The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of the mouth. For some individuals, these teeth cause no problems and serve as a healthy, functional part of a person’s oral anatomy. For other people, however, they can lead to serious complications if they are not extracted. This often occurs when the wisdom teeth are fully or partially impacted (stuck beneath the gumline). Do you need to get your wisdom teeth taken out? In this blog post, we will discuss three signs that you should visit a dentist to discuss the possibility.
Pain
As impacted wisdom teeth try to emerge from the gumline, they may push against nearby teeth and cause wisdom tooth pain in Auburn. They may also be more prone to painful infection and decay than teeth that are further forward in the mouth.
The pain that wisdom teeth can cause is not limited to just the teeth, however. They can also put pressure on the TMJ (the jaw joint) and cause discomfort in the facial muscles. And since they are located just below the sinuses, pain the area could even be mistake for a sinus infection or allergies.
Bleeding and Swelling
It is normal for the gums to be swollen and bleed easily in the area around an erupting tooth. However, that is not the only area that may be affected. It is also possible that you will experience swelling around your jaw, in your neck or shoulder glands, or in your face.
A Bad Taste or Bad Breath
Because the wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they can be difficult to clean properly. If they partially erupt at an angle, it can be even more challenging to floss between them and the adjacent teeth. As a result of these hygiene obstacles, food particles and bacteria can easily accumulate around the wisdom teeth, leading to a bad taste in the mouth and/or persistent bad breath.
How Your Dentist Can Help
When you visit your dentist for a consultation, they will check on your wisdom teeth and be able to determine if they are the cause of your symptoms. If they are, you should expect to undergo wisdom tooth extractions, which is a common oral surgery among young adults (older adults can also undergo it). The surgery will prevent your wisdom teeth from causing any future complications. If your wisdom teeth have already caused significant damage, your dentist may recommend additional treatments to get your oral health back on track.
Are you experiencing warning signs of impacted wisdom teeth? You should schedule a consultation with your dentist as soon as possible.
Meet Our Practice
Drs. Scott Beckerman and Geraldine Schneider lead the team at Willow Run Dental Association. They have more than six decades of combined experience and are proud to offer a broad range of services, including comfortable wisdom teeth removal. To learn more about them and how they can help to protect your oral health, contact our practice at 207-783-0261.