It is likely your wisdom teeth that are responsible for the pain at the back of your mouth or any unusual changes you might experience in your teeth alignment. These third molars emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and unless monitored regularly, they can have a lot of complications. Most people opt for wisdom teeth extraction in Sunrise to protect their long-term dental health. But when is the right time to do it?
Let us dive into what the normal signs are that the time has arrived for your wisdom teeth to come out and how going early might save you from the pain in the future.
1. Constant Pain Or Discomfort
The most apparent sign that your wisdom teeth need to be removed is ongoing pain in the back of your mouth. The pain may start as a vague ache or become worse over time, especially when chewing or opening your jaw.
The teeth may cause pain as they push through the gums or grow in an angle that applies pressure to adjacent teeth or nerves. If you find yourself often reaching for pain medication or avoiding certain foods, you need to make an appointment with your dentist.
2. Swelling Or Tender Gums
Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums at the back of your mouth could be a sign of issues with your wisdom teeth. When these teeth begin to erupt, they may rub against the surrounding gum tissue, which can result in swelling or infection.
This is a condition known as pericoronitis and is common in instances of partial emergence of wisdom teeth that lead to a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria. If left untreated, it can result in serious infections that require immediate care.
3. Jaw Stiffness Or Trouble Opening Your Mouth
Do you experience jaw stiffness or have difficulty opening your mouth wide? These can be an indication that your wisdom teeth are developing problems. When developing, they can pack the jaw and hinder movement, making it uncomfortable to eat or talk.
In other instances, wisdom teeth can even affect the alignment of your bite or cause uneven wear on your other teeth, which can have an impact on your jaw health in the long run.
4. Shifting Teeth Or Tooth Crowding
One of the lesser-known but significant issues caused by wisdom teeth is tooth crowding from wisdom teeth. When there is not enough room for these molars to erupt correctly, they will push against other teeth, which will shift.
This is especially concerning for those who have had braces or other orthodontic treatment. Crowded teeth can undo years of alignment progress and may lead to more expensive dental work down the line.
5. Recurring Infections Or Cysts
In some cases, wisdom teeth can become stuck completely or partially in the gums, which is known as impaction. The impacted teeth will lead to recurring infection or cysts, fluid-filled sacs that can ruin the jawbone and nearby teeth.
Cysts can remain unnoticed for years, potentially causing serious oral health problems. Regular dental X-rays can detect these problems in their early stages before they become complicated conditions.
6. Sinus Problems
Do you know that issues with your wisdom teeth may impact more than your mouth? The upper wisdom teeth are near the sinus cavities, and if they emerge incorrectly or grow too much, they can put pressure on or block your sinuses.
This can cause headaches, sinus pressure, and even nasal congestion. If you’re dealing with sinus pain that doesn’t have a clear cause, your dentist might check to see if your wisdom teeth are growing in the wrong direction.
7. What Happens If You Don’t Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Several ask what happens when you don’t extract wisdom teeth when they begin to cause issues. The answer depends on the person, though; these symptoms may include
- Chronic pain and swelling.
- Increased susceptibility to infections.
- Crooked teeth and bite problems.
- Jawbone destruction due to cyst formation.
- Destruction of surrounding teeth.
A healthy, fully erupted, well-aligned wisdom tooth may not necessitate removal. However, it is advisable to have your dentist monitor the health of your wisdom teeth because things can change.
How to Know For Sure?
Not all individuals will have issues with their wisdom teeth, but routine dental checkups are essential. Your dentist will evaluate the growth and alignment of these teeth with the use of X-rays and clinical examination. They will subsequently recommend whether or not removal is required.
Early detection can save you from more involved procedures and healing time down the road.
Schedule Your Visit Now And Let Your Smile Get the Expert Attention It Needs!
Persistent neglect of signs indicating wisdom tooth troubles can lead to complications lasting for a long time. If you’re experiencing pain, gum irritation, crowding, or stiffness in your jaws, consider consulting a professional or dentist near you as soon as possible.
At Caring Dental Services Sunrise, our well-trained dentist offers thorough evaluations and painless Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Sunrise with a specific approach to individual needs. Our dental office in Sunrise comes with the comfort level desired from consultation to recovery.