Words of Wisdom: Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

What do you think of when you hear the word “teething?” Most people associate teething with babies, however, did you know that teens and adults can suffer from the same painful symptoms? Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25 years old. Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth trapped beneath the gum line and cannot erupt properly. Some people don’t even know they have wisdom teeth until they have annual dental exams. Unfortunately, for others, impacted wisdom teeth are extremely painful and warrant immediate intervention.

Read on to learn more about what wisdom teeth and the tell-tale signs of when it’s time to see your dentist.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are molars in the very back of your mouth. Typically, you have four wisdom teeth with two on top and two on the bottom. However, everyone is different, and while some people need all four removed, some people never get them at all.

When Is Extraction Necessary
Wisdom teeth extraction is very common. In most cases, it’s best to have them extracted as early as possible to avoid unnecessary pain and possible infection. Everyone has unique dental needs, but in general, there are a few tell-tale signs that you should consider wisdom tooth extraction:

Pain: Any type of dental pain should be evaluated. Pain in or around teeth typically indicates a cavity, infection or impacted wisdom teeth.

Inflamed or swollen gums: The tissue around your wisdom teeth may become inflamed and tender, which makes proper oral hygiene extremely painful.

Sinus Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth are impacted can also cause sinus pain.
Even though wisdom teeth have earned a bad reputation, not everyone who has them is going to experience excruciating pain. Some people have no symptoms and don’t need to have them extracted.

Even though wisdom teeth have earned a bad reputation, not everyone who has them is going to experience excruciating pain. Some people have no symptoms and don’t need to have them extracted. Seeing your dentist regularly and keeping an eye on your molars is the best way to avoid painful problems down the road.

SERVICES

INVISALIGN CHANDLER
WHITENING & BLEACHING
WHITENING FOR LIFE
COSMETIC DENTIST
CROWNS
DENTURES
DENTAL BRIDGES
DENTAL IMPLANTS
DENTAL FILLINGS
VENEERS
INLAYS & ONLAYS
EXTRACTIONS OF REGULAR AND WISDOM TEETH
NIGHT GUARDS
PROTECTIVE MOUTH GUARDS
ORAL CANCER
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
TMJ
DENTAL HYGIENE & PERIODONTAL HEALTH
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
ORTHODONTICS
BOTOX