Signs You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually appear between the late teens and early twenties. For many people, these teeth do not have enough room to erupt properly, which can lead to pain, swelling, infection, or misalignment of nearby teeth. In fact, most wisdom tooth extractions are performed because of the problems and complications that arise during or after their eruption.
Learn about the signs to remove your wisdom teeth and prevent them from complicating your dental health.
5 Signs You Need to Remove Your Wisdom Tooth
When you experience pain in your wisdom tooth, it is a red flag indicating it needs extraction. However, pain is not the only sign that you’ll receive from your body. Here are the others:
1. Enlarged, Uncomfortable Jaw or Gums
Swollen gums near the back molars may signal that a wisdom tooth is partially erupting or impacted, especially if accompanied by tenderness or infection. Often, partial eruption traps food and bacteria under a gum flap (pericoronitis). This condition, known as pericoronitis, is an infection of the gum tissue over a partially erupted wisdom tooth. It can spread, causing puffiness, redness, or swelling on one side of your face.
2. Crowded or Moving Teeth
Wisdom teeth may push existing teeth and disrupt alignment if there isn’t enough space. If your straight smile suddenly seems crowded or your bite feels off, a wisdom tooth may be the cause. This pressure can also alter orthodontic work or create new spacing issues.
3. Persistent Pain in the Back of Your Mouth
A constant ache or sharp pain in your wisdom teeth area, especially while chewing or opening your mouth, may indicate an issue. Wisdom teeth often cause pain when pressing against other teeth or the jawbone. When impacted, the resulting pressure and inflammation can cause significant discomfort and difficulty with eating or talking.
4. Jaw Stiffness
Jaw stiffness, difficulty opening your mouth, or tight jaw muscles may result from wisdom teeth pressing on nearby structures. An angled or impacted wisdom tooth can put pressure on the jaw muscles and joints, causing pain and limited movement. This stiffness, known as trismus, may result from inflammation or infection around an impacted wisdom tooth.
5. Cavities
It’s easy to overlook wisdom teeth since they’re far back. When they partially emerge or misalign, they create areas that are difficult to clean. These spots become favorable for bacteria, causing decay and cavities.If decay repeatedly occurs around a wisdom tooth that’s hard to clean, your dentist may recommend extraction to prevent further problems.
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Final Thoughts
If you experience constant pain, swollen gums, a tight jaw, or frequent cavities near your wisdom teeth, try not to delay the evaluation. These symptoms often signal problems needing prompt attention.
Schedule a consultation with Pure Dental Center. Our dentist will perform a clinical exam and take an X-ray to evaluate your wisdom teeth. Protect your future comfort and smile by calling us at (832) 831-3090.