Are you experiencing pain and discomfort at the back of your mouth? Wisdom teeth could be the cause of your strife. And, when it comes to wisdom teeth - it's better to act sooner rather than later.
So how to know if you need your wisdom teeth need to be removed?
We've compiled four of the most common signs that you may need to get those problematic back teeth extracted.
1. Inflamed Gums
One of the first to be noticed and most common signs you may need a wisdom tooth removed, is significant pain at the tooth site and when you open your mouth.
When wisdom teeth emerge, they often grow sideways and at an angle that can impact with your back molars. As an effect of this impaction, swelling and inflammation of the gums can occur. If your gums don't look or feel quite right, it's important to get them checked out.
Infection is a common cause of inflammation, swelling and pain:
- Pericoronitis: This is an infection near the wisdom tooth. When a tooth has partially erupted into the mouth, it can create a flap of gum tissue that can hold food particles and debris, creating a hot-bed for bacteria. Signs of this can range from a bad smell or taste, to pain when biting down. Left untreated this can cause an abscess, resulting in a sack of fluid and puss that accumulates.
2. Sinus Issues
Whenever people experience symptoms of stuffiness, headaches and sinus aches, they usually are quick to attribute it to a cold or sinus infection.
If you're experiencing sinus pain and pressure around the upper jaw, it's possible that this is a result of your wisdom teeth rather than sinusitis. While your wisdom tooth grows and develops, it's roots can push the sinuses located right about your teeth. This can cause headaches, stuffiness and sinus pain.
3. Persistent Jaw Ache
The roots of your wisdom teeth are longer than your other teeth, and as a result, can have an impact on your jaw. As your new teeth come through, if your jaw isn't big enough to accommodate them, this may result in an ache in your jaw. While this is happening, swollen lymph nodes caused by infection can also occur beneath the jaw, contributing to stiffness and pain.
If the pain persists, this is often a sign of a hidden complication, such as infection, so it's really important to see a professional and check if you need your tooth extracted.
4. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Often, dental surgeons opt to remove wisdom teeth from younger people's mouths before they completely come through and begin to cause problems with already emerged teeth. If you're a young adult or adult with a full set of teeth, you might start noticing changes in your mouth as your wisdom teeth come through.
If your new wisdom tooth grows on an angle and pushes against the second molar, it may cause damage or increase the risk of infection in that area.
Making the Decision
If any of these signs (or a combination) seem familiar to you, it's time to book in and find out if extraction of your wisdom teeth is the right solution for you.
Here at NSOMS, we take pride in ensuring our customers' comfort and providing them with the absolute best care. We also accept payment from health insurance companies and can assist you with getting prior approval.
Request an appointment now to see how we can help.
If you're interested in finding out more before your next appointment, take a look at our Ultimate Wisdom Teeth Guide we've put together - all the answers to your FAQs are there!
