Could your wisdom teeth need to be removed? Know the signs

Some people live with their wisdom teeth for their entire lives; however, this is not the case for many people who experience significant pain and discomfort from their wisdom teeth which is why extraction may be required.

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth are found at the back of your gums and are often referred to as your third molars.

Wisdom teeth usually push through (erupt) in the late teens or early twenties. They are the last teeth to erupt. If the wisdom teeth erupt and there is insufficient room in the mouth to accommodate them or if a wisdom tooth is unable to erupt due to being wedged against the tooth in front of it, it will require extraction.

it is important to know the warning signs of a troublesome wisdom tooth so you can identify the issue as early as possible. Here’s some of the main symptoms to look out for that could signal it is time to see your dentist and have them removed.

Warning signs and symptoms that wisdom teeth may need to be removed:

Pain & infection

One of the most noticeable signs that you need your wisdom teeth taken out is the pain and irritation both at the tooth site and when you open your mouth. An impacted wisdom tooth can be painless and you may not even realise that it is there, however when it tries to erupt, the overlying gum may swell and cause pain, which may be felt in nearby teeth or the area on that side. This pain may occur for several days and then disappear for weeks or months before returning. But typically, the pain increases the longer you leave them untreated.

Difficulty opening your mouth

As your wisdom teeth come in, they can push against your other teeth and make them move. This in turn can cause discomfort in your jaw, so it feels stiff, sore and difficult to open. This can also cause swelling of both the gum in the back of the mouth or on the side of the jaw.

Cysts and bad breath

An impacted wisdom tooth may create a breeding haven for bacteria leading to infections, cysts or decay. When that happens, it can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth and even cause bad breath (halitosis).

Sinus issues & eating difficulty

You may be able to tell if your wisdom teeth are coming through if you experience sinus pain, congestion and pressure, especially in the upper jaw area. The growth of teeth and development of its roots can push against the sinuses located right above and behind. Due to this pressure, it can cause headaches and sinus pain.

Have your wisdom teeth extracted while you sleep!

TWILIGHT SEDATION AVAILABLE AT WARNERVALE DENTAL

Have you been putting off a visit to the dentist because you are worried about pain or just anxious about the procedure in general? At Warnervale Dental we want to make your experience as calm, comfortable and easy as possible which is why we offer Twilight sedation which is administered by a professional seditionist. Find out more here

https://www.warnervaledental.com.au/our-services/implant-dentistry/sedation-for-the-anxious-patient/

Concerned about payment?

Don’t be, we have a variety of options to help you out. From Interest Free Payment Plans and Zip Pay to potentially using your superannuation to pay for treatment, our team can assist.

https://www.warnervaledental.com.au/our-services/general-dentistry/zip-now-pay-later/

 

When should I see a dentist?

If you or a loved one are experiencing severe pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Your dentist will be able to check your teeth and advise you on further treatment and whether they will need to be removed or not.

For more information on wisdom teeth and extraction

https://www.warnervaledental.com.au/our-services/implant-dentistry/wisdom-teeth/

So, get wise on wisdom teeth and make an appointment today at Warnervale Dental, call (02) 4392 0990 or email us at reception@warnervaledental.com.au.