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The Signs of Erupting Wisdom Teeth

 An introduction to Wisdom teeth 

Wisdom teeth are the last of the adult teeth that erupt. Erupting is when a tooth comes into the mouth.  Wisdom teeth are often taken out because they don’t have enough space to erupt and don’t develop normally.  Since these teeth do not have enough space to come out normally, they impact the quality of nearby teeth. In such scenarios, this results in tooth pain, gum disease, damage to surrounding teeth, and a chance to lead to other dental problems.  

Solution for Erupting Teeth?

Both dentists and surgeons recommend the removal of impacted wisdom teeth to avoid future complications. Before getting them removed, get a thorough dental check-up. 

Wisdom teeth may not always show symptoms indicating it’s time for removal. However, there are a few warning signs that call for an immediate check-up with your oral health care provider. These include the following:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Painful or bleeding gums
  • Pain in the jaw area
  • Swelling and soreness in the jaw
  • Bad breath
  • An unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth

What happens if wisdom teeth are left untreated?

Wisdom teeth often erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. An impacted wisdom tooth may grow at an angle towards the immediate tooth, the back of the mouth, or the right angle within the jawbone. Other times it may stay trapped within the jawbone.

If wisdom teeth are left untreated it could result in even more dental issues. For instance, when the wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it may result in damage to the second molar. Since wisdom teeth are harder to clean, food can easily get trapped. This can lead to infection and inflammation in the gums.

Oral Health Checkups are important for Wisdom Teeth

There are ways you can lessen the damage and complications that impacted teeth bring. Scheduling regular check-ups every six months with your local oral health care provider can help you significantly. Your provider will diagnose your wisdom teeth and search for decay, damage, gum disease, cysts, and other symptoms. They may also use X-rays to determine if you need to undergo wisdom teeth removal. 

The Oral Health Care Provider will then suggest the appropriate surgical procedure for wisdom teeth removal.  They will also discuss your options for anesthesia.  Options can range from Local anesthetic to general anesthesia administered through an IV. After removing the tooth, the dentist or oral surgeon typically closes the wound with stitches.

Before and After the Extraction 

Wisdom tooth extractions can result in pain, slight bleeding, and swelling. Dental experts doing the extraction will provide pain management instructions as well as a prescription for pain medication if needed. Typically your healthcare provider will also send you home with gauze to stop the bleeding and an ice pack to help reduce swelling.

While some people are scared to undergo wisdom teeth removal,  remember that delaying the treatment will lead to even more serious dental problems and even more pain. If you have any concerns about the procedure,  talk to your Oral Health Care Provider.

Need more advice?

If you are considering removing your wisdom teeth, set up an appointment with Harbour Pointe Oral Surgery.   We also specialize in taking care of various other dental concerns. We have a highly skilled and experienced oral surgeons team that will guide you to the right solution. For more information, visit https://www.harbourpointeoralsurgery.net/. 

You can book an appointment at https://www.harbourpointeoralsurgery.net/contact-us/

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Tags: wisdom teeth removal, wisdom teeth removal procedure, wisdom teeth removal side effects, wisdom teeth removal recovery

Categories: HARBOUR POINTE
Dr. Kathleen Isdith: