The wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to appear in your mouth. Typically, wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems and may not need to be removed. However, wisdom teeth that do not fully erupt into the mouth can cause a variety of health issues such as pain or infection.
But many people don’t think they need wisdom teeth removed until they start to experience pain. This is unfortunate because wisdom teeth removal can be done in just a few visits, and the sooner you get them out, the less likely it will be that you’ll have complications down the line.
Here are 5 signs that wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary.
1. Your wisdom tooth has broken through your gum or begun to grow sideways
If your wisdom tooth has already come through the gum or is growing at an angle, it will need to be removed. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk for damage that may require more extensive treatment options down the line.
2. You’re experiencing pain while chewing on food.
Even if your wisdom tooth isn’t fully grown yet, it can still cause you pain when chewing. In addition to causing damage to other teeth or the jaw joint, wisdom teeth that are painful while eating may lead to a loss of appetite and malnutrition.
3. You’ve had an injury near your wisdom tooth.
If you’ve had an injury, wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary. Sometimes wisdom teeth can cause damage to other teeth or the jaw joint because they are growing at odd angles due to crowding from their neighbors.
In some cases, this type of wisdom tooth infection can be very severe and require antibiotics as well as surgery for wisdom tooth removal.
4. The roof of your mouth doesn’t feel right when brushing against it with your tongue.
This is a sign that wisdom teeth are causing your gums to recede, which can lead to bone loss and other problems. If you’re experiencing this symptom, it’s best to get wisdom tooth removal as soon as possible, so the damage doesn’t worsen over time.
5. Your wisdom tooth has shifted so much that there’s no space between it and another one.
When wisdom teeth grow in, they can press against your neighboring molars and cause damage. Eventually, this may affect how those teeth fit together and create a gap between them where food particles can get stuck, which could lead to tooth decay or infections such as wisdom tooth abscesses.
If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary. Give us a call at the DeSoto office to schedule an appointment today in Dallas, TX. We’ll help you determine if wisdom teeth removal is right for you and answer any questions that might come up before your surgery day. Wisdom teeth extraction is usually done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, and patients typically recover within one week with minimal side effects.
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, normally at some point between the ages of 17-25. For some people, wisdom teeth can cause oral health issues such as overcrowding, impaction and increased risk of infection. Wisdom teeth removal is not always necessary, but around half of all patients will require at least one wisdom tooth be extracted to prevent future problems. In this blog post, Sydney Park Dental will be sharing some insight into wisdom teeth removal and when it may be necessary.
When Should I Have a Wisdom Teeth Evaluation?
Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but an initial evaluation is usually performed between the ages of 15 and 19. It is good practice to attend routine check-ups on an yearly basis, as your dentist will be able to monitor the status of your wisdom teeth and overall oral health. It is important to have a wisdom tooth evaluation performed as early as possible, as removal later in life can come with additional complications.
Typical Reasons for Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth removal is a very common procedure, and some of the most common reasons for it include:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth – when wisdom teeth are unable to erupt through the gums normally. They may grow at an angle or lack sufficient space to emerge properly. Typical symptoms include swollen or tender gums, jaw pain, bad breath and pain when opening your mouth.
Insufficient Space – sometimes wisdom teeth take up too much space in the mouth, which can cause issues with other teeth. If the eruption of your wisdom teeth causes overcrowding in the mouth, you will experience pain and discomfort and may notice some of your other teeth becoming damaged or misshapen.
Persistent Pain – the eruption of your wisdom teeth can cause pain. In some cases this will be intermittent, but if you experience persistent pain then you should visit your dentist so that an x-ray and examination can be performed. Extraction is not always necessary, as in some cases pain may subside naturally.
Infection – the wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, which makes them more prone to infection. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene to minimise the risk of infection, which includes brushing and flossing daily whilst paying close attention to the third molars.
5 Symptoms Which Suggest You May Require Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Pain and sensitivity at the back of your mouth
- Gum inflammation
- Bad breath and/or strange taste in your mouth
- Stiff jaw or persistent pain
- Sinus problems such as pain, headache, congestion and pressure.
Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Painful? What is Involved?
Wisdom teeth extraction is generally straightforward, although depending on the positioning of your wisdom teeth there may be some challenges involved. Rest assured that your dentist will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure, and you will be provided with local anaesthetic if necessary to numb the area and minimise pain. The team of dentists and oral surgeons at Sydney Park Dental are highly skilled at wisdom tooth extraction, and most patients find they do not even notice the tooth being removed. The procedure generally takes about 1-3 hours depending on the number of teeth to be removed and their positioning. Keep in mind that if you are required to have a general anaesthetic, you will need someone to drive you home and offer post-extraction care.
Experiencing Wisdom Tooth Pain? Book an Examination at Sydney Park Dental Today
Wisdom tooth removal is not always necessary, but it is important to have an
understanding of the condition of your teeth. The team at Sydney Park Dental can examine your teeth and determine whether or not wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, book an oral examination at Sydney Park Dental by calling 02 8084 7170 or via our website today.