Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Should Come Out
Posted on: 21 November 2018
The eruption of teeth is not something most adults think about. However, a third set of molars may erupt sometime between the ages of 17 and 21. These third molars are known as wisdom teeth, but not everyone develops them. In addition, they do not cause problems for some people. Unfortunately, some people do experience a great deal of problems because of their wisdom teeth. Thankfully, an extraction of these back molars is helpful if you are experiencing issues. Here are a few signs your wisdom teeth should be extracted.
Chronic Pain
As the wisdom teeth push through the gum tissue, they can cause some discomfort, which is normal. However, some individuals experience excruciating pain that lasts before, during, and after the wisdom teeth erupt. This chronic pain may be most noticeable while you are chewing food or while you are sleeping. The pain can be a sharp pain that radiates through the mouth, or it can become so severe, that it causes throbbing headaches.
The pain may be caused by the teeth coming in crooked or even sideways. Impacted wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth that cannot erupt fully because they are blocked by other teeth, can also cause this pain. Extracting the teeth is your best option for finding relief from this chronic pain.
Inflamed Gums
The wisdom teeth need to come through the gum tissue to erupt fully. As the teeth push through, your gums may become inflamed and irritated. Once the wisdom teeth have erupted fully, the tissue around the teeth may remain inflamed and red. You may notice the gum tissue is visibly red and swollen, but it may also be painful when brushing your teeth, flossing, and eating. You may also notice the gums are bleeding slightly while brushing or when eating.
Inflamed gums are not only painful, but they can also be more difficult to clean. Without fully brushing and flossing your teeth and gums, food and bacteria will build up, increasing your risk of decay, gum disease, and infections.
Damaged Teeth
Dentists conduct x-rays to determine how the wisdom teeth are erupting. If they are erupting sideways or behind other teeth, they will place pressure on your other teeth, which can affect the health and alignment of your normal teeth. The pressure from the wisdom teeth can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to stains and decay. As they continue to push and erupt, the wisdom teeth can misalign your other teeth, causing you to have a crooked smile.
If a dental professional like James V Bachman DMD feels your other teeth are at risk of damage or shifting, having your wisdom teeth extracted will be recommended.
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