How To Spot Warning Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
May 09, 2017
Wisdom teeth can definitely be uncomfortable when growing in, especially if they are impacted. Wisdom teeth are typically the last of the molars to grow in, all the way at the back of the mouth on the upper and lower jaw. They come in around the age of 17 to 21, but that varies with every patient.
The name wisdom relates to the age at which they come in – the time when a person has supposedly gained wisdom. While everyone is likely to feel some type of discomfort or pressure while the wisdom teeth are emerging, those whose wisdom teeth have become impacted may experience a much more intense pain in the jaw. Below, Dr. Beaufils will describe a few other symptoms that may point to an impacted wisdom tooth.
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Jaw Pain
One of the most obvious signs of an impacted wisdom tooth is pain, discomfort, tenderness, and sensitivity around the gums. In many cases, you may feel a sharp pain when the area in the back of the mouth is touched, even when lightly probed with the tongue.
Difficulty Chewing
If you are experiencing difficulty chewing or if your gums are painfully sensitive to the touch when drinking or eating, you may have an impacted wisdom tooth. In some cases, you may even have trouble talking without feeling pain.
Headaches
While on their own, headaches may not explicitly mean you have an impacted wisdom tooth or even dental issues, when combined with other symptoms, such as jaw pain and swollen gums, the culprit can likely be a misaligned wisdom tooth beneath the skin.
Swelling in the Jaw
Swelling can occur around the tooth as well as towards the bottom of the jaw, underneath the ears. You may also feel swelling around the surrounding teeth as well.
Redness, bleeding, or changes in the gums
If you start to notice your gums are redder than normal, or you are spotting or tasting blood in your mouth, especially near the back of the mouth, you may be suffering from impacted wisdom teeth.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can often be an indicator of a hidden oral issue. Bad breath can also signify the presence of infection or bacteria, which can occur if an impacted wisdom tooth is left untreated.
If you are experiencing any of these signs and feel as though your wisdom teeth may be the cause, call your dentist to schedule an appointment immediately.
Impacted wisdom teeth are caused when the mouth does not have enough room for them to emerge properly. Instead of growing in straight up, they turn underneath the gums, pushing against other teeth and may even cause them to shift. Sometimes, a patient may only have one impacted wisdom tooth, while in other cases, it may be all four.
In other cases, they can break the skin but not completely emerge, which can provide an environment for harmful bacteria to develop. The solution for impacted wisdom teeth is usually removal, which should only be done by a certified dental health care professional, such as Dr. Lloyd Beaufils.
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If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections and other issues in the mouth. Dr. Beaufils offers wisdom tooth extraction at his Cooper City office. If you have questions or are concerned about your wisdom teeth, our dedicated team is available to help you!