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How Do You Tell if Your Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

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If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist at The Dental Anesthesia Center.

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars most people have by the time they are adults. However, not everyone has them. For some, their wisdom teeth cause problems, while for others, they don’t. So, what are the facts about wisdom teeth, and how can you tell if they need to be removed?

Pain in the Back of the Mouth

One of the most obvious signs you need to remove your wisdom teeth is extreme pain in the back of the mouth. This is especially true if taking painkillers doesn’t help with the pain, and other remedies also fall short. Your best bet is to remove the wisdom teeth to eliminate the pain once and for all.

Headaches and Earaches

Persistent headaches and earaches indicate it’s time to remove your wisdom teeth. This pain is primarily because of the idiom teeth crowding at the back of the jaw. This crowding causes impaction, resulting in headaches and earaches. Painkillers only provide temporary relief; extracting the wisdom teeth is a more permanent solution.

Trouble Opening and Closing Your Jaw

If you’re having trouble opening and closing your jaw or feel pain while chewing, you likely have impacted wisdom teeth. The only way to solve this issue is to remove the impacted teeth. Only then can you regain your ability to chew food properly and speak clearly.

Bad Breath

Dentists attribute most cases of bad breath to gum disease and dental abscess. But did you know wisdom teeth growing in the wrong direction can trap bacteria and food particles, causing bad breath? Removing the wisdom teeth allows you to reach these previously hard-to-reach areas to brush away the bacteria and debris for fresh breath.

Inflamed and Bleeding Gums

It’s normal for your gums to swell and feel tender when they emerge. This is usually uncomfortable but stops once the wisdom teeth emerge. The problem comes when the wisdom teeth don’t grow in the right direction and fail to emerge. This can lead to constant swelling and pain.

If left unchecked, this swelling could lead to bleeding that becomes evident when you spit when brushing your teeth. Ignoring this can leave the bleeding site vulnerable to infection, worsening the situation. Removing the wisdom teeth will ensure healthy gums that neither bleed nor swell.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist at The Dental Anesthesia Center. We will answer your questions and discuss your dental sedation options if you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Updated: November 16, 2023

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