Apr
Common Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Are you feeling unexplained pain in your jaw along with swollen gums or tenderness at the back of your mouth? These are the common signs that you might be dealing with impacted wisdom teeth. Understanding the common symptoms can save you from a lot of pain and seek timely treatment. Let’s explore the classic signs that indicate your wisdom tooth needs to be removed.
Pain at the Back of Your Mouth
If you are experiencing pain at the back of your mouth, it’s a classic sign that something is wrong with your wisdom tooth. The pain may be dull or sharp, consistent or sporadic. Usually, the pain that occurs because of the wisdom tooth does not subside even after taking painkillers, maintaining proper dental hygiene, or making changes in your dietary habits.
Usually, the pain originates from the back of your mouth, where your wisdom teeth are. However, sometimes, the pain can radiate to other parts as well, like facial pain or pain in the neck. Alongside the pain, you will often feel pressure building in your gums or jaw. If you are experiencing these signs, it’s better to consult your dentist and get your condition properly evaluated.
Swollen or Tender Gums
Wisdom tooth eruption is somewhat similar to teething in infants. When your wisdom teeth erupt, they usually start to build a flappy part of your gums around the teeth. This flappy part can feel very tender and cause slight pain when you try to touch it or rub your tongue against it. The tiny food particles can get lodged between the flap of the gum, which might lead to inflammation. The growing teeth can start to irritate your gums, causing them to swell up a little bit or feel hot.
The problem here is that wisdom teeth don’t always break properly through the gums, which can be very painful. Tender gums and impacted wisdom teeth can both be highly debilitating, increasing the risk of infection. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, seek immediate dental attention, you must go to your dentist to seek the right treatment. A dentist can properly assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may include wisdom tooth extraction.
Increased Sinus Pressure
To your surprise, you were right all along. That nagging sinus pain you’ve been struggling with might not be due to a seasonal allergy or a common cold; it could be your impacted wisdom tooth causing the trouble. Many people don’t realize that the roots of our upper teeth are closely connected to our sinus cavities. When wisdom teeth begin to erupt or grow in awkward positions, they can exert pressure on the sinuses, leading to a heavy, congested feeling in your head. If you’ve noticed that your sinus pain isn’t responding to regular medications or treatments, it could be a classic sign that your wisdom teeth are the real culprits. This connection between dental health and sinus issues is often overlooked, but it’s a key indicator that your wisdom teeth may need to be evaluated and possibly removed to bring you lasting relief.
Cyst
If there are cysts (fluid-filled sacs) forming near your wisdom tooth, it’s a clear sign that you should consider having your wisdom teeth removed. These cysts are often caused by impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth. While they might seem minor initially, they can grow over time, amplifying the discomfort and complications.
What really makes cysts concerning is that they can damage surrounding structures, including your jawbone, nearby teeth, and even nerves. Left untreated, they can weaken the jaw, cause bone loss, or lead to infections. The pain associated with cysts can range from mild to severe, and you might notice swelling, tenderness, or difficulty opening your mouth. If you suspect a cyst or experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your dentist or oral surgeon promptly. Early intervention not only lifts up the pain but also prevents long-term damage, ensuring your oral health stays on track. Removing the affected wisdom tooth is often the best course of action to eliminate the cyst and protect your overall dental well-being.
Repeated Tooth Infections
Are you finding it hard to clean the back of your mouth lately? As we discussed already, the pain at the back of your mouth occurs because your wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted with a flappy mass over it. All this makes your affected areas susceptible to bacterial infections. The food stuck or dislodged in your impacted tooth or in the cyst can soon become a breeding ground for bacteria and worsen your oral health. If you are facing this kind of situation, it’s high time you visit your dentist.
Bleeding
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause bleeding due to inflammation and pressure from the surrounding tissues. The impacted area is prone to infection, and trapping food particles can become inflamed and tender. Eventually, when it’s irritated or when trauma is caused to it due to chewing or brushing, the bleeding might start. If you are experiencing these episodes frequently or the bleeding is heavy, you should immediately get your oral health inspected.
Bottomline
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause significant pain, but there are ways to manage this discomfort. You might consider trying natural remedies, applying a cold compress, using a saltwater rinse, or switching to a soft diet to relieve the pain. Meanwhile, you can arrange for an evaluation of your condition. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of recovering quickly.
It’s important to note that if you experience fever and chills, pus or discharge from the affected area, or sudden numbness in your mouth, tongue, or lips (which may indicate nerve damage), you should consult an emergency dentist immediately.
Emergency Dental 365 is dedicated to making dental emergency care accessible and affordable for patients. We understand that emergencies can happen at any time, which is why we are open seven days a week.
