreated, they can cause oral health issues as you get older. Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, which makes them harder to clean and increases the risk of inflammation and infection.
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Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, gasping or choking at night, morning headaches, dry mouth, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.
