What Are Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?

Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt from the gums. If the jaw is too small to accommodate these permanent teeth, they can become impacted. This means they don’t enter the proper alignment in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth are painful and dangerous to oral health. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, you may need to get them removed as they can also lead to complications, such as infection or damage to adjacent teeth. Here are the warning signs that your wisdom teeth are impacted.

• Pain in the back of your mouth

Pain in the back of your mouth is one of the most common signs that your wisdom teeth need removal. It is a sign that the wisdom teeth are impacted and are unable to erupt fully. When the wisdom teeth are impacted, they cause pressure and inflammation in the gums, causing pain.

• Swollen or tender gums

When wisdom teeth begin to erupt, many people experience discomfort and pain in the gums. When these teeth are impacted, they may not be able to break through the gums properly. This can cause swelling and tenderness, and the pain can be felt in the jaw, neck, and ears.

• Bleeding gums

When wisdom teeth are only partially erupted, it’s very common for gum tissues to bleed. The gum tissues are stretched from trying to accommodate the new teeth, and this can cause some initial bleeding. 

• Earaches or headaches

Pain due to impacted wisdom teeth can spread beyond the mouth and jaw and lead to earaches and headaches.

• Stiffness or pain in your jaw

If you are experiencing stiffness or pain in your jaw, this is usually a sign that your wisdom teeth are erupting. This pain is a result of your wisdom teeth pushing against your other teeth and crowding your jaw.

• Swelling in your jaw

Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to food and bacteria becoming trapped, which can lead to infection, gum disease, and swelling in the jaw. 

• Consistent sinus issues

If you’re having consistent sinus issues that don’t seem to go away no matter what you do, it could be because of your wisdom teeth. Your wisdom teeth which are right at the back of your mouth, may place pressure on your sinus and cause sinus pain.

• Overcrowded or crooked teeth

If your wisdom teeth are overcrowding your existing teeth, your dentist may recommend they have to be removed. If left untreated, your teeth can become misaligned, making you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.

• Cysts near your wisdom teeth

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form near your wisdom teeth and cause swelling.

• Repeated tooth infections or cavities

The wisdom teeth may not properly erupt through the gums, leaving them trapped below and unable to properly clean and floss. This can lead to cavities or infections, which can become severe and harder to treat the more they continue to recur.

• Bad breath

Bad breath is caused by bacteria that build up in your mouth. This bacteria collects in the spaces created by wisdom teeth, which leads to bad breath.

• Difficulty eating

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, you might not be able to chew your food well. This can cause you to abandon healthy eating habits, like eating fresh fruits and vegetables, in favor of eating soft, processed foods like ice cream.

To know more about wisdom teeth extractions, call us at (833) 394-7366 and book an appointment with our dentist at 287 E. Hunt Hwy. #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.