Did you know that 35% of the population never develops wisdom teeth? Unfortunately, a majority of those who do will experience sensitivity, pain and infection when their wisdom teeth begin to erupt. In fact, impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common problems oral surgeons treat.
Are you beginning to notice some sensitivity in the back of your gums and are wondering whether you have to remove your wisdom teeth? In this post, we outline the signs you need wisdom teeth removed.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. For some, these teeth come in without any problems. However, for many others, wisdom teeth can cause infection and pain.
In general, oral surgeons and dentists recommend having wisdom teeth removed only if they cause problems or are likely to cause problems in the future. You may keep your wisdom teeth or the third molars at the very back of your mouth if they are:
- Positioned and biting correctly with the opposite teeth
- Healthy
- Fully erupted
- Able to be cleaned thoroughly as part of daily dental hygiene
When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Many times, wisdom will grow at various angles or do not fully erupt. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment with a dental professional.
Pain: One of the most common and easily-recognized symptoms resulting from your wisdom teeth is experiencing pain in the back of your mouth. This can be sporadic or persistent.
Swollen or Tender Gums: If the gum tissue around your wisdom tooth is swollen or tender, it could be a sign of an infection.
Earaches Or Headaches: Many think that complications with wisdom teeth only cause pain in your mouth; however, this is not always the case. If you’re experiencing pain in your ear or a headache, it could be stemming from an issue with your wisdom teeth.
Stiffness, Pain or Swelling In Your Jaw: If you find yourself having difficulty opening your mouth wide, it may be due to the inflammation surrounding your wisdom teeth.
Consistent Sinus Issues: When your wisdom teeth grow roots in your upper jaw, pressure may be placed on your sinuses. This can cause sinus pain
Overcrowded Or Crooked Teeth: Many times, wisdom teeth will begin to grow even though there’s not enough room in the mouth for them. Thi causes overcrowding and can even begin to shift the positioning of older teeth, causing pain and swelling.
Bad Breath: Being unable to properly clean the back of your mouth can lead to food particles being trapped. This, in turn, leads to bacteria growth and can cause bad breath.
Difficulty Eating: If you find it hard to chew or experience pain when biting down, your wisdom teeth may be the culprits.
Don’t Ignore the Signs!
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to visit an oral surgeon as soon as possible. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a myriad of problems, so it’s best to have them removed before they cause even more damage.
At Buderim Dental Surgery, our skilled oral surgeons have experience in wisdom teeth removal. Their team of wisdom tooth removal experts ensure your comfort during the procedure.