Wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms, but often cause oral health issues.
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt and they usually come in between the ages of 18 and 25 years old. They can cause a lot of pain and oral health problems, which is why most dentists recommend removing them. If your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth extracted, read on to find out what you can expect from the procedure, and how the treatment may benefit you…
How do you know your wisdom teeth are coming in?
You may not notice that your wisdom teeth are erupting, and your dentist may identify them on a dental x-ray when you go in for a routine check-up. In some cases, however, wisdom teeth can cause some uncomfortable symptoms, in which case you will know that they are coming through.
Some of the possible signs that your wisdom teeth are about to erupt include swelling of the gums; bleeding gums; pain in the jaw; an unpleasant taste in the mouth; bad breath; and difficulty opening the mouth wide. You may also notice some discomfort when you chew with the teeth near the back of your mouth.
If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted. It is advisable that you see your dentist to confirm whether your wisdom teeth are coming through, and whether or not they are impacted.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
It is possible to experience mild pain when your wisdom teeth come through even if they are not causing any issues. If, however, you experience considerable pain and/or swelling, it is likely that you will need to have your wisdom teeth extracted.
The most common reason for wisdom teeth removal is insufficient space to accommodate new teeth in the mouth. When there is not enough room in the mouth, impacted wisdom teeth can come through at abnormal angles, and press against the adjacent teeth. This can lead to severe jaw pain and can have a detrimental effect on the overall alignment of your teeth.
In some cases, wisdom teeth erupt partially. This allows bacteria to accumulate under the gum line and often leads to infection. In the case of partially erupted wisdom teeth, your dentist is likely to recommend an extraction.
How can we help?
If you have noticed any of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Seeking early treatment will improve your chances of a simple extraction and a smoother recovery period. Even if your wisdom teeth are not causing you any problems, it is advisable that you see your dentist for a check-up so that they can determine whether any treatment is appropriate for you.
At My Dental Care @ West End, we offer a range of restorative dental treatments, including wisdom teeth extractions. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain and discomfort, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we explain your treatment options to you and guide you through the process. We will also let you know what to expect from the recovery period, and what you can do to promote healing.
If you would like to find out more about wisdom teeth removal at My Dental Care @ West End, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on (07)3846 2548.
We also offer a comprehensive range of other dental services, including general, cosmetic, restorative, and sedation dentistry. If you would like to find out more about our full range of treatments, please have a look here. Our goal is to provide the best treatment available to each of our patients.