Wisdom teeth, the third set of molars that come in during the late teens to early twenties, are both a source of excitement and concern for any individual. For some people, these extra teeth complete their smile without incident. In many other cases, however, wisdom teeth can present several problems, such as pain, infection, and even damage to healthy teeth around them.
Besides, wisdom teeth removal is extremely common; however, knowing when to take the plunge usually remains difficult.
This article considers five clear signs that might show that it is time to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Sign 1: Persistent Pain or Discomfort
If you are in West Palm Beach, Florida, and suffering from persistent pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, then this is a telltale sign that wisdom teeth removal needs to be performed. Discomfort in this part of your mouth may very well be caused by one of the following:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Sometimes, your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly. When they come in, they may get trapped beneath the gum line or against surrounding teeth, causing great pain and discomfort.
- Pressure on the adjacent teeth: Your wisdom teeth will attempt to erupt and push out against the adjacent molars. This may cause discomfort and sensitivity in those teeth.
- Infection or Inflammation: The wisdom tooth creates, during the eruption, an opening in the gum where bacteria may easily penetrate and infection may arise.
However, if the pain persists or worsens with time, consider seeking medical help in a good dental establishment.
Early treatment always eradicates the chances of more complications. However, this is only possible with an experienced dentist, for they can offer advice on the process related to wisdom teeth removal & dental implants.
Sign 2: Swollen or Sore Gums
Other symptoms that indicate you should have your wisdom teeth removed include swelling or tenderness in the gums around the back of the mouth. This could be for several reasons:
- Partial Eruption: Sometimes, the eruption of the wisdom tooth is only partially through the gum, creating a flap where food particles and bacteria get trapped; this often results in an infection and swelling.
- Inflammation: The wisdom teeth, in their effort to force their way through the gum, may irritate the surrounding tissue, thus leading to redness, tenderness, and swelling.
- Pericoronitis: It is a dental infection that forms around the gum when debris gets trapped, and a wisdom tooth partially erupts.
This swelling can be harmful when eating, talking, or even wholly opening one’s mouth. Due to this, in the case of chronic inflammation of the gums, it is highly recommended that you consult your dentist on whether to remove wisdom teeth.
Sign 3: Crowding or Damaged Other Teeth
Wisdom teeth can pose significant problems when they grow at an angle or in the wrong direction. When there isn’t enough room in your jaw, these teeth may exert pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to several issues. One common problem is overcrowding; impacted wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth out of alignment, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work or creating new alignment concerns.
Additionally, an impacted wisdom tooth may lean heavily on the next molar, risking enamel breakage and creating openings for cavities or fractures. Crowded teeth are not just a cosmetic issue; they complicate oral hygiene, making it harder to clean your teeth effectively and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
So, if you notice your teeth shifting or becoming crooked, it may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are causing problems. Consulting a dental professional can help you address these concerns before they escalate.
Sign 4: Too-Frequent Infections or Bad Breath
Frequent infections around your wisdom teeth are another clear sign of the removal of your wisdom teeth. Because wisdom teeth are at the rear end of your mouth, one may be unable to clean them properly. In such cases, there is a greater risk of:
- Trapped Food Particles: Food easily gets trapped around emerging wisdom teeth, thus becoming a breeding site for bacteria.
- Gum Infections: Partially erupted wisdom teeth often lead to conditions such as pericoronitis.
- Decaying: Since the wisdom teeth are in a far and inconvenient position, they easily attract cavities.
These may cause pain and swelling but can also result in persistent bad breath or an unpleasant mouth taste.
Sign 5: Pain in the Jaw or Sinuses
Your wisdom teeth can also impact areas beyond your mouth, and one common but less obvious sign of trouble is jaw stiffness or difficulty fully opening your mouth. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth in the upper jaw may interfere with your sinuses.
Also, the roots of these teeth are located close to the sinus cavities, and when they fail to erupt correctly, this can lead to sinus pressure or pain, making you feel as though you have a sinus infection. You might also experience nasal congestion and other breathing difficulties. If you develop these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist or oral surgeon to assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom teeth are known more to create problems than fix them, and to be in a position to recognize signs and symptoms that your wisdom teeth should be removed will, no doubt, enable one to take proper care of the mouth. Signs that would call for a visit by the dentist include persistent pain, swollen gums, crowding of teeth, frequent infections, and jaw stiffness. Failure to realize the symptoms may result in a person being confronted with various severe complications.
If you suspect your wisdom teeth are the problem, don’t wait until later. Make an appointment today with a professional you can trust. Good Samaritan Dental Implants proudly serves patients throughout West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas. Reach out to their team today and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile.
