The wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are the last teeth to come out of the mouth, usually around the late teens or early 20s. At this age, the jaws have fully developed, and all teeth should have emerged. This usually leaves the wisdom tooth with little to no space to appear properly. Because of this, most of the third molars remain impacted – whether partially or fully in the jawbone.
Having an impacted wisdom tooth is not the same for everyone. Some may feel severe pain or discomfort, while others do not feel anything at all. Meanwhile, others may experience complications such as infection or recurring tooth decay.
So how exactly do you know if your wisdom teeth need to be removed? Read along as we explain the nine telltale signs you must look out for.
Signs You Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth
Pain is the most common reason why patients visit the dentist to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, several other signs indicate wisdom tooth removal. This will help prevent future dental concerns and complications.
Pain in the back of the mouth
Because the third molars are the end teeth, pain or discomfort around the back of the mouth is a common sign that your wisdom tooth poses a problem. For teens, this should mean that the tooth is already erupting, so “teething” accompanied by discomfort is a usual scenario.
But if you are already past your teenage years and you are feeling pain in this area, have your dentist take a closer look so they can determine if your wisdom tooth is the culprit.
Inflamed gums
A partially impacted wisdom tooth is notorious for causing inflamed gums. When the tooth has not entirely emerged from the bone, a flap of gum tissue will remain covering the area. This is called the operculum.
When bacteria and food lodge underneath this tissue flap, it can cause inflammation and pain. Also, continuous trauma whenever you bite on this tissue will cause swelling. To prevent recurrent inflammation of the gums, removing the wisdom tooth is necessary.
Bleeding gums
Aside from swelling, bleeding may also be a concern if there is bacteria build-up and persistent trauma on the gums surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth. You may notice this when you brush the area, and bleeding occurs with applying pressure.
If this occurs, consult your dentist immediately to avoid serious gum issues and severe pain.
Cysts
Impacted wisdom teeth may cause cysts or lesions to form. This is a fluid-filled sac that forms around the impacted tooth. A cyst associated with the wisdom tooth may come with severe pain, gum inflammation, facial swelling, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, and bone destruction.
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of a cyst associated with the wisdom tooth does not happen until symptoms are already present. So, prioritize routine check-ups and X-rays to prevent complications from cysts and the wisdom tooth.
Earaches or headaches
With wisdom teeth located near the ear, it is common to feel discomfort in this area that radiates even up to the head. You may even experience ringing of the ears and pulsing of the temple.
This situation is especially true for impacted lower wisdom teeth. It occurs because the primary nerve that supplies sensation for the lower third molars runs around the vicinity of the ears and up to the temple. So, any pain related to the impacted tooth may result in symptoms related to the ear and head.
Pain or stiffness of the jaw
An impacted lower wisdom tooth may cause jaw joint pain and functional problems. Because of the pain and swelling around the wisdom tooth and the face, you may find it hard to open and close your mouth. This stiffness in the jaws may cause difficulty in eating and speaking.
Immediately consult your dentist if the signs of your impacted wisdom tooth already interfere with your daily life.
Sinus issues
The sinuses are air-filled spaces on the skull. In good health, the sinus should help you breathe properly. However, if there is any obstruction on the sinus, this is likely to cause infection or sinusitis. Such is a possibility for an impacted upper wisdom tooth.
The upper wisdom tooth approximates the largest sinus, the maxillary sinus. If the roots of an impacted upper third molar breach the sinus, bacteria will easily lodge in the space to cause uncomfortable pressure around the face and nasal congestion.
Crooked or overcrowded teeth
A partially impacted wisdom tooth emerging against the tooth next to it is likely to cause crowding of the teeth. If your teeth suddenly become crooked, it may be because of the third molar pushing your other teeth to move them out of place.
This problem continues even at a later age because the tooth will continue to erupt passively. Removing the impacted tooth is the only solution to prevent problems related to teeth alignment.
Continued Cavities
Decay is also a common problem related to wisdom teeth. This may be encountered in two ways: on the tooth itself or the tooth adjacent to an impacted wisdom tooth.
Cavities are common for third molars because of difficulty brushing and flossing them. They are located at the far back of the mouth, so most patients find it hard to keep them in good health. So, to prevent recurring cavities and the spread of decay on adjacent teeth, it may be better to remove the wisdom tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Removal at Sierra Dental
If you are experiencing any of the listed signs related to the wisdom tooth, contact our team as soon as possible for a check-up. Early diagnosis and treatment will help maintain good oral health. And it can prevent invasive complications that may make wisdom tooth removal difficult.
Schedule an appointment with Signal Hill today to learn about safe and effective wisdom tooth removal.