Wisdom teeth are known to cause common problems in teenagers and children, but what most people don't realize is that they can also cause issues in middle-aged individuals.
Many adults find themselves needing to have their wisdom teeth removed when they discover that these teeth can cause problems as they age. In this article, we will explain what to look out for to determine whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom teeth are the four molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 and are located at the back of the mouth. If these teeth do not erupt properly during adolescence, they can cause various issues later in life.
In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause problems because they do not fit into your jaw structure. They can become impacted as they try to emerge from underneath other teeth, or sometimes they can grow in completely the wrong direction. These situations can lead to pain, swelling, and other oral health issues. By having your wisdom teeth checked, you can identify these types of symptoms and take necessary precautions.
It can be really difficult to clean the swollen areas or partially erupted wisdom teeth properly. If you do not clean these areas correctly, your gums may recede from the teeth. You may experience symptoms such as bleeding and sensitivity. It is important to treat this condition before gum disease develops, as it can lead to more serious issues like tooth decay or tooth loss.
Wisdom teeth can damage surrounding teeth with their irregular eruption. Their pressure can cause other teeth to shift, resulting in an uneven bite and potential tooth damage. It is important to treat these issues quickly, as they can lead to problems such as tooth decay.
If your wisdom tooth is trying to emerge, you may feel pain in your jaw or gums due to pressure on other teeth. There may be swelling and sensitivity at the eruption site.
If wisdom teeth do not fully emerge through the gums, the risk of gum infection increases. You may feel discomfort while chewing, experience pain, or notice swelling or bleeding in your gums.
As the infection progresses, you might develop a bad taste in your mouth or an unpleasant odor, and sometimes you may even experience a fever. This condition is called pericoronitis and must be treated by a dentist to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
A cyst is a fluid or pus-filled area that forms around an infected area in your gums, jaw, or nerves. If you notice a swelling in your mouth or jawline or have difficulty opening your mouth, you should see a dentist immediately. Removing the cyst is important to eliminate other potential problems.
The impact of wisdom teeth on oral health is significant. If wisdom teeth start to pressure surrounding teeth or affect the jaw structure, they may need to be removed. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth structure and the condition of your wisdom teeth and may take X-rays for a detailed examination if necessary.
If removal is needed, the procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. Your dentist or oral surgeon will carefully extract the tooth. After the procedure, you are advised to rest for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off and consume soft foods.
During the recovery process, your dentist will guide you and monitor for signs of possible infection. Usually, you can return to normal daily activities within a few days after wisdom teeth removal.
If you are unsure whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed, it is important to contact your dentist for more information. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take the necessary steps to determine the condition of your wisdom teeth to evaluate the best treatment options for you. This way, they can provide recommendations to help you maintain your oral health in the best possible way.
