Did you know that wisdom teeth grow between the ages of 17 and 21? They are the third set of molars in our mouth, and due to their growth patterns, these teeth can cause lasting pain or discomfort. When this is the case, it is important to schedule a visit with the dentist for a wisdom tooth extraction.
When to schedule a dental checkup?
You need a dental checkup if your wisdom tooth does not grow properly and is causing you discomfort. Here are some pointers that tell you when you need a dental checkup.
- If you experience pain in the jaw or stiffness around the area, you need to see a dentist.
- Difficulty opening the mouth is a problem you should not ignore.
- If the tooth is hidden inside the gum and causing pain, you should see a dentist.
- When the teeth at the back of the mouth are crowded, the wisdom tooth has limited space to grow. Also, if the tooth emerges partially, you need a dental checkup.
Signs and symptoms
It is essential to know the signs and symptoms that indicate you need a wisdom tooth extraction.
- Pain in the back of the mouth or sensitivity is the first indicator that you have a problem with your wisdom tooth.
- The gums can get inflamed, hurting you when you brush.
- If you ignore the problem, it can lead to cysts developing. These sacs filled with fluids can damage other teeth.
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw.
- You may have sinus problems with increased pain and sensitivity.
- Bad breath and an unpleasant taste can be due to wisdom tooth problems.
- Tooth decay and cavities are serious problems that can be due to wisdom teeth.
- When the wisdom tooth is not straight, it can affect the position of other teeth.
Don’t ignore your wisdom teeth
You must know removing wisdom teeth is not mandatory. You may even treat minor pain with home remedies. But they can cause you problems in the long run.
- The wisdom teeth can become ‘impacted.’ When this happens, the tooth gets trapped within the gum. This will not only cause pain but also problems like bad breath and bleeding gums.
- If your wisdom tooth erupts partially, gum tissue can grow over it through a flap. Food and other debris can be trapped under the flap, which can cause infection and severe pain.
- All these can increase the risk of cavities developing at the back of our mouth. You also become susceptible to periodontal diseases.
- You must note that surrounding teeth and bones can be damaged to the wisdom teeth.
- In case you need to get orthodontic procedures in the future, it can be a problem if you have impacted wisdom teeth. Every case is different, and wisdom teeth extraction may be recommended.
Wisdom teeth serve no purpose, and if they are causing you problems, you can get them safely removed. Ignoring them can cause problems in the future. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort caused by wisdom tooth growth, contact Torbram Dental today for more information.